L.U.C 96

Template:File L.U.C 96 is a family of micro-rotor automatic movements by Chopard.

History

Once Chopard established their own watchmaking manufacture in 1993, they began a program to develop a calibre of their own. The company proudly launched Cal. 1.96 in 1996, re-establishing the watchmaking credentials that had once belonged to the Sonvilier company. The movement was extremely successful, an excellent combination of modern technology, and remains in production to this day.

The basic Cal. 96 movement is quite thin, measuring just 3.3 mm thick. This makes it an excellent base for complications, of which there are many. It has bi-directional micro-rotor automatic winding with two stacked barrels for a total power reserve of 65 hours. The movement can be finished to Geneva Seal standards and is typically lavishly decorated.

Versions

Chopard initially created three versions of this Calibre: 1.96, 3.96, and 4.96, each differentiated only by its finish. Today, the family has been unified with a different naming system, placing the name of the movement family first, followed by the finish or options.

• L.U.C 96.01-L (1.96) - 27.4x3.3 mm, small seconds, date, 29 jewels, Geneva Seal
• L.U.C 96.03-L 3.96) - Small seconds, date, 29 jewels
• L.U.C 96.04-L (4.96) - Small seconds, date, 29 jewels
• L.U.C 96.04-L2 (4.96 "ProOne") - Small seconds, date, 29 jewels
• L.U.C 96.04-L3 (4.96 "2000") - Small seconds, date, 29 jewels
• L.U.C 96.06-L (4.96-H1 "GMT") - Center seconds, date, 24 hour pointer at 6:00, 31 jewels
• L.U.C 96.09-L (9.96) - 27.4x3.3 mm, small seconds, 29 jewels, chronometer certified, Fleurier Quality Foundation certificate
• L.U.C 96.11-L (11.96) - Center seconds, date at 6:00,
• L.U.C 96.12-L (12.96) - 27.4x3.3 mm, small seconds, 29 jewels, chronometer certified
• L.U.C 96.13-L (96QP) - 33x6 mm, small seconds, perpetual calendar, moon phase, 32 jewels, Geneva Seal, chronometer certified
• L.U.C 96.14-L (96SH) - 33x5.75 mm, small seconds disc, date, striking hours, 33 jewels, chronometer certified
• L.U.C 96.14-L1 (96SHT) - 33x5.75 mm, small seconds disc, date, striking hours, 33 jewels, partially skeletonized, chronometer certified
• L.U.C 96.15-L (96H24) - 24 hour hand, date, 31 jewels
• L.U.C 96.16-L (96M) - Square, small seconds
• L.U.C 96.17-L (96HM) - 27.4x3.3 mm, hours and minutes only, 29 jewels
• L.U.C 96.18-L (96T) - 27.4x3.3 mm, small seconds, date, 28 jewels, chronometer certified
• L.U.C 96.19-L (96TB) - Small seconds, date, black finish, chronometer certified

Manufacturer: Chopard Description: Self-winding movement Ball-bearing Micro-rotor with 22ct gold weight segment; bi-directional winding Kif shock protection Escapement: Stone lever Yoke winding system Double barrel Functions: Small seconds Date Data: 12 or 14.5 ligne D 27.4 or 33 mm, H 3.3, 5.75, or 6 mm 28, 29, 31, 32, or 33 jewels 28,800 A/h Power reserve 65 h Production period: Since 1996

Weblinks

• Timezone, Walt Odets (engl.)