L.U.C XPS Prussian Blue

L.U.C XPS Prussian Blue

An ultra‑thin timepiece with chronometric precision

Among the timepieces marking the 30th anniversary of Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, the L.U.C collection welcomes a new ultra‑thin L.U.C XPS model, whose understated, refined aesthetics are paired with a sophisticated mechanism featuring certified precision.

Crafted in Lucent Steel™ and matched with a brown calfskin leather strap, the case stands out for its ideal proportions: a thinness of 7.2 mm and a 40 mm diameter, allowing for a wide dial. The latter adopts a sector‑style construction inspired by 1930s design, strongly influenced by Art Deco and Bauhaus movements. Two concentric rings structure the hours and minutes display, while radial indexes create rigorous, highly legible geometry. Shifting between deep shadows and bright highlights, the dial is adorned with a sunburst satin finish that reveals all the richness of “Prussian Blue”. Discovered by accident in the 17th century by a Berlin colour merchant (the city then being the capital of Prussia), this deeply saturated hue pays tribute to the unique past of the Canton of Neuchâtel, where Chopard established its Fleurier Manufacture 30 years ago. Between 1707 and 1857, this territory was under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Prussia while simultaneously becoming a Swiss canton in 1815 — a status unique in Europe. It was during those years that this colour spread throughout the region: by choosing this emblematic pigment, prized for its stability, depth, and ability to capture light, Chopard weaves a symbolic link between the watch and its place of origin.

The extreme thinness of the case is made possible by the L.U.C 96.12‑L calibre, a direct evolution of the first movement designed and produced by Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier in 1996. At just 3.30 mm thin, this automatic movement integrates a 22‑carat gold micro‑rotor enabling the efficient winding of two superimposed barrels thanks to Chopard Twin technology, delivering a 65‑hour power reserve. The calibre features a stop‑seconds mechanism for precise time setting. It is chronometer‑certified (COSC), a testament to its stringent precision. The small seconds at 6 o’clock, characteristic of the XPS model, is not merely a stylistic element; it meets the precision evaluation criteria established by this independent certification body.

“This new L.U.C XPS, Prussian Blue model is designed for fine watch enthusiasts seeking   authenticity, understated aesthetics and high‑precision mechanics,” explains Co‑President of Chopard Karl‑Friedrich Scheufele.

30 years of Chopard Manufacture Fleurier

Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier was founded in 1996 at the initiative of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (Co-president of Chopard), with the aim of preserving traditional Swiss watchmaking know-how while integrating major innovations.  Thanks to this process of vertical integration, the workshops maintain a high level of finishing and contribute to the preservation of artistic crafts and skills.

L.U.C collection

The L.U.C collection pays tribute to Louis-Ulysse Chopard: by adopting the initials of the founder of Chopard’s first workshops in 1860, it is rooted in a heritage of tradition and innovation. Chopard Manufacture’s first calibre, the L.U.C 96.01-L, marked the debut of the collection in 1996. The following year, this ultra-thin automatic movement with a micro-rotor powered the first L.U.C timepiece: the L.U.C 1860 model, named ‘Watch of the Year’ by the Swiss magazine Montres Passion/Uhrenwelt.

Since that first calibre, all L.U.C movements have been designed, developed, and produced by Chopard Manufacture. The collection has expanded with innovative timepieces and today offers all the major complications in watchmaking. It upholds the values of certified watchmaking, combining high precision with the finest degree of hand finishing.
The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève acknowledged the excellence of the collection by awarding its most prestigious distinction, the Aiguille d’Or, to the L.U.C Full Strike minute repeater in 2017. As Chopard Manufacture Fleurier celebrates its 30th anniversary, the collection goes even further with the L.U.C Grand Strike – a grande sonnerie watch — that is its most complex timepiece ever produced.

Chopard Twin Technology

Developed by Chopard Manufacture, Chopard Twin Technology is a system using two stacked barrels, allowing for an extended power reserve (approximately 65 hours) while preserving the calibre’s thin profile. As the barrels work in parallel, they supply more consistent energy. Integrated into several L.U.C calibres, this architecture enhances the stability of energy delivered to the balance wheel, improving precision.

Chronometer certification

The Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) independently certifies the precision of movements. Uncased movements undergo 15 days of testing in five positions and at three temperature ranges. All L.U.C movements featuring a seconds indication are subjected to this protocol, ensuring a daily rate variation between –4 and +6 seconds per day.

Lucent Steel™

Made with a recycling rate of 80%, Chopard Lucent Steel™ results from an advanced remelting process that produces a pure material, with brilliance comparable to gold and hypoallergenic properties similar to surgical steel. Its exceptional hardness makes it particularly resistant to abrasion.

First introduced in 2019 with the launch of the Alpine Eagle collection, Lucent Steel™ has been used to produce all Chopard steel timepieces since 2023 – cases and bracelets included.