Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru

Quick specs Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru
Price: CHF 22,300 | € 21.970 | approx. £ 19,700 | approx. $ 25,700
Size: 38.5 x 38.8 mm
Reference: 162296-5001

With all those Mille Miglia models, you would almost forget Chopard has a very capable and high-end L.U.C. line. Like this tonneau shaped chronometer, the Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru.

L.U.C. stands for Louis-Ulysse Chopard, watchmaker and founder of the brand in 1860. It is also the sub-brand that has existed since 1996 and encompasses high-end watches.

The Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru sounds like it should have a connection to wine, but other than Chopard’s owner Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s vineyards it’s just a name. Even if Chopard would like to link the 38.5 x 38.8 millimeter 18-carat rose gold tonneau case to wine barrels.

The Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is very classical

What it definitely is, is an homage to the brand’s founder and its pocket watches. In addition it is also the only tonneau shaped watch wound by an automatic movement. A watch that has bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif and a Poinçon de Genève hallmark.

The L.U.C. 97.01-L movement is COSC certified, with automatic winding that is accomplished by an engraved 22-carat gold micro rotor. One that results in a power-reserve of 65 hours, thanks to two barrels.

The pure white porcelain type dial with black Roman numerals is partnered with gilded Dauphine type hands. A very distinguished watch from the first look. Perhaps a bit too classical with the tonneau shaped case, but in terms of watchmaking: flawless.