Chopard took the LUC Engine One tourbillon, flipped it lengthwise to create the new LUC Engine One H. Not especially creative but it works, the new Engine One H looks much more attractive and original than its predecessor which resembled a cross between a Daniel Roth and Richard Mille.

Inside is essentially the same calibre as the original Engine One, but with cosmetic improvements. The L.U.C 04.02-L movement is styled with the groves on the bridges and base plate inspired by cylinder heads. At nine of clock is the power reserve display which reads like a fuel gauge with “Full” and “Empty”, and across is the tourbillon with the inhouse Variner (VARiable INERtia) balance wheel.

The case is titanium and 44.5 mm wide and 35 mm long, and will look far more striking on the wrist than the Engine One. This is a limited edition of 100 pieces. Chopard LUC watches have always represented top quality finishing (the LUC 1.96 is one of the best finished automatic movements out there) as well as tremendous value for money. What is lacking is coherent and appealing designs. I am glad to say that is changing gradually, and LUC aesthetics are getting better, as the Engine One H demonstrates. – SJX