Chopard makes some pretty stunning offerings as its standard fare, but when it decides to up its game, the maison really creates masterpieces. For the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer, the icon elevated the experience with hand-applied techniques that transform the timepiece from an elegant watch to a bonafide show-stopper. A limited edition, the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer builds on the L.U.C XPS model with some impressive artistic embellishments that may not improve functionality, but they do bring the watch to the point where, according to Chopard, “distinction meets discretion.” Put another way, the 1860 Officer “harbours a wealth of secrets and symbols.”
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Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer | Image: Chopard
Looking through the specifics of this particular timepiece, it’s not hard to see where Chopard got its inspiration. A homage to the classic elegant dress watches of old, the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer features a 40mm case size that is 7.7mm thick, emblazoned with a distinctly vintage aesthetic. Produced in 18k white gold, the case has a hunter-style back that is decorated on the outside with hand-operated machine guilloche engraving. Inside the case back there is more text and imagery, which includes Chopard’s 1990s logo and a beehive. Flip the watch over and you’ll see engraving patterns similar to those on the case back on the dial. The honeycomb motif is a reference to Fleurier, where Chopard is headquartered. There it is common to find honey-making bees and their hives.
The in-house made Chopard L.U.C calibre 96.01-L movement, which consists of a micro-rotor-based automatic mechanism powering the time and seconds dial and date, has been awarded the Seal of Geneva. It offers 65 hours of power reserve and operates at 4Hz. Plus, the movement is a COSC-certified Chronometer, so embellishments don’t need to affect the function—the watch is already at its peak in that department.
Typically a high-end piece like this will break the bank for the average person, but in addition to their reputation for beautiful work, Chopard also has a reputation for affordability. Still, this is a high-end, luxury watch, and you’ll pay USD$31,710 for the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer.
Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer | Image: Chopard
Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer
Case: 18-karat ethical yellow gold
Diameter: 40mm
Water-Resistance: 30m
Movement: automatic Caliber L.U.C 96.01-L with 22-karat gold micro rotor
Power Reserve: 65-hour power reserve
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; date
Examples: 50 pieces
Price: USD$33,500
Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer | Image: Chopard
Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer | Image: Chopard
