By Jovan Krstevski
If you remember back in 2005, we were all salivating for the much-awaited release of the gorgeous Lunar One by Chopard. So without further ado, this year we will be once again experiencing another refreshed version of the Lunar One. What makes this really special is that its source of inspiration is no other than its founding father Louis-Ulysse Chopard. This is also the reason why it is the flagship of the collection bearing the L.U.C initials, in short, it is arguably one of Chopard’s finest contemporary timepieces. The Geneva Seal-certified L.U.C Lunar One is certainly a sporty perpetual calendar watch with a moon phase indicator in a platinum case. What is more is that there will only be 100 pieces of the Lunar One… that is one heck of a restriction for a truly incredible watch.
At 43mm the polished platinum case with alternating brushed features seems a bit small for a chronometer particularly its 11.47mm thickness but don’t we all want a smaller complicated watch? Maybe Chopard just wants every space tightened up for a smaller watch but we can all surmise as we like but the designers and engineers sure know their thing and I’m just very glad how this turned out, a work of art timepiece worthy of a royalty. I love the platinum case, its lovely bezel and the subtle lugs and bezel.
The new Lunar One also has new dial design which is now featuring applied Roman numerals. The sub-dials seem a bit squeezed but this is so that readability is enhanced. The moon phase and calendar complications, along with the big date aperture at 12 are nicely designed against a deep blue sunray dial. The polished metals are a fascinating combo of delicious watchmaker’s marvels, I like it. A thing to note here is that the sunray dial radiates from the Chopard logo which is located halfway at the 12 o’clock point, quite a unique approach.
The heart of the new Lunar One is, of course, an in-house Calibre 96.13-L, an L.U.C. crown jewel operating at 28,800 vph and cranking a pretty lengthy power reserve of 65 hours. This is arguably touted as an accomplishment in a stable of pretty interesting calibers at both ends of the complication spectrum. This movement is requiring adjustments once every 122 years, that is certainly the job of your descendants. One of the special signature features of this movement is its astronomical moon phase complication orbiting the sub-dial at 6. The nighttime sky presentation is fascinatingly in realtime, this is indeed a lovely astronomical positioning that is somehow akin to the latest GPS devices, fooled me.
Furthermore, part of the movement is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback where its dashing Côtes de Genève stripes are proudly displayed. The contrasting circular-grained and beveled movement bridges and a 22k gold micro-rotor are a rarity in automatic perpetual calendars.
As if the Geneva Seal is not enough, the Lunar One also bears a COSC-certified chronometer. This only applies to ultra-exclusive independent certification of excellence ensuring topmost quality when it comes to finishing, assembly, movement casing, and adjustment of the watch. At $67,900 it’s all worth it. For more info, please visit chopard.com
