Introduction
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 Skeleton Tourbillon ref. 16/91901 of only 50 individually numbered pieces is no different with its beautiful skeletonized grey dial, intensely beautiful manual-wind cal. 4TT movement and wonderfully comfortable 39.5mm 950 platinum case. A dress watch in style, but far more than that, this timepiece boasts an openworked dial that provides a captivating view of the timepiece’s movement within that includes a 60-second tourbillon that doubles as a sub-seconds dial and a power reserve indicator at 2 o’clock that seamlessly integrates itself within the dial. Boasting a silvered outer chapter ring with black minute divisions and luminous hour markers that is echoed by another darker grey chapter ring just within it that houses a selection of skeletonized Roman numerals, this entire timepiece’s design has been crafted to the most impressive standards possible in just about every way Chopard could think of.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$20,000 – $40,000
The Details
Brand
Chopard
Dimensions
39.5mm
Model
Skeleton Tourbillon
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 4TT
Reference
16/91901
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2007
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
950 Platinum
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Grey skeletonized
THE DIAL
Boasting various shades of grey and silver with intermittent bursts of blue thanks to its blued screws and hands, the ref. 16/91901's display is a captivating piece of horology that showcases Chopard's skill as a watchmaker capable of true haute horology.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a 39.5mm platinum case that is polished in its entirety, the ref. 16/91901's construction reflects light just like its dial, making it a wonderful watch to wear as it becomes brightly illuminated in interesting ways across all of its surfaces and textures.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near-mint overall condition. Case shows only minor signs of wear, with sharp hallmarks on caseback and lugs fully visible. Watch comes with platinum depolyant buckle showing commensurate signs of minor wear.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
An impressive display of haute horology that few watchmakers are able to achieve, the ref. 16/91901 acts as the perfect vehicle to demonstrate just how seriously Chopard takes watchmaking and every detail required to create a timepiece of the highest caliber.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
