By 
The Chopard L.U.C. Cranium One affords an eye catching juxtaposition of formal and playful in a surprisingly versatile package deal. The strains of the case, the extraordinarily skinny top, and the impeccably completed gold fingers and numbers clearly belong to Chopard’s L.U.C. line of chic costume watches. However what instantly catches your eye is the smiling cranium taking middle stage. Chopard has lengthy performed with dials on the L.U.C. line, combining artwork and horology, however the Cranium One may be essentially the most enjoyable. Positive, it would sound odd to explain a skeletal motif as enjoyable, however the calavera, or cranium, on the Cranium One is something however morbid because it celebrates one of the crucial festive holidays on the Mexican calendar – Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Lifeless. Although the early roots stay obscure (and reasonably controversial in educational circles), the modern type of this annual celebration is held in remembrance of family members who’ve died – a celebration of each loss of life and life. Toys are left on the graves of kids, foods and drinks for the adults. The Día de los Muertos, in different phrases, is a brief, albeit candy, reunion between the dwelling and the lifeless and, certainly, trigger for celebration.
If there’s one picture that greatest captures the spirit of Día de los Muertos, it’s undoubtedly the calavera. Whether or not portrayed in artwork (e.g., Jose Guadalupe Posada’s well-known etching of La Calavera Catrina), sweet sugar skulls, or painted on faces, the colourful and lavish skulls are inextricably linked to the pageant. This isn’t the primary time that Chopard has appeared to the vacation for inspiration – with the L.U.C. Perpetual T, Chopard went all-in with the Día de los Muertos theme. The watch featured a totally engraved 18k gold case and dial with calaveras, marigolds, and different adornments celebrating the vacation, to not point out a perpetual calendar, tourbillon, and nine-day energy reserve. Whereas the L.U.C. Perpetual T was nothing if not extravagant, the L.U.C. Cranium One is, without delay, restrained and playful, leading to a watch that’s surprisingly versatile.
The primary phrase to come back to thoughts when describing skull-dial will not be “versatile,” however Chopard’s very good execution, subdued coloration scheme, and gold accents make this a watch that may be worn in a shocking variety of conditions, as long as you could have the fashion and character to match.
The Cranium One is housed in a 40mm stainless-steel beadblasted case that’s been DLC-coated to a deep anthracite. Chopard additionally manages to maintain the watch extraordinarily skinny, at solely 7.2mm, thanks largely to the automated L.U.C. 96.53-L caliber powering the watch. Although the diameter edges in the direction of the bigger finish of the spectrum for costume watches, the darkish tones of the case and dial and slim dimensions cut back the visible heft. Moreover, if you happen to’re going to put on a watch with a cranium adorning the dial, you need to see that cranium middle stage. Any bigger and the watch would lose its dressy versatility, any smaller and also you lose the visible influence. In different phrases, the sizing is spot on.
The black and gray lacquered dial is totally the star of the present. The cranium shows a enjoyable twist on the standard calavera (that are sometimes feminine) by including in a mischievous gap-toothed grin and a formidable handlebar mustache. (I’m a bit jealous I can’t pull that off myself.) A sunray sample radiates out from the cranium, offering a three-dimensional impact and serving double-duty as minute markers. It’s onerous to not smile when checking the time, although I’m certain not everybody will desire a fixed reminder of their very own mortality. However for many who are enamored by the connection to Día de los Muertos, it’s onerous to discover a higher execution of the motif.
Let’s transfer on to the motion. The Cranium One is powered by Chopard’s L.U.C. 96.53-L in-house computerized motion. The L.U.C. 96.53 powers hour and minute fingers (you received’t discover a date or operating seconds hand right here), beats at 28.8kbph, and options a formidable 58-hour energy reserve made doable by the 2 co-axial barrels. Retaining the mainspring wound is a micro-rotor — a nifty trick that enables Chopard to maintain the motion extraordinarily skinny at solely 3.3mm. With the Cranium One, you don’t get the Poincon de Geneve or Qulite Fleurier seal that comes on their actions with absolutely the highest degree of ending. However don’t let that provide the impression that the ending is something lower than very good. To make sure that the Geneva stripes and 27 jewels don’t disrupt the remainder of the watch’s darkish colorway, the sapphire caseback is given a smoky tint. It’s a small element, however completely matches the character a watch. Chopard completes the package deal by mounting the L.U.C. Cranium One on a heat brown calfskin leather-based strap with DLC-coated buckle to match the case ending.
The Chopard L.U.C. definitely isn’t a watch for everybody, neither is it meant to be. My guess is that if you happen to’ve learn this far, already whether or not the watch is for you. That mentioned, the Cranium One is a way more considerate and well-rounded watch than a cursory look may counsel. Contemplating this can be a restricted version of solely 100 watches, you’ll need to be fast if this watch strikes your fancy. The Chopard L.U.C. Cranium One retails for $9,780 USD and for extra data, please be sure you go to the model’s web site.
Comments