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Chopard LUC 1.98 Quattro 16/1683

US$0.00

SOLD

Description

This is the Chopard L.U.C GMT reference 16/1863. The Chopard L.U.C, named after the initials of founder Louis-Ulysse-Chopard, is a calibre that was once among the most underrated in horology. More known as a jewellery house, Chopard was largely overlooked as a serious watchmaker. Given that there was a point in time where their most recognizable watch is likely the Happy Diamonds, it’s safe to say that they were not looked at as a watchmaking powerhouse.

After three years of work with Michel Parmigiani, Chopard developed their in-house Cal. 96.10 that debuted in 1996. This helped the brand gain respectability as a watch powerhouse for those in the know. The importance of this movement cannot be understated during a period of recovery from the Quartz crisis where most companies relied on a modified version of third party movements. The 1.96 has now come to be known as one of the most respectable in-house movements and holds its own against many other in-house movements that came after it.

Based on the aforementioned 1.96, Chopard then introduced the cal 1.98. An evolution of the original, the 1.98, a.k.a the Quattro, was the only movement to have been fitted with four stacked and series-coupled barrels. To fit the additional barrels, the micro-rotor was removed. Granted, the movement does not look as aesthetically pleasing as the 1.96 but functionally, this added a substantial amount of power reserve to a total of nine days. Resembling the famous 1860 in a larger case size with an additional power reserve indicator at the 12, the 1863 still features a guilloche dial with a small seconds indicator at the 6 and the date window was removed, ensuring that the dial remained well-spaced and legible.

There are many similarities between the 1.98 and the 1.96 that came before it. Both movements bear the Geneva seal and are COSC-certified. With the emergence in the cal 1.96, the reputation of Chopard as a serious watchmaker is no longer in question. While the 1860s equipped have increased in both price and popularity in recent times, the 1863s with an equally impressive cal. 1.98 remains a viable alternative at a lower price point while retaining the essence of a seminal movement in the brand’s history.

Condition

This Chopard 16/1863 1.98 is in excellent pre-owned condition with almost no signs of prior wear. There is some light wear on the buckle. The dial is clean and the serial and hallmarks are still clearly visible. The watch comes accompanied with the original box, Chopard warranty, COSC certificate, LUC Chronometer certificate and manuals. The watch is in full working order.