The Chinese Year of the Monkey will start on February 8, 2016. In order to welcome the new year, Chopard is adding a new exceptional model dedicated to the Chinese zodiac.
A beautiful and unique dial of the Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Monkey” depicts a monkey picking eight peaches. Each dial is handcrafted by a Japanese master lacquer artist, Master Minori Koizumi, who reproduced a traditional Chinese theme that symbolizes good fortune and longevity. The peach is a symbol of good health, whereas number eight is considered to be a lucky number.
In the interpretation chosen by Chopard, a red-coated monkey is gathering peaches, while a warm scene in soft tones behind him burns with the last golden rays of the sun, thus making a perfect match with the rose gold case.
The Monkey in the Chinese zodiac has many symbolic meanings which are highlighted by wealth, honor, luck and Almighty God. Considering the fact that the Monkey is a very clever animal, the general image of people born in this zodiac sign is that they are smart, clever and intelligent.
To create each of these impressive dials, Master Koizumi used urushi lacquer which is obtained from the sap of the Japanese varnish tree. The sap was harvested, aged and than treated to become transparent. After that, it was applied in a series of extremely thin layers. The translucent lacquer was layered on the top of the gold dust motifs created using the traditional decorative Maki-e technique.
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Monkey” Watch – Colour Finetuning
For this occasion, Chopard has worked with the brand that was the official purveyor to the Japanese imperial family – a Japanese lacquerware producer, Yamada Heiando. Master Kilchiro Masumura has designed and supervised the creation of each dial of the new L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Monkey” watch.
The gorgeous dial is housed in an 18-karat rose gold L.U.C XP case which measures 39.50mm in diameter and just 6.80mm in thickness. The water resistance is assured down to 30 meters (approximately 100 feet). The elegant case also houses the self-winding L.U.C Caliber 96.17-L that is equipped with a 22-carat gold micro-rotor.
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Monkey” Watch – Profile
The ultra-thin movement measures just 3.30mm in thickness. Furthermore, the mechanism is tooled with Twin® technology which is based on two barrels and ensures power reserve of an unprecedented 65 hours. Maybe there is no need to stress that the calibre is finished according to the highest standards of technical and aesthetic quality. The inside beauty of the movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back.
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Monkey” Watch – Case Back
The L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Monkey” (ref. 161902-5061) is attached to a hand-sewn, black alligator leather strap with Alsavel lining and it comes in a special presentation box which is also decorated by using Urushi technique. The massive, black box has a gold-colored Maki-e inside the interior and it is shaped like an octagon – the oriental symbol of gaiety.
