Launched in 1996, Chopard’s L.U.C. segment (named after Chopard's founder) was set up to commemorate Chopard's heritage as a high-precision movement manufacturer. Perhaps the ultimate expression of Chopard's watchmaking prowess, watches produced by L.U.C. include some of the most laboriously produced movements to come from Switzerland. The processes used to produce these movements include delicate hand finishing, accurate assembly, tedious testing, and careful casing. In 2004, Chopard and Parmigiani Fleurier even came together to create a certification to attest that 100% of a watch head was made in Switzerland, an attempt to combat the Swiss Government's lackluster definition of "Swiss Made” whereby only 60% of the value of a watch has to come from Switzerland. Ever since its inception, Chopard’s L.U.C. timepieces have become celebrated pieces of horology, and this limited edition Chopard L.U.C. XP Urushi ref. 161902-1023 deserves to be celebrated just like the rest of L.U.C.’s incredible timepieces. Paying homage to traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Chopard collaborated with Japan's "Living National Treasure" Kiichiro Masumura in 2008, a master of Urushi painting, to create the L.U.C. XP Urushi. Beginning with the painstaking process of extracting sap from the Urushi tree that can only be harvested in extremely small quantities each year, the resin then sits for years before it can be used for painting. Applied layer by layer to achieve the stunning effect, the technique is incredibly time-consuming and takes decades to master. Featuring a red fish motif and the time-honored lacquering techniques of Urushi and Maki-e, Kiichiro Masumura has created this unique dial for Chopard that sits within an 18kt white gold timepiece that marries traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the highest standard of Swiss watchmaking.

Watch is in near-mint condition, showing little signs of use. Some faint hairlines are visible along the polished surfaces of the case. Hand painted urushi lacquer dial in near-mint condition.

A stunning blend of color, artistry, and breathtaking attention to detail, the L.U.C. XP Urushi combines the finest Japanese artisanal craftsmanship with the exceptionalism of Swiss watchmaking to create a timepiece that is truly outstanding in every regard.