Baselworld 2016 Review – Chopard L.U.C XP 35 mm Esprit de Fleurier Peony Watch

Written by Bojan Pavlovic on March 28, 2016 in Baselworld - World Watch and Jewellery Show, Baselworld 2016 - No comments

In 2016, Chopard marks the 20th anniversary of its Manufacture. At the recently closed Baselworld watch show, the Swiss watchmaking brand unveiled several interesting models. One of them is a feminine L.U.C XP 35mm Esprit de Fleurier Peony timepiece that features delicate curves on the Tahiti mother pearl sphere, where the case and the bezel majestically appear in gold and diamonds set on the basis of the rose gold sphere.

Chopard L.U.C XP 35 mm Esprit de Fleurier Peony Watch

Two years ago, the very first ultra-thin L.U.C timepiece was housed in 35mm case. Last year, the design codes of this exquisite model took a new turn with the L.U.C XP 35 mm Esprit de Fleurier. This year, Chopard continues to bring timepieces having women in mind. The newest ladies’ wristwatch boasts a peony motif and comes with a beautiful brushed pink canvas strap. It features an increasingly rare artistic technique called Fleurisanne engraving. This ancestral technique is an integral part of the horological heritage. In the 19th century, this decorative technique contributed to a stunning reputation of the region’s watchmakers whose watches encrusted by using this craft were in demand as far as field as China.

Chopard L.U.C XP 35 mm Esprit de Fleurier Peony Watch Dial

The magnificently adorned Chopard L.U.C XP 35 mm Esprit de Fleurier Peony timepiece is equipped with the rose gold movement featuring the peony motif according to the Fleurisanne engraving technique. The gorgeous movement is distinguished by its raised motifs. The engraver ‘spares’ the motif which he wants to stick out; the surface thus preserved is then engraved with scrolling patterns or flowers, and afterwards polished to accomplish a stunning, shiny effect. The base which surrounds the motif is then stippled dot by dot to achieve a grainy effect. After finishing the engraving process, the movement is rhodium-coated to offer an unusual two-tone appearance.

Chopard L.U.C XP 35 mm Esprit de Fleurier Peony Watch Back

The self-winding L.U.C Caliber 96.23-L comes with the patented Twin technology that involves two stacked coaxial barrels which are capable to provide at least 65 hours of power reserve. To accommodate the impeccable mechanism within a 7.5mm ultra-thin case was a quite technical challenge. The clever micro-rotor construction has enabled the Chopard’s master-watchmakers to achieve this goal.

Chopard L.U.C XP 35 mm Esprit de Fleurier Peony is produced in the ultra-limited series of only 8 specimens.