The LUC Quattro Spirit 25, the brand's first jumping hour model, was sold in limited quantities in 2021. Now it has been revived with a black enamel dial.
Edited & Text by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2024 issue of Kronos Japan]
The masterpiece Jumping Hour is reborn in black enamel
This limited edition model celebrating the Manufacture's 25th anniversary is back with a black enamel dial. The Caliber LUC 98.06-L, with its two twin barrels, boasts a long power reserve of approximately eight days, yet is only 4.85mm thick. Manual winding. 42 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 192 hours. 18K ethical white gold case (40.00mm diameter, 10.30mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Limited to 100 pieces worldwide. Price: 7,425,000 yen (tax included).
The LUC Quattro Spirit 25, released in 2021 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Chopard Manufacture, was the brand's first jumping hour model. Jumping hour movements involve a large hour disc moving once per hour, which tends to result in large torque fluctuations. This means that it's a mechanism that's said to be difficult to stabilize accuracy and achieve a long power reserve. However, Chopard used their secret weapon, Chopard Quattro technology, to create this first jumping hour movement, achieving a long power reserve of approximately 192 hours. I remember being impressed by the highly refined jumping hour movement, which also boasts excellent isochronism, making it truly an anniversary model. However, what really captivated me about this watch was the Grand Feu enamel dial, with its soft expression, even more so than the movement itself.
The greatest feature of Chopard's Grand Feu enamel, fired in-house, is the minimal polishing required after firing. While many enamel dials focus on mirror polishing to accentuate their glassy quality, Chopard deliberately preserves a nuance that could be interpreted as a yuzu peel finish. This approach is still alive and well in the black enamel dials added as new models in 2024. While at first glance it appears jet black with a striking sheen, in reality, when exposed to strong light, it reveals a soft expression. Given the stark contrast between the impression seen in photographs or from afar and the actual experience of holding and gazing at it, owners will likely enjoy wearing the LUC Quattro Spirit 25 for years to come, thanks to this duality.
This is a masterpiece that is typical of Chopard, which places "artisan" at the core of its branding. It's a shame that, like the previous model, it is limited to 100 pieces.
