Even though this outstanding timepiece flaunts a luxe case made of 18k rose gold, this particular feature is not its most important. The L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon by Chopard is an exquisite watch that perpetuates an traditional artistic engraving technique that is almost extinct and which comes from the village of Fleurier in Canton Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
The technique is called gravure à filet (fillet engraving) and it is a historical specialty of the village, based on raised decorations on metal pieces, such as gold movement bridges. This is not an engraving skill, but rather a fine sculpting technique, that requires many hours of hard work and perfect mastering of small tools.
Chopard’s first series of watches to promote this art was launched in 2010, when the watchmaker celebrated its 150th anniversary. Back then, the series was limited to 15 pieces, but this year things will get even more exclusive than that. For the very special Year of the Dragon, Chopard will only manufacture 8 limited edition watches that will flaunt fillet engravings of dragons.
Each watch will feature a 39.5-mm 18k rose gold case that is water resistant to 30 meters, a dial in guilloche silvered 18k gold, exhibition back, glareproof sapphire crystals, and a hand-wound tourbillon movement L.U.C 02.02-L with 33 jewels. The hand-sewn brown alligator strap has an 18k rose gold pin buckle.
