Sketch of the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One watch highlighting the hand-guilloché dial and other design elements.

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Chopard’s L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One

Chopard, the epitome of luxury and timeless elegance, unveils the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One, celebrating the grand reopening of its Paris hotel. This exclusive timepiece is a tribute to 1 Place Vendôme, a symbol of Chopard’s legacy and modern ingenuity. Encased in the elegant blue reminiscent of the grand doorways of the world’s most exquisite square, this watch is a limited edition of just eight pieces. Whether Parisian or cosmopolitan, discerning connoisseurs will appreciate its ultimate blend of distinction and discretion.

Close-up view of the L.U.C Calibre 96.01-L movement used in the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One watch.
The heart of the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One, the L.U.C Calibre 96.01-L movement, exemplifies Chopard’s commitment to precision and excellence.

The Quintessence of Discreet Elegance

The L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One embodies Chopard’s commitment to understated sophistication. Its 40 mm diameter and 7.70 mm thick case in ethical 18-carat gold houses a guilloché dial and an officer-type case-back with a hinged cover. This intricate mechanism, activated by a press on the crown, reveals a sapphire case-back. The spring system not only opens the cover but also secures it with a satisfying click, showcasing Chopard’s meticulous craftsmanship.

Traditionally, officer-type case-backs protected the glass of pocket watches and provided a canvas for personal engravings. Although wristwatches have rendered this protection obsolete, the artisanal touch remains. Similarly, 1 Place Vendôme hides a secret: a 15-room private mansion, its entrance marked by a discreet “C” on its elaborate door.

Sketch illustrating the mechanism to open the case-back of the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One watch.
The ingenious mechanism of the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One’s case-back is a testament to Chopard’s innovative approach to traditional watchmaking.

A Rich Heritage of Engraving

From 1860 to the 1920s, every Louis-Ulysse Chopard watch bore the beehive and bees engraving. Revived by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in 1996, this motif graces select L.U.C models, symbolising Chopard’s heritage. The L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One features this honeycomb design on its dial and the officer-style back cover. Inside, a hand-engraving of the Sun honours Louis XIV, whose vision led to the creation of Place Vendôme. The Sun motif, a symbol of the monarch’s influence, is still visible in the square’s intricate ironwork.

Detailed sketch of the hand-guilloché hive pattern used in the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One watch.
The hand-guilloché hive pattern is a signature design element of the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One, symbolising Chopard’s heritage and meticulous craftsmanship.

The Unique Blue of Place Vendôme

The timepiece’s Bering blue dial in 18-carat gold echoes the rich hue of 1 Place Vendôme’s doorway. This deep, royal blue, historically associated with King Louis XIV, adorns every door on the square, creating a majestic azure symphony. Each door’s blue varnish enhances the square’s regal elegance, making it an iconic Parisian landmark.

Precision Personified

Beneath the guilloché case-back lies the ultra-thin L.U.C Calibre 96.01-L, a testament to Chopard’s precision engineering. This movement, only 3.30 mm thick, debuted in 1997 and features an engraved 22-carat gold micro-rotor. Powered by Chopard-patented Twin technology, it ensures a 65-hour power reserve and certified chronometer accuracy. The movement’s craftsmanship is further validated by the Poinçon de Genève hallmark, denoting exceptional quality.

  • Front view of the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One watch with a blue dial and gold case.
    The Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One, a masterpiece of elegance with its striking blue dial and ethical 18-carat gold case.
  • ngled view of the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One watch showcasing the blue dial and leather strap.
    Experience the perfect blend of sophistication and functionality with the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One’s exquisitely designed blue dial and luxurious leather strap.
  • Rear view of the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One watch showing the engraved honeycomb pattern on the case-back.
    The intricate honeycomb pattern on the case-back of the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One reflects Chopard’s rich heritage in watchmaking artistry.
  • Opened case-back of the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One watch revealing the movement and the engraved sunburst motif.
    Discover the hidden beauty of Chopard’s craftsmanship with the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One’s engraved sunburst motif and the finely tuned movement.

L.U.C: Timeless Elegance and Fine Watchmaking

Since 1996, Chopard Manufacture has embodied Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s vision of innovation and horological heritage preservation. Chopard’s Geneva and Fleurier workshops oversee every production step, from movement development to final assembly. The result is the L.U.C collection: timepieces that resonate with connoisseurs who value art, expertise, and boldness.

The L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer Vendôme One is an epitome of Chopard’s dedication to excellence. With its exquisite design and superior craftsmanship, this watch is a true collector’s piece, reflecting the Maison’s storied legacy and contemporary spirit.