Chopard Introduces Limited Editions of the LUC 1963 Heritage Regulator and LUC 1963 Heritage Chronograph
Two extremes of complications.
While Chopard did not participate in the Geneva Watch Days this week, it preemptively launched two new limited edition watches of 25 pieces each from its LUC collection, a division of high-end watchmaking. One of them (and the more expensive) is the LUC 1963 Heritage Regulator, 40mm in diameter and 10.3mm thick, crafted in 18K white gold and water-resistant to 30 meters. The dial features a silver sunburst finish with blue transferred numerals and displays hours (subdials), regulator minutes, GMT, power reserve, small seconds, and date.
The case back reveals the manual-winding LUC 98.02-L movement, featuring four mainspring barrels in series, providing a power reserve of up to 9 days (part of Chopard’s Quattro technology). Such high power reserve movements are quite common for Chopard, which is why I believe this one hasn’t received the attention it deserves. This movement vibrates at 4 Hz, is exquisitely finished, and bears the Geneva Seal and COSC certification. Shopping replica watches
The 1963 Heritage Chronograph watch has a more sporty feel, with a 42mm x 11.48mm case made of Lucent Steel. It features a deep blue sunburst-finished dial with eggshell-colored printed hour markers and rhodium-plated white gold hands indicating hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour counter. Furthermore, this watch retains some classic elements, such as mushroom-shaped pump pushers, and has a slightly higher water resistance of 50 meters.
The LUC 03.07-L movement again features a manual-winding design, vibrates at 4 Hz, and has a 60-hour power reserve. It is equipped with a column wheel, a vertical clutch, and a flyback function. Furthermore, it features a zero-reset system for time setting, which is uncommon in chronographs (or even in ordinary wristwatches). This function, along with the rotating hammer with a flexible arm and the vertical clutch system for chronograph reset, are all patented. The movement is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and the Geneva Seal (Poinçon de Genève). Chopard replica watches
These watches remind us to pay attention to the broader LUC product line. I personally favor the 1860, as I genuinely believe it’s one of the best value dress watches; their XPS series is more affordable (for its market positioning), and features like the brand’s signature jumping hour function showcase exquisite craftsmanship. In addition, they offer striking watches and ultra-complication watches. I usually focus on these two extremes, ignoring the middle ground. I don’t think these are the first LUC watches that most people would think of, but they maintain the same high standards in finishing and movement construction, even though the movements are over a decade old.
Basic Information
Brand: Chopard
Models: LUC 1963 Heritage Regulator and LUC 1963 Heritage Chronograph
Reference Numbers: 161993-1001 and 168556-3003
Diameter: 40mm (regulator) and 42mm (chronograph)
Thickness: 10.3mm (regulator) and 11.48mm (chronograph)
Case Material: 18K white gold (regulator) and Lucent Steel™ stainless steel (chronograph)
Dial Color: Silver sunburst satin-brushed dial (regulator) and blue sunburst satin-brushed dial (chronograph), the latter with electroplating finish
Markings: Blue transfer printing (regulator) and eggshell transfer printing (chronograph)
Luminescence: None
Water Resistance: 30m (regulator) and 50m (chronograph)
Strap/Bracelet: Grey alligator leather strap with 18K white gold pin buckle (regulator) and brown alligator leather strap with Lucent Steel™ pin buckle, engraved with LUC (chronograph)
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Movement: LUC 98.02-L (regulator) and LUC 03.07-L (chronograph)
Functions: Central hour hand, hour hand display, small seconds, date, GMT dual time zone, power reserve (regulator); hour hand, minute hand, small seconds with zero-reset function, flyback chronograph (with 30-minute and 12-hour counters), stop seconds (chronograph)
Power Reserve: 216 hours (regulator) and 60 hours (chronograph)
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 4 Hz
Jewel Count: 39 (regulator) and 38 (chronograph)
Chronometer Certification: Yes, COSC certified
Other Information: Geneva Seal