I have been silent for some time. In a watch obsessed family it is difficult to utter very much without my son becoming both dreamy-eyed and verbose. His enthusiasm is boundless. My silence, since I too am loquacious in temperament, has probably been appreciated but I only wax lyrical when something really takes my eye. Normally I fall in love with classic lines and if the timepiece is presented in rose gold then I can be captivated. It is just such a watch which has me writing again after a protracted period of inactivity.
“And it’s such a beautiful face” that I am happy to share my enthusiasm for what is a watch with refinement, restraint and elegance. It is timeless and quite exquisite. There is a stainless steel version but the red gold has such warmth, a glow and sheen, that it is totally entrancing. With the brown crocodile leather strap it has a wonderful timeless quality that speaks of more genteel time, when the pace was more measured and there was a poise and gentility in manner and demeanour. There is a bracelet if the leather strap does not appeal but I feel that the leather complement’s the classic styling to perfection. The nostalgia quotient is high.
Looking at the salient features of the dial on the Chopard LUC 1937 Classic, the happy marriage of the white, silver-toned dial, which has warmth that a pure white would lack, and the gold is harmonious. The eye is transfixed by the solidity and boldness of the gold, applied Roman numerals and, which speak of dependability, reliability and trustworthiness. This is no effete offering but there is no clumsiness. They are generous in their proportions, in keeping with the richness of the case whilst maintaining a graceful line.
There is no gimmickry. No attempt at illusion. All is clear. The chapter ring neatly traces the outer limits of the dial and is simple in line. The quarters are marked without embellishment in Arabic numerals.
At 6 o’clock the date aperture reveals that information in simple number form with slender lines, in black, in Arabic form.
All is clearly defined. Nothing intrudes. Nothing detracts or distracts. Essential information of the watch’s lineage, its qualities, “chronometer” and “automatic”, is imparted in simple upper case lettering, as unobtrusively as possible.
The marking of time is the primary focus and that is done effectively and elegantly by the three hands. Those of hour and minute are tapering, dauphine in form, their interiors, in-filled in white, echoing the satin-brushed silver-toned face and they are luminous.
The seconds’ hand is by contrast straight, thin, elongated and gold.
As the numerals have strength and solidity so too have the counter balances of the hands and they compliment each other.The rich 18 carat rose gold case is beautifully finished with a comforting solidity. The lugs sweep in graceful curves. There is no frugality. Whilst the movement is quite thin, 4.95 mm, it is housed in a case which is 10.64mm thick and yet it appears sleek. There is no hint of clumsiness in line or form. A simple knurled screw-lock crown with the “L.U.C.” legend is set, as tradition would dictate, at 3 o’clock.Sapphire crystal front and back affords a clear view of hours and minutes and at the reverse, access to the joys of gazing at the movement.Its chronometer credentials courtesy of COSC certification promise accuracy. It is notably an accreditation afforded to few, earned only after rigorous testing
This Chopard LUC 1937 movement from Fleurier in the Val de Travers, the L.U.C 1.1010, carries a two year warranty but fashioned in-house the name is its warranty, no time framed guarantee is needed. It is automatic winding. It proffers a hacking seconds and delivers a 60 hour power reserve.
Look through the exhibition back. Espy the thirty one jewels, their presence remarked upon in the detail etched into the Côtes de Genève motif. Admire the hand bevelled edges of the bridge work. The finish is elegant and subtle. Excellence in technology is coupled with excellence in appearance.Maintaining its classic lines this watch offers so much. Its screw down crown means that it is guaranteed to be water resistant to 100 meters.
The furnishing of the alternative stainless steel option allows access to ownership at a lower price point. For the traditionalist there is the crocodile leather strap, hand sewn and highly polished. For those with more modern taste there is the bracelet. The former comes with a simple buckle fastening which I like and hold that it suits the simplicity and refinement of the watch’s styling.It’s not, to re-enlist the help of Cole Porter, “the wrong smile” and most definitely not, “the wrong style” and there is nothing strange in the attraction. The Chopard LUC 1937 Classic presents a face to the world which is endearing and is a testament to good taste and showcases the craftsmanship and flair of its creators.