Chopard L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon

The connection between cars and luxury men’s watches is a strong bond which has inspired the creation of numerous iconic pieces.  Watch brands such as TAG Heuer, Rolex, Panerai and Richard Mille, to name but a few have released car-themed collections to enthusiasts eager to own a timepiece whose name and design inspiration is taken from luxury car marques, motorsport teams and drivers.  Shared construction materials, the product of  this fruitful marriage of industries has in recent times gave birth to forged carbon fibre bezels and even belt-driven pieces.

It is no secret that Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Vice-President of Chopard who sponsor  the Mille Miglia rally is himself a classic rally entrant and a keen car collector and enthusiast. The brand also sponsor the Monaco Grand Prix Historique so perhaps the release of a watch shaped like an engine block in miniature should be viewed as a natural progression for the brand.

The L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon features a hand wound Tourbillon movement - the L.U.C. Calibre 1TRM with the skeletonised bridge for the Tourbillon carriage at the 6 o’clock position and the power reserve (60 hours) indicator at the 12 o’clock.  With black numerals and hour markers engraved directly onto the sapphire glass and a dial of contrasting plain middle section with vertical grooves on the side sections this piece is further evidence of the recent trend for “3-D” dial designs.

Chopard L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon

The case is of brushed and satin titanium construction and is  presented on a black alligator strap which interestingly is lined with brown alligator.   Aerodynamically inspired case flanks and curved lugs provide comfort to the wearer and add wind-tunnel inspired kudos to the overall design.

The Chopard L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon will be a 150 piece limited edition release, a  tribute to the the 150th anniversary of the brand.