In a celebration of Chinese New Year, Chopard presents the limited edition L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon—a horological marvel fusing ethical 18-carat rose gold with the ancient art of Urushi lacquer. Limited to 88 pieces, this timepiece captures the essence of luck, prosperity, and mythical dragons that symbolise imperial authority, wealth, and auspiciousness.
Crafted with precision, the 39.5mm case of ethically sourced rose gold houses the in-house L.U.C 96.17-L calibre, ensuring a slender profile of 6.80mm. The dial, a masterpiece of art, features Urushi lacquer, gold powder, and mother-of-pearl inlays, skillfully hand-crafted in Japan by a renowned artisan specialising in the Maki-e technique.
The Wood Dragon, assigned to 2024 by the Chinese Five Elements Theory, embodies harmony with nature and a protector of the environment. The dragon on the moody black dial, brought to life by the Japanese master lacquerer, soars above the clouds in vibrant red and yellow hues.
This release marks the completion of a full circle in Chopard’s Chinese calendar-inspired L.U.C XP Urushi series, culminating in a magnificent wooden case featuring all 12 masterpieces crafted since 2013.
Chopard’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous collaboration with Yamada Heiando and master artist Minori Koizumi. Each of the 88 dials, produced in over 20 hours of meticulous work, showcases gold flakes between layers of lacquer from the sap of the Chinese Lacquer tree.
Underlining elegance and mechanical performance, the extra-thin rose gold case hosts the L.U.C 96.17-L self-winding movement with an off-centred 22-carat gold micro-rotor. Offering a 65-hour power reserve, this timepiece is not just a symbol of exquisite craftsmanship but also a feat of mechanical prowess.
Chopard’s L.U.C collection, with a legacy of over 25 years, stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to the art and traditions of Fine Watchmaking. The L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon, with its fusion of creativity and technical precision, marks a new chapter in this extraordinary journey.
Photos: courtesy.
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