One of probably the most distinctive Chopard L.U.C. timepieces to be launched this yr was the XP Urushi assortment. Kiichiro Masumura, a Japanese artist thought-about to be a “Dwelling Nationwide Treasure” by his nation, has supervised the creation of 9 distinctive dials primarily based on Urushi strategies.
Urushi is the ancestral Japanese artwork of lacquering. The varnish is constituted of the sap of the Urushi tree (lacquer tree), a tree that’s largely present in Japan or China. The harvesting of the resin, considerably just like the rubber from the Hevea brasiliensis or “rubber tree”, can solely be finished yearly and in very small portions.
“Three to 5 years after being harvested, the resin is handled to make a particularly resistant, honey-textured lacquer. It’s utilized in exceptionally nice successive layers. Maki-e is a selected Urushi method that consists of sprinkling the lacquer with metallic powder – on this case, gold – with a purpose to intensify its contours. The gold mud is utilized utilizing bamboo tubes and small brushes constituted of rat’s hair, with a purpose to hint extraordinarily nice strains. This artwork requires excessive experience and only some “Urushi Masters” – together with Kiichiro Masumura — nonetheless train it immediately with consummate ability.”
The Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi was the primary timepiece to characteristic a Urushi dial. (Vacheron Constantin at present affords some fashions with Urushi dials.) In 2009, a number of preliminary fashions had been crafted and introduced completely in Japan. Chopard presents a group of 9 totally different dials technically supervised by Kiichiro Masumura and designed, painted, and adorned with gold mud by the Yamada Heiando Firm, an official provider to the Emperor of Japan.
These works symbolize the 5 fundamental parts of the universe in response to the traditional philosophy of Chinese language pure science, and one portrays the universe itself. The 5 legendary creatures – the dragon with a blue horn, the phoenix, the qilin within the moonlight, the crouching tiger, and the genbu (a mix of valuable snake and tortoise) respectively evoke wooden, fireplace, earth, metallic, and water. The final three dials characteristic a peacock, a pink fish, and the jungle. Every meticulously painted and distinctive mannequin reveals a wealth of unique particulars imbued with a deep sense of poetry.
These artworks are fantastically showcased within the elegant and skinny L.U.C. XP timepiece, which measures a mere 6.8 mm thick (diameter of 39.5 mm). The case is 18k rose gold (or white gold for the Universe dial model solely).
Powering every watch is the 29 jewel caliber L.U.C. 96HM (runs at a fee of 4Hz), an unique in-house manufacture motion. L.U.C. is the high-end watchmaking division of Chopard, and all actions with the L.U.C. designation are made in-house. So as to match two barrels and a winding rotor into such a small case, L.U.C. motion designers utilized an off-centered micro-rotor design. The ensuing timepiece is extremely skinny and has a formidable 65 hours of energy reserve. Every motion is hand completed to the best requirements, together with Côtes de Genève adorned bridges, all seen via the sapphire caseback.
Water-resistance is 30 meters. Gold-toned Dauphine hour and minute palms point out the time (no sweeping seconds hand). Sapphire crystal handled with a double anti-reflective coating. Black alligator leather-based strap.
The L.U.C XP Urushi fashions are delivered with a particular presentation field, additionally embellished in response to Urushi strategies. Black on the within and adorned in Maki-e gold on the surface, its octagonal form is an oriental image of gaiety. A small silk wire serving as a lock, together with the seals of Kiichiro Masumura and Yamada Heiando, endows this object with a really timeless dimension.
(Ref. 161902-5049 – in 18ct rose gold with Peacock dial, 161902-5048 – in 18ct rose gold with Tiger dial, 161902-5050 – in 18ct rose gold with Jungle dial)
