Hands-on with the Chopard LUC Engine One tourbillon

Launched last year for the brand’s 150th anniversary, the Chopard LUC Engine One tourbillon is obviously inspired by automobile racing. The automotive theme extends to the details: the engine block-like movement is mounted on the case by three arms with silent block shock absorbers.

The LUC calibre 1TRM is manually wound fitted with a flying tourbilon that features Chopard’s distinctive three-armed tourbillon cage. And like all Chopard tourbillons the balance wheel is the proprietary Variner (VARiable INErtia) balance. While I appreciate the quality of finish and movement construction of the Engine One, as I do with all of the upper-end Chopard LUC watches, the design strikes me as a cross between a Daniel Roth and Richard Mille.

Nevertheless, the Engine One is fairly priced and one of the more interesting options in the crowded field of tourbillons. It is a limited edition of 150 pieces. – SJX

I took all photos shown here; they are not press photos.

Back to top.

You may also enjoy these.