Nestling within its 18-carat rose gold case, the new L.U.C Lunar Big Date exudes a poetic touch that will captivate the most seasoned connoisseurs.  A horological complication in its own right, the moon phase attains such high accuracy that the difference between the actual lunar cycle and the indication of the timepiece amounts to just one day every 122 years. This exceptional model is  limited to 500 pieces.

What could be more inspiring than to stay in permanent touch with the Moon? With its portion of the night sky visible on the dial, the new L.U.C Lunar Big Date is a vivid reminder of the enduring ties between our time and the stars. The moon phase is associated here with the central hour and minute hands, a large date display at 12 o’clock and a small seconds indication between 4 and 5 o’clock. The proprietary self-winding L.U.C Calibre 96 LD is housed with a generous 42 mm case in 18-carat rose gold framing a silvered guilloché dial elegantly studded with Arabic numerals.

The vision of the Moon seen from Earth changes in time with its rotation: its visible side may be completely lit up by the Sun (full Moon), entirely plunged into the dark (new Moon) or only partially illuminated (various moon phases). The interval between two identical moon phases – called a month or a synodical revolution – is equivalent to 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds.

Achieving such accuracy in a wristwatch is an extremely complex feat to which Chopard Manufacture has risen with significant talent. The L.U.C Lunar Big Date is thus endowed with an extremely precise device in which the wheel driving the moon-bearing disc comprises 135 teeth. The indication has such precision that the discrepancy between the mechanism and the real lunar cycle amounts to just one day in 122 years. The various moon phases are visible for both Northern and Southern hemispheres through a particularly large aperture ensuring easy readability. In addition, the Northern part of the disc features the Big Dipper constellation, while the Southern part displays the Southern Cross.

Two stacked co-axial barrels ensures a 65-hour supply of energy to the movement with its balance oscillating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the movement is visible through the exhibition case-back. Fitted with a brown or black hand-sewn alligator leather strap complete with folding clasp, the L.U.C Lunar Big Date is issued in a limited, numbered series of 500, for its most discerning admirers.

·    18-carat rose gold or white gold case

·      Total diameter                                                   42.00 mm

·      Thickness                                                          10.90 mm     

·      Water-resistant to                                              30 metres

·      Crown in 18-carat rose gold                             6.00 mm

·      Corrector pushpieces in 18-carat rose gold

·      Glare-resistant sapphire crystal

·      Transparent case-back

Movement:

·      Self-winding                                                      L.U.C 96 LD

·      Total diameter                                                   33.00 mm

·      Thickness                                                          5.25 mm

·     Number of jewels                                              33

·      Frequency                                                         28,800 vph

·      Power reserve                                                  approx. 65 hours

·      Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève

·      Chronometer-certified (COSC)

Dial and hands:  

·      Silvered guilloché dial

·      Dauphine hands for the hours, minutes and small seconds

Functions and indications:

·      Central hour and minute hands

·      Small seconds hand between 4 and 5 o’clock

·      Orbital moon phase at 7 o’clock

·      Stop seconds

Strap and buckle:

·      Hand-sewn alligator leather strap, available in brown or black (20.00mm x 18.00mm)

·      Folding clasp in 18-carat rose gold

Ref. 161918-X002                            

Limited production : 250 pcs of WG and 250 pcs of RG.