Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Limited Edition For Hodinkee

Quick specs Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Limited Edition For Hodinkee
Price: $ 36,700 | approx. € 35.000 | approx. £ 29,300 | approx. CHF 33’000
Size: 40 mm
Reference: 161242-1003 – limited to 25 pieces

The Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Limited Edition for Hodinkee is a timepiece that encapsulates tradition and innovation created with the input of the watch lovers of Hodinkee. Designed with collectors in mind, only 25 pieces will be released. And the watch is only for sale via Hodinkee, which nowadays means you can buy it at retailer Watches of Switzerland.

The L.U.C collection by Chopard represents the brand’s commitment to blending heritage with technical sophistication. Established in 1860 by Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the company quickly became known for high-quality watchmaking. In the 1960s, the Scheufele family revitalized the brand, pushing it to global prominence. The L.U.C collection, introduced in the 1990s, was Chopard’s step towards complete in-house movement manufacturing. The collection pays homage to the founder’s vision and continues to deliver meticulous craftsmanship.

Case from ethical gold

This Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Limited Edition features a 40-millimeter case made of ethical 18-karat white gold. The watch’s slim profile, only 7.7 millimeters thick, ensures a comfortable fit. The dial stands out with its hunter green color and custom guilloché pattern. Crafted by Metalem, a renowned dial manufacturer, the design reflects Chopard’s dedication to detail.

Applied white gold indices and Dauphine-style hands enhance the readability and elegance of the dial. A color-matched date window at six o’clock and a recessed small seconds sub dial add functionality without crowding the face. All in all a cool new perspective on the more basic Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Stainless Steel for instance.

The Chopard caliber 96.01-L

The Chopard caliber 96.01-L is the heart of this timepiece. It carries on the legacy of the original 1990s Calibre 1.96, their first in-house movement, which introduced Chopard as a serious movement manufacturer. This COSC and Geneva Seal-certified movement reflects the highest standards of Swiss horology.

The movement’s gold micro-rotor powers its twin barrels, providing a 65-hour power reserve. These barrels operate in series, improving precision and energy efficiency. The inclusion of a Breguet overcoil hairspring and swan neck regulator highlights traditional watchmaking techniques. The exquisite finishing, visible through the sapphire case back, exemplifies Chopard’s commitment to detail.

Officer case back and straps

On top of the sapphire case back is an extra cover, a so-called officer case back. It is a hinged back cover that can be opened to reveal the movement and has its roots in military watches for extra protection. Sometimes it is also called a hunter case back although that typically refers to a full cover over the back of a (pocket) watch.

This limited edition comes with two straps. The first is a grey Chopard strap paired with a white gold buckle. The second is a textured honey-brown leather strap by Hodinkee.

Price of the Hodinkee edition of the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer

The Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Limited Edition for Hodinkee retails for 36,700 dollars, and it is only available in the U.S. Its price certainly reflects the craftsmanship, ethical materials, and exclusivity of the piece.

Comparable watches in this segment include the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin. These models also feature slim profiles and high-end movements, however here Chopard distinguishes itself by the use of ethical gold and an officer case back.