Chopard LUC Skeletec in rose gold

Chopard has unveiled the first skeleton watch from the L.U.C. range at Baselworld 2012, the LUC XP Skeletec. XP stands for “extra plat”, or extra thin; the 39.5 mm case is a mere 7.13 mm thick.

The LUC cal. 96.17-S has been skeletonised in a contemporary fashion with geometric shapes, rather than the traditional Baroque, engraved openworking.

Horizontal Geneva stripes work well with the circular motif of the skeleton base plate; the open bridges on the back are grained and black coated with striking effect.

And the L. U. Chopard logo is printed on the sapphire crystal, leaving it floating above the skeleton base plate.

I respect and admire Chopard’s movements in the LUC range, but have always found their designs lacklustre. The LUC Skeletec is the best looking LUC of late, but it’s a shame it doesn’t have the Geneva Seal or Quality Fleurier stamp; that would take the finishing to a whole new level.

288 pieces will be made in rose gold. I would expect to see this calibre in another metal next year, perhaps in white gold. – SJX