Baselworld 2015 first look…
This year Chopard is reinterpreting a classic from its highest-end collection, the Chopard L.U.C. Regulator replica collection. The new L.U.C Regulator, presented in 18k rose gold, is a beauty. Particularly compared to its predecessor (debut 2006), which, shall we say, was a bit messy.
Historically, regulator clocks were very high-precision and served as reference time in watchmaking shops. So as to be clearly visible and immediately readable, the hours, minutes and seconds hands of regulators were arranged separately on different parts of the dial. This display principle has been known ever since as the “regulator” and the new fake Chopard L.U.C collection keeps with this universal recognition.This version has the current L.U.C case with its elegant curves and mix of polished and brushed surfaces, and a completely redesigned dial with beautiful lines and symmetry.
Chopard L.U.C. Regulator (2015)
43mm x 9.78mm rose gold case, hand-wound mechanical L.U.C Calibre 98.02-L (COSC, Geneva Seal, 9-days (216 hrs) power reserve via 4 barrels), sunburst satin-brushed silver-toned dial
In keeping with the grand tradition of the regulator-style timepiece, the six indications on the L.U.C Regulator are separated to ensure optimal readability. Of course we have the minutes marked via the single center-set hand and read on the periphery of the dial. Interestingly, the hours are presented at 3 o’clock, a departure from the more traditional 12 o’clock positioning for these types of watches. At noon is a power-reserve indication with its whopping 9-day power reserve (thanks to 4 mainspring barrels!), and the small seconds beat steadily at 6 o’clock. The last subdial, at 9 o’clock, is a GMT display at nine o’clock; this second time zone is controlled by a corrector-pusher discreetly recessed into the side of the Chopard L.U.C. Regulator GMT Copy watch.
