Cover Chopard L.U.C Sakura by Night
Chopard L.U.C Sakura by Night
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Looking back at some of the exclusive L.U.C timepieces by Chopard, inspired or crafted by Japanese artisans
When it comes to art and beauty, the Japanese possess a distinct sensibility, one deeply infused with rich cultural nuance. They present a fascinating tapestry of aesthetics, their attention to detail elevating everyday objects to works of art. It’s nearly impossible to resist the allure of its craftsmanship, and among the many who have fallen under its spell is Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard.
Drawn to the discipline and intricacies of Japanese craftsmanship, Scheufele frequently visits Japan. He shares the Japanese commitment to craftsmanship and their patience in pursuit of perfection, values that also lie at the heart of Chopard’s watchmaking.
Read more: Inside Cartier’s Maison des Métiers d’Art: a haven of craft and innovation
Above Chopard Calibre 98.06-L with the Quattro technology, consisting of two pairs of coaxial barrels for an extraordinary power reserve
Chopard Calibre 98.06-L with the Quattro technology, consisting of two pairs of coaxial barrels for an extraordinary power reserve
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Little wonder, then, that Scheufele has made it a point to fuse the two, choosing Chopard’s premium L.U.C as the canvas. As the maison’s expression of haute horlogerie, the L.U.C boasts in-house calibres and all are certified excellence by Poincon de Geneve or Qualite Fleurier. When incorporated with Japanese motifs or craftsmanship, the results are naturally superlative. Here are a few examples of these harmonious unions of art and craft.
Warrior Mode
For the L.U.C Full Strike Spirit of a Warrior, Chopard channels its expertise in hand-engraving to create the menpō mask of a samurai in all its fierce, expressive power. Protective oni or ogres engraved between the lugs stand guard over the warrior, while the bezel is engraved with motifs found on traditional armour, such as flat kebiki odoshi cords (armour lacing).
See also: Meet the classical musicians who helped refine the acoustics of the L.U.C minute repeater
Above Chopard L.U.C Full Strike Spirit of a Warrior
Chopard L.U.C Full Strike Spirit of a Warrior
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Brush Stroke
Using traditional Grand Feu enamel, which originated in Europe, Chopard has recreated the ensō, a single circle of Japanese calligraphy, for the L.U.C Quattro Spirit of Enso. The ensō illustrates the beauty of being present and the acceptance of imperfection.
Above Chopard L.U.C Quattro Spirit Enso
Chopard L.U.C Quattro Spirit Enso
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Cherry Blossom
Inspired by the beautiful pattern of a stage kimono from Dayu Matsuyama's costume in Sono Omokage Ninin Wankyū, Chopard reinterprets the sakura, the beloved symbol of Japan, through a combination of guilloché, translucent lacquer, sculpted mother-of-pearl, and openworked gold. The magnificent 3D dial is housed in the L.U.C Sakura by Night.
Above Chopard L.U.C Sakura by Night
Chopard L.U.C Sakura by Night
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Nature's Gift
For the L.U.C XP Urushi Ukiyo-e, Chopard recreates the work of Japanese master woodblock printmaker Katsushika Hokusai with Japanese Urushi lacquer technique. Working with Yamada Heiando, the official supplier of lacquerware to the Imperial family, Urushi combines natural lacquer from the Rhus verniciflua tree with the intricate maki-e art of sprinkling gold powder to highlight delicate motifs.
Above Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Ukiyo-e
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Ukiyo-e
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
