Watches

To celebrate Chopard’s 150th anniversary, the Geneva-based company has debuted the stunning L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon. Tapping into the watchmaker’s passion for motor sports, this model houses a proprietary mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement, L.U.C Calibre 1TRM. Similar to a car engine, this movement is mounted on silent blocks, which absorbs shocks, and held by three lever arms inserted into the case middle.

The dial is also inspired by the world of autos with a theme of transparency. The numerals characteristic of the L.U.C collection and the hour-markers are engraved and black-tinted beneath the glare-resistant sapphire crystal. The hand-sewn black alligator leather strap setting the perfect finishing touch to this model is enhanced by four reinforced inserts evoking the seats of classic racing cars. The L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon in titanium is produced in a limited series of 150 – in honor of Chopard’s 150th anniversary.

A most-striking U-Boat timepiece from creator Italo Fontana, the Classico U-1001 Collection features a water-resistance rating to withstand pressures at 1001 meters below the water’s surface. A definite sportsman’s watch, the U-1001 features automatic Swiss movement with U-Boat-engraved rotor, plus a grade 2 Titanium case with 55mm diameter, thick sapphire crystal, screw-down crown protecting cap, hinged to the case, and pressure escape valve at 8 o’clock.

The collection also is highlighted by the U-Boat black, rubber strap, with titanium engraved plate and deployante buckle. A multi-layered black dial with recessed sandwich numeral and index markers comes in photo-luminescent blue, orange or beige. There are 1001 pieces worldwide – 333 of each color.