With the L.U.C XP Il Sarto Kiton timepiece, Chopard is introducing its first partnership with the Kiton Ateliers, masters of Italian tailoring. This strictly limited edition of 100 ultra-thin watches in beadblasted DLC-coated steel is attired with a houndstooth-patterned dial and a slate-coloured cashmere strap lined with red alligator leather. Mechanical excellence is guaranteed by the L.U.C 96.53-L mechanical movement with automatic winding, equipped with a tungsten micro-rotor and Chopard Twin technology ensuring a power reserve lasting more than two days.
Known for its elegance and simplicity, the ultra-thin L.U.C XP timepiece is attired in a ‘suit’ made to measure by the artisans of the Kiton Ateliers. The encounter between the Swiss watchmaker and the Neapolitan couturier appears to have been written in the stars. These two great names in masculine elegance have combined their know-how in creating the L.U.C XP Il Sarto Kiton watch. On the one hand, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele – Co-President of Chopard and the man behind the creation of Chopard Manufacture in 1996. On the other hand, the fertile creativity of the disciples of Ciro Paone, the founder of the Kiton ateliers in 1968.
Allure
First and foremost, the L.U.C XP Il Sarto Kiton is perfectly proportioned thanks to a 40 mm diameter case that is a mere 7.2 mm thick. This ultra-thin look enables genuine wearer comfort and imposes an aura of simplicity.
The allure of this timepiece also lies in its chromatic uniformity: a beautiful black silhouette, carved out from the slate grey shades of the beadblasted DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) steel case, dial and strap.
Achieved by galvanic treatment and lacquered finishes, the Kiton Ateliers’ signature is evident on the brass dial thanks to the Neapolitan tailor’s houndstooth motif that has been a firm favourite since it purchased at auction the wardrobe of King Edward VIII of England, who was hailed for his elegance as an acknowledged dandy.
Against this dark background, the golden Arabic numerals matching the hour-markers and fusée-type Dauphine hands make the hours and minutes perfectly legible. The quarter-hour indications and the Kiton logo at 6 o’clock add a subtle red touch that is picked up in the topstitching on the strap. The latter is handmade, free of any chemical treatment and comes in a soft blend of Mongolian cashmere, wool and flannel with a slight touch of elastane, ensuring enhanced wearer comfort. This wristband is lined with red alligator leather as is a second black alligator leather strap also sold with the model.
Movement
The L.U.C XP Il Sarto Kiton incorporates an in-house movement, the L.U.C 96.53-L calibre. Ultra-thin at just 3.3 mm thick, this is an evolution of Chopard Manufacture’s first L.U.C 96.01-L movement and applied in a multitude of new interpretations since it was first presented in 1996.
The mechanical movement L.U.C 96.53-L with automatic winding is equipped with twin barrels ensuring a 58-hour power reserve. It is powered by a micro-rotor made of tungsten, a high-density alloy facilitating optimal winding. Featuring movement bridges decorated with “Côtes de Genève”, the L.U.C XP Il Sarto Kiton watch is equally beautiful inside and out, which is precisely why its calibre is visible through a transparent case-back.
Technical specifications
| Case: | Beadblasted DLC-coated steel Total diameter: 40.00 mm Thickness: 7.20 mm Water resistance: 30 metres Crown in beadblasted DLC-coated steel: 5.00 mm Beadblasted bezel, case-back, flanks and space between the lugs Glare-proofed sapphire crystal Exhibition case-back – tinted glass |
| Movement: | Mechanical with automatic winding L.U.C 96.53-L Number of components: 172 Total diameter: 27.4 mm Thickness: 3.30 mm Number of jewels: 29 Frequency: 28,800 v/h (4 Hz) Power reserve: 58 hours Two barrels – Chopard Twin technology Winding via a tungsten alloy micro-rotor Balance-spring with flat terminal curve Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif |
| Dial: | Black and grey dial, houndstooth motif inspired by Kiton fabric Lacquered finish Gilt Arabic numerals and hour-markers Gilt Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands |
| Functions: | Central display of the hours and minutes |
| Strap and buckle: | Kiton fabric strap made of grey and black cashmere, red alligator leather with red topstitching Pin buckle in DLC-coated steel |
| Limited edition: | 100 pieces |
| Reference: | Ref. 168592-3003 |
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