The 2014 L.U.C Lunar Big Date by Chopard

First launched in 2009, the L.U.C Lunar Big Date now gets a whole new glow by adopting the full design codes of the new L.U.C aesthetic; the moon phase is so accurate that the difference between the true lunar cycle and the indication given by the timepiece amounts to just one day every 122 years.

The vision of the Moon seen from Earth changes in time with its rotation: its visible side may be completely lit up by the Sun (full Moon), entirely plunged into darkness (new Moon) or only partially illuminated (various moon phases). The interval between two identical moon phases – called a month or a synodical revolution – is equivalent to 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds.

Chopard, L.U.C Lunar Big Date

Achieving such an accuracy in a wristwatch is not an easy task, the L.U.C Lunar Big Date is endowed with an extremely precise device, in which the wheel driving the moon-phase disk has 135 teeth. The vision of the Moon seen from Earth changes in time with its rotation: its visible side may be completely lit up by the Sun (full Moon), entirely plunged into darkness (new Moon) or only partially illuminated (various moon phases). The interval between two identical moon phases – called a month or a synodical revolution – is equivalent to 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds.

COSC certified L.U.C 96.20-L caliber.

Two stacked co-axial barrels ensures a 65-hour supply of energy to the movement with its balance oscillating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the movement is visible through the exhibition case-back. Fitted with a black hand-sewn alligator leather strap secured by a pin buckle, the L.U.C Lunar Big Date is an exceptional watch in terms of both precision and elegance.

Technical specifications

Case:
18-carat white gold case
Total diameter 42.00 mm
Thickness 11.04 mm
Water-resistant to 50 metres
Crown in 18-carat white gold
Correctors at 4 o’clock for the moon phase, between 1 and 2 o’clock for the date
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
Exhibition back

Movement:
Mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.20-L
Total diameter 33.00 mm
Thickness 5.25 mm
Number of jewels 33
Frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Power reserve 65 hours
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
Chronometer-certified (COSC)

Dial and hands:
Silver-toned sunburst satin-brushed dial
Dauphine hands for the hours, minutes and small second

Functions and indications:
Central hour and minute hands
Big date at 12 o’clock
Small seconds between 4 and 5 o’clock
Orbital moon phase at 7 o’clock
Stop seconds

Strap and buckle:
Hand-sewn black alligator leather strap,
Folding clasp in 18-carat white gold

Ref. 161969-1001

Price:
$31,730 USD (approx. $34,700 CAD)