Unleashing the L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon
To commemorate the year of the Dragon ( 龍 / 龙 in the Chinese zodiac or "Shēngxiào") Chopard issued 8 ausipicious pieces of the L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon (Ref : Ref. 161869-5003).
The L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon is different from most of the 'Dragon-watches' from various brands which have the dragon-motifs displayed on the dials. The L.U.C version is understated, like a hidden dragon, is very much similar to the value of the oriental. The Dragon is hand-engraved onto the bridges of the movement which is only visible from the caseback or to the owner.
The uniqueness is with the technique of the engraving on the 18K gold bridges and platine. It is not the typical hollowed engraving which the motif is formed by cutting into the metal.
The technique used for the L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon is similar to the one used previously on the L.U.C Tourbillon Esprit de Fleurier, which is almost extinct and originated from the village of Fleurier in Canton Neuchâtel - the Fleurisanne engraving (also known as fillet engraving). The motif is formed by removing the metal around it leaving a raised motif.
Though the definition is subtractive process, you could observe it is not that straight-forward. The surrounding areas have to be as flat as possible otherwise it will be like the scarred crater surface of the moon. Precise hand-control is needed to incise away the hard 18K gold evenly out followed by the pitting finish.
If nothing changed in Chopard Fleurier, this splendid gravure à filet work is only done by a Master Engraver, which should take at least two weeks to finish a set of the Dragon fillet engraving.
The movement L.U.C 02.02-L is a variant of the L.U.C 1.02 4TT developed in 2003, consisting of 231 components of which 62 parts formed the tourbillon. Manual winding with four barrels ( L.U.C Quattro technology) providing a power reserve of 216 hours (9 days) beating at 4Hz, 28,800 VPH.
Still continued with its tradition, this tourbillon is certified COSC and Poincon de Geneve ( I wondered where the hallmarks were stamped )
http://chopard.watchprosite.com/show-fo ... 89943/s-0/
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