Granulated Gold Grandeur — Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin CronotempVs Edition

CronotempVs is a collectors/enthusiast/amateurs community dedicated to sharing the passion of horology. Founded in Madrid in 2009, the purpose is to connect watch enthusiasts away from the public eye. The members of the “watch illuminati” reside around the world. Initially, they just talked watches among themselves, but things have changed in recent times. The group has worked on projects with brands like  A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Oris, and many others. And when I say projects, I’m talking watches. A special watch created by both the aficionados and the brand. The granulated gold grandeur of the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin CronotempVs Edition shows love, taste, and knowledge. And its blackened numerals are well-contemplated too.

Ten years ago, CronotempVs produced its first watch together with Chopard: it was a special version of the L.U.C Tech-Twist. Chopard’s L.U.C line is, in my view, an underestimated collection of fine watchmaking. Named after the brand’s founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836–1915), the collection consists of delicately finished, exclusive watches with a distinct character equipped with technically interesting in-house movements.

The secretive members CronotempVs are connoisseurs that value what Chopard brings to the table

If you like micro-rotors, multiple mainsprings, original dial designs, then the L.UC. collection will speak to you. The secretive members of CronotempVs are connoisseurs that value what Chopard brings to the table — or rather, the watchmaker’s workbench. They presented that watch ten years ago, and this year they’re doing it again with an even more spectacular L.U.C creation: a perpetual calendar with a spectacular granulated gold dial with blackened numerals for a powerful yet understated appearance.

Granulated Gold Grandeur — Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin CronotempVs Edition

Let’s just first look at that special dial and after that focus on the rest of this QP. The texture and color of the gold dial is dynamic, vivid, and luxurious. It also adds a touch of modernism to the traditional perpetual calendar complication. The dial design also creates perfect legibility in most conditions. The visibility of the month and date has been improved with an increased contrast, but it’s the big date that forms the focal point of the layout.

… the minimalist, applied Roman numerals bring quiet poise to the discreet dial.

The black sub-dials for the perpetual calendar day, month and leap year indications, and white small seconds at 6 o’clock then catch the eye — it looks a bit like a tropical panda dial to me. The typically shaped L.U.C style Dauphine hands also leave an impression on the mind.

And last but certainly not least, the minimalist, applied Roman numerals bring quiet poise to the discreet dial. And there’s one last final touch that proves the “watch illuminati” of CronotempVs are the real deal, and that is the silver “V”. It’s the tag of a gang, a watch gang.

“V” for ChronotempVs

The “V” can be found in the name of CronotempVs, it also marks this watch as a series 5 (calendar complication) in the carefully curated collection. The watch itself is not new. Chopard launched the L.U.C Perpetual Twin back in 2016 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chopard Manufacture. This CHF 24,700 “QP” combines the finest high horology traditions with the practicality of an automatic steel wristwatch designed to be worn every day.

The mix of traditional craftsmanship in a sturdy steel case also makes the watch more affordable than a precious metal version. And what’s even more appealing is the fact that this L.U.C creation still is the only chronometer-certified perpetual calendar in stainless steel currently on the market.

The captivating 22-carat gold micro-rotor

Behind the granulated gold dial beats the automatic caliber L.U.C 96.22-L. A true work of technical and artisanal mastery that can be viewed through the sapphire crystal case back. And because there’s no central rotor obstructing the view, it can easily be seen and admired.

The movement is hand-made by Chopard’s skilled watchmakers in Fleurier, and it exhibits the finest traditions of hand-finishing. But for me, it’s the understated 22-karat white gold micro-rotor that captivates me.

Practice the CronotempVs secret handshake

The steel case of the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin CronotempVs Edition measures 43×11.47mm, and it has a water resistance of 30m – you were never going to take this watch to the beach or a pool anyway, so no sweat. And now you want to know how many pieces are made and what the price is, right? Well, to find that out, you must first become a member of CronotempVs.

How to become a member? For instructions please contact me, through DM since I can’t disclose that here. Don’t worry, you don’t have to undergo an initiation ritual that includes the sacrifice of your first-bought watch — that’s a pertinacious urban legend. In the meantime, have a look at the CronotempVs website to catch a glimpse of what lies ahead once you are a member of the “watch illuminati”. And try to find out what the secret handshake is before you register here!

For more information on Chopard’s Haute Horlogerie L.U.C collection, please visit the brand’s dedicated website.

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