L.U.C Time Traveler One – An open invitation for global nomads
L.U.C Time Traveler One – An open invitation for global nomads
The first worldtime watch in the L.U.C collection, the L.U.C Time Traveler One is the ideal tool for the globetrotting lifestyle.
By simultaneously tracking track the time in every zone across the planet, it enables the wearer to keep an eye on what’s happening in all four corners of the earth. This refined object with its exceptional finishing is an indispensable instrument for the gentleman traveller.
Marking the 20th anniversary of Chopard Manufacture in 2016, Chopard is launching its very first worldtime watch: the L.U.C Time Traveler One, designed to facilitate the lives of long-haul travellers who need to remain in touch with several time zones. At any given moment, a single glance at this essential horological complication indicates the time anywhere in the world. This authentic wrist instrument is available in three elegant versions offering pleasing variety with regard to their colour, appearance and preciousness. All of them meet the high standards of the L.U.C collection by Chopard: excellence in terms of their mechanism and finishing, along with a refined aura intended for men of good taste in general – and in this particular case for modern-day nomads.
Crystal-clear read-off
Like the earth’s atmosphere, the L.U.C Time Traveler One operates in concentric layers. A discreet central hand indicates the date, while a surrounding railway track circle serves to read off the hours and minutes of the local time zone – swept over by Dauphine-type hands typical of the watches in the L.U.C collection and adjusted via a crown positioned at 2 o’clock. Moving a further step outwards, a large 24-hour graduated ring operates in coordination with the disc bearing the reference cities symbolising the 24 main time zones. Once they are synchronised with the local time zone via the 4 o’clock crown, no more adjustment is required. Travellers in a hurry, who are sometimes disorientated by successive changes of location and pace, can read off the time around the globe with the same hand as local time.
This planet-wide vocation is echoed on the 4 o’clock crown bearing a modern stylised globe motif, while its 2 o’clock counterpart bears the L.U.C logo conveying an equally universal appeal.
A set of elegant contrasts
The stainless steel L.U.C Time Traveler One features a sunburst black dial with contrasting orange accents. The worldtime ring stands out clearly, with a slate grey half indicating the night-time hours, and a silver-toned half showing daytime. This model also comes in an 18-carat rose gold version with dial that is entirely silver-toned, apart from the night-time hours that are shown in deep blue on its 24-hour disc. Finally, in its most precious interpretation, the L.U.C Time Traveler One appears with a platinum case. Its naturally cool grey shade has inspired the subtle blue-tinged grey dial colour, while its worldtime ring is half silver-toned to mark the daytime hours. In each of these three versions, the case of the L.U.C Time Traveler One measures 42 mm in diameter, an ideal size for any wrist and which ensures the legibility of the indications. Its extremely reasonable 12.09 mm thickness means it can be worn discreetly under a shirt sleeve, while its alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes endow it with the inherent sense of distinction shared by all L.U.C timepieces.
A universal mechanism
A complex yet user-friendly instrument, the L.U.C Time Traveler One is based on an all-new calibre entirely developed, produced and finished in the Chopard Manufacture workshops in Fleurier. Calibre 01.05-L is distinguished by a 6.52 mm thickness and a functional nature that appreciably simplifies its owner’s life. This self-winding movement has a 60-hour power reserve. It guarantees that the L.U.C Time Traveler One will be running smoothly and reliably after a well-deserved leisure weekend, during which it has remained safely on a bedside table.
Calibre 01.05-L is finished in accordance with the criteria governing the most prestigious watchmaking certifications, including decorations such as chamfering and Côtes de Genève applied to the various components. This meticulous finishing work may be viewed through a transparent case-back revealing the movement.
Finally, like all L.U.C watches equipped with a function indicating the seconds, the L.U.C Time Traveler One is chronometer-certified by the COSC. This approach stems from the determination of Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, a passionate devotee of fine watchmaking who devotes great importance to the independent certification of chronometric precision and has chosen to make the latter one of the fundamental principles of L.U.C watches ever since the creation of Chopard Manufacture in 1996.
Comprehensive mastery of an artisan-style approach to watch production
Movement development, product design, gold smelting, case machining, movement components, traditional hand-crafted decorations, polishing, assembly, adjustment and movement quality control: all watch production operations are performed in-house by Chopard. The Maison applies them to the making of each watch in the L.U.C collection that pays homage to the company founder: Louis-Ulysse Chopard (L.U.C). Firmly attached to the pure lines and subtle details that made his watches so highly sought-after, Louis-Ulysse Chopard already knew how to adorn gentlemen with fine pocket-watches. The L.U.C Time Traveler One perpetuates this proud tradition while enriching it with the contemporary convenience of the worldtime function.