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The Chopard L.U.C. Chronometer Classic proves that Fleurier can trade blows with Geneva's finest. This 18-karat white gold Chopard from the top-shelf Louis-Ulysse Chopard (L.U.C.) collection offers ultra-thin elegance with a versatile color combination that plays well in any attire.

Since 1996, Chopard has set itself apart from mere "etablisseurs" that assemble watches from third-party components. No less an authority than Michel Parmigiani guided Chopard through the construction of its first in-house caliber, the 1.96. Today, the flagship Chopard L.U.C. collection acts as the repository for all of the know-how Chopard has gained since its first steps towards "manufacture" status.

This Chopard L.U.C. Chronometer Classic sits resplendent on the wrist with its simplicity of form and richness of detail. Chopard's 39.5mm white gold case is perfectly sized for a modern men's formal watch; the round dial and blended lugs exude a timeless elegance that transcends passing vogues.

The striking imagery of the Chronometer Classic stems from a first-rate pedigree; Chopard is a first-rate purveyor of jewelry. A jeweler's touch is evident in the balance of light and dark elegance that elicits tangible energy with an economy of detail. There's real tension in the interplay of polished white gold dauphine hands, the rich black of the dial, and the gleam of the faceted white gold hour indices. This Chopard L.U.C. is a case study in less-is-more.

Beauty aside, the Chronometer Classic's signature virtue is more than skin-deep. A Chopard in-house caliber 4.96 micro-rotor automatic provides COSC Swiss Chronometer-grade precision. The integration of a micro-rotor allows the 4.96 to deliver the convenience of a conventional automatic, but this clever engineering solution yields an artistic payoff; all hand-finish is visible.

While conventional automatic movements obscure half of themselves under the winding rotor, the micro-winder sits in a well on the same plane as the drive train. A solid 22-karat gold mass provides the inertia necessary to wind effectively given the short lever-arm of the winding assembly. For this Chopard's fortunate owner, the payoff is a clear view of flawlessly-aligned cote de Geneve, mirror-polished jewel sinks, and tight base plate perlage clusters.

See this thin, refined, and versatile Chopard L.U.C. Chronometer Classic in high-resolution images on www.thewatchbox.com.

Video and content by Tim Mosso

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