Shaped like a tonneau, or barrel, the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is an unusual watch, having a form case matched with an exactly shaped form movement, and one that is beautifully constructed and finished at that.

Based on the cal. 96.01, the first L.U.C movement developed by Chopard and still one of the most refined self-winding movements on the market, the tonneau-shaped L.U.C 97.01-L is a thin movement that’s just 3.3mm high.

It’s wound via a 22k gold micro-rotor linked to a rocker, and has twin barrels for a 65-hour power reserve. Like most of Chopard’s top of the line movements, the L.U.C 97.01-L bears the Poinçon de Genève, or Geneva Seal, hallmark and is recognisably well finished.

But the Grand Cru remains typical of the L.U.C line, which means it possesses an exceptionally sedate design. The dial is lacquered white with broad Roman numerals and tiny red accents for a wee bit of excitement.

The case is 18k rose gold and moderately sized at 38.5mm wide and 38.8m long, though it is a slim 7.74mm high.

Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele

Price and availability 

The L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru (ref. 162296-5001) is priced at US$25,090 or S$31,980.