Chopard LUC Luna One Redesigned

Thirteen years after the introduction of the 43mm LUC Lunar One, a smaller and more sophisticated update debuts this year in two variations. With a case diameter of 40.5 mm in rose gold or white gold, the redesigned Chopard LUC Lunar One comes with a blue or salmon dial. The name of this watch does not fully cover its complications. In addition to the moon phase display, the Luna One is also a perpetual calendar watch with a large date, 24-hour display and small seconds.

The world is definitely getting smaller. In other words, it’s the world of watches. A good example is sizing down the Chopard LUC Lunar One. The original 43mm version was impressive, but lacked subtlety. It was simply too large for a classic calendar watch with a traditional moon phase indicator on the dial. But two new 40.5mm models get it right.

Chopard LUC Luna One Redesigned — Choose from Blue or Salmon

This isn’t the first time Chopard has impressed the Fratello team. For example, last year’s Lucent Steel LUC Qualité Fleurier was greeted with unanimous applause. This relatively simple watch was made in such a sophisticated and expert manner that it took our breath away from all of us. Plus, its understated, clean, and elegant looks made us want it despite its fairly high price tag. Chopard’s LUC movement, with its micro-rotor and impressive power reserve, has already caught our attention, but now it’s time to explore the brand’s complications.

The two new LUC Lunar One models demonstrate a balanced design in line with the latest LUC aesthetics. That means, among other things, a small case made of ethical 18K rose gold or white gold, with sleeker rounded sides. The rose gold reference 161951-5001 features a deep blue dial and two interchangeable straps in brown alligator leather and gray calf leather. The white gold reference 161951-1001 has a salmon dial and a navy alligator leather and blue calfskin strap.

Stylish signature dial

The dial is worth careful inspection. Yes, the time (including small seconds and 24-hour indicator), perpetual calendar display, moon phase and large date are displayed in a neat and traditional manner. However, the finish also gives an elegant and delicate impression. One of the LUC signatures on the dial of the Lunar One model takes the form of a dynamic handcrafted sunburst guilloché pattern. Additionally, the sharp, faceted gold dart-shaped indexes, the Chopard Dauphine Fusée hands, and the finely knurled and embossed crown are the understatements of a stylish haute horlogerie at its finest.

Watches suitable for Poinçon de Genève

The chronometer-certified automatic LUC 96.13-L movement with 22K gold micro-rotor is a combination of refined elegance and advanced technology. Comprised of 353 components, this caliber is beautifully finished and has an impressive power reserve of 65 hours. These clocks tell the time very accurately and also display the phases of the moon this way. The moon’s phase shifts by only one day every 122 years. Chopard is manufacturing two new versions of the LUC Lunar One in the canton of Geneva. And watchmakers do it in such a way that they crown their complicated timepieces with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève designation.

Both watches would have made the collection’s namesake, the watchmaker Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836-1915), proud. They also prove once again that an independent, family-owned Chopard can compete with the biggest players in the traditional luxury watch sector.

The redesigned Chopard LUC Lunar One in rose or white gold with blue or salmon dial is priced at 92,200 euros / 85,800 USD. As always, feel free to share your thoughts on these watches in the comments section below.

Watch specifications