Created to mark the 50th anniversary of the Scheufele family’s ownership of Chopard, the L.U.C. 1963 is a limited edition, chronometer wristwatch fitted with a newly-developed but eminently traditional movement, LUC Calibre 63.01-L.

As a result, the movement in the L.U.C 1963 is executed to a high level, not unlike the finishing that a student would aspire to. Measuring a sizeable 38 mm in diameter, the LUC Calibre 63.01-L has several features found in traditional, high-end watchmaking, including the black polished steep cap on the escape wheel cock and the swan neck regulator.

All the bridges as well as the main plate are in German silver, with a contrasting, two-tone finish – the top surfaces of the bridges retain the natural silvery hue of German silver, while the bridge bevels and flanks, as well as the base plate are gilded.

Though classical in appearance the movement has the functions of a modern calibre – it beats at 28,800 bph and has a 60 hour power reserve.

Beautifully as the movement is – and most Chopard LUC calibres are exemplary in their category – the LUC 1963 has an awkward dial, especially in the overlapping, bull’s eye sub-seconds and the shape of the hands.

The dial is white lacquered

Two versions of the LUC 1963 will be available, rose gold or platinum, both of which are limited to 50 numbered pieces. The rose gold will retail for 47,900 Singapore dollars including 7% tax, equivalent to US$37,800. Pricing for the platinum has yet to be announced.

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A Dutch arbitration panel has just awarded the Swatch Group 402 million francs (US$449 million) in its dispute with Tiffany & Co., stemming from the dissolution of their watchmaking joint venture. That amount is larger than Tiffany’s most recent annual earnings.  The Swatch Group inked an agreement with Tiffany & Co. in 2007 to manufacture and sell Tiffany branded timepieces, but the joint venture broke down in 2011 with Swatch alleging its American partner was blocking the development of the business.  An arbitration panel in the Netherlands awarded Swatch 402 million francs plus legal fees and other expenses. The panel also dismissed Tiffany’s counter-claim, according to the Swatch Group.  The award is a significant figure compared to the 4.18 billion francs in revenue the Swatch Group posted for the six months to July 2013. For the same period its net income was 768 million francs. More significantly, the sum exceeds Tiffany’s annual profit, which for the nine months to October 31 was US$285 million, with revenue of US$2.7 billion. Earlier this year Swatch acquired Harry Winston for US$1 billion including debt, adding the luxury jeweller to its stable of brands and filling the gap left by the split with Tiffany. The arbitration award is equivalent to about 45% of the acquisition cost. – SJX