Chopard L.U.C. Quattro Mark IV

Chopard presents the L.U.C. Quattro Mark IV, a timepiece marking a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of its groundbreaking Quattro movement technology. Launched originally in 2000, the Quattro system represented a leap forward in power reserve capabilities, and this new iteration celebrates that legacy within a refined platinum case that aligns with the contemporary aesthetic direction of the L.U.C collection. This watch serves as a testament to Chopard Manufacture's consistent dedication to both mechanical ingenuity and sophisticated design.

The story of Chopard Manufacture and the L.U.C collection has roots in the challenging landscape of the 1990s watch industry. As traditional watchmaking worked to regain its footing after the dominance of quartz movements, Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele envisioned a return to the core principles of mechanical horology. He established a dedicated workshop with the mission to create the company's first modern in-house calibre, a tribute to the brand's founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard. This initiative was a bold statement about the company's commitment to high-end watchmaking.



This pursuit culminated in the L.U.C 96.01-L, an automatic movement featuring a micro-rotor, which was notable for its technical sophistication and versatility at the time of its release. Its creation wasn't just about developing a single movement; it signified the birth of Chopard Manufacture as a serious player in Haute Horlogerie and laid the foundation for the entire L.U.C. collection, which debuted with the L.U.C 1860 watch in 1997. This initial step demonstrated Chopard's capability and ambition to produce high-quality, independently developed movements.

Following the success of their first calibre, Chopard Manufacture turned its attention to pushing the boundaries of power reserve. The result, unveiled in the year 2000, was the Quattro technology, encapsulated in the L.U.C Calibre 98.01-L. This system was revolutionary, employing four mainspring barrels arranged in two series-coupled pairs stacked atop each other. This unique configuration, containing a remarkable 1.885 meters of mainspring wire, allowed for an unprecedented power reserve of 216 hours, or nine full days, a feature that remains a hallmark of the Quattro name.

The new L.U.C Quattro Mark IV, reference 161954-9001, carries this impressive mechanical legacy forward. It celebrates the silver anniversary of the Quattro movement by housing an updated version, the L.U.C 98.09-L, within a newly reshaped 39-millimetre platinum case. This release merges the established technical prowess of the Quattro system with the evolved design language that characterizes the modern L.U.C line, offering a fresh take on a significant Chopard innovation.

Platinum, the chosen metal for the Mark IV's case, speaks volumes about the watch's positioning. Significantly rarer than gold (estimated at 30 times rarer), platinum offers exceptional purity, typically marked as 950, indicating 95% pure platinum in the alloy used. Chopard specifically utilizes this 950 platinum standard. Its density, 40-60% greater than gold, contributes to its feeling of substance, while its high resistance to corrosion and abrasion ensures remarkable longevity. These properties, combined with its natural hypoallergenic quality and enduring luster, make it a fitting material for a high-end timepiece intended for regular wear and potential heirloom status.



Working with platinum, however, demands specialized expertise and tooling due to its unique properties. Its ductility, while making it suitable for complex shapes found in advanced engineering and medical applications, also requires careful handling during machining and finishing. Acknowledging the special nature of this material, Chopard has introduced a tradition for its platinum timepieces: a hand-engraved bee symbol placed discreetly between the lugs. This emblem, associated with the Manufacture since the era of Louis-Ulysse Chopard, represents industriousness, honesty, and collaborative effort – values central to the Chopard workshops.

The case design itself has been thoughtfully updated. Measuring 39mm in diameter and a relatively slim 10.40mm in thickness, it's proportioned for comfortable wear on a variety of wrists. It employs a "bassine" shape, characterized by a case middle that is slightly narrower than the bezel, creating elegant, curved lines reminiscent of classic pocket watch designs from Chopard's historical archives. This profile lends the watch a distinct visual character. The vertical satin-brushed finish on the case middle provides a subtle contrast to the polished finish of the domed bezel and the see-through sapphire crystal case-back.

Further details underscore the attention to construction quality. The lugs, rather than being integrated directly into the case middle, are crafted separately and then carefully welded onto the case. This method allows for sharper definition and potentially more complex shaping, contributing to the overall refined appearance. The crown, also made from 950 platinum and featuring the L.U.C logo, is curved and fluted, designed for both visual appeal and ease of winding. The slightly domed sapphire crystal over the dial seamlessly integrates with the bezel's curve, reinforcing the watch's smooth, rounded profile. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.

The dial of the L.U.C Quattro Mark IV presents a clean and clear display. Crafted from brass, it features a distinctive frosted texture achieved through specialized surface treatment, giving it a unique visual depth. The color is a striking light blue, described as sky-blue, applied using a Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) process. This combination of texture and color creates a luminous and engaging backdrop for the time indications. Legibility is paramount, enhanced by the use of high-contrast elements.



Applied hour markers, featuring a distinct herringbone shape, are fashioned from ethical 18-carat white gold, providing sharp definition against the blue dial. The hands share this commitment to quality and clarity. The main hour and minute hands are Dauphine fusée style, also in ethical 18-carat white gold, known for their sharp facets and classic look. The small seconds hand and the date hand, both located within the sub-dial at 6 o'clock, are simpler baton-style hands, again in white gold. Anthracite-colored transfers are used for the minute track and other dial markings, ensuring readability without clutter.

A notable change in the Mark IV compared to some earlier Quattro models is the placement of the power reserve indicator. Traditionally positioned prominently on the dial, often near 12 o'clock, it has been relocated to the movement side. This indicator is now visible through the sapphire case-back, displayed on one of the movement bridges. This design choice significantly streamlines the dial's appearance, giving it a more balanced and uncluttered look while still providing the practical information about the extensive nine-day power reserve to the owner upon turning the watch over.

At the heart of the Mark IV beats the L.U.C Calibre 98.09-L, a hand-wound mechanical movement representing a specific evolution of the foundational L.U.C 98.01-L. This calibre measures 28.60mm in diameter and a remarkably slim 3.75mm in thickness, especially considering its power reserve. It comprises 215 individual components and operates with 38 jewels, contributing to its smooth function and longevity. The primary functions displayed are central hours and minutes, small seconds, and a date indication, both housed in the sub-dial at 6 o'clock.

The defining feature remains the Chopard Quattro technology. The system utilizes four mainspring barrels, ingeniously arranged as two sets of two stacked barrels. This configuration allows for the inclusion of nearly 1.9 meters (1.885m precisely) of mainspring, far exceeding the capacity of traditional single or double-barrel systems. This extensive energy storage translates directly into the exceptional 216-hour (9-day) power reserve, meaning the watch, once fully wound, will continue running accurately for over a week without needing further winding.



Beyond sheer duration, the Quattro system is engineered for consistent performance. The four barrels working in series help to deliver energy to the escapement more smoothly and constantly throughout the entire 9-day period. This stable energy flow contributes significantly to the watch's timekeeping precision, reducing the variations in rate that can occur as a single mainspring unwinds. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), a standard for modern precision movements.

Reinforcing its chronometric credentials, the L.U.C 98.09-L movement is officially certified as a chronometer by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). This independent certification guarantees its high accuracy and reliability under standardized testing conditions. Further enhancing its precision potential, the movement incorporates sophisticated features like a balance spring with a Phillips terminal curve, which helps improve the isochronism (regularity) of the balance wheel's oscillations. It also includes a stop-seconds function for precise time-setting and a swan's-neck regulator, allowing for very fine adjustments to the timing rate by a watchmaker.

The movement isn't just technically accomplished; it's also beautifully finished, adhering to the highest standards of traditional Swiss watchmaking. This is formally recognized by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, or Geneva Seal. This quality hallmark, governed by laws of the Canton of Geneva and verified by an independent body, attests to exacting standards applied to the movement's construction, finishing, and performance, as well as aspects of the watch case. Visible through the exhibition case-back, the bridges are decorated with classic Côtes de Genève striping. Achieving this certification involves extensive manual work, including chamfering, satin-brushing, polishing, and circular graining on various components, many of which are hidden from view once assembled.

The L.U.C Calibre 98.01-L, the foundation upon which the Mark IV's 98.09-L is built, holds a significant place in Chopard Manufacture's history. As the second movement developed in-house, it successfully addressed the challenge of dramatically increasing power reserve without creating an overly thick or architecturally compromised movement. Since its introduction, it has served as the base for numerous L.U.C Quattro models and has been adapted to incorporate various high complications, including tourbillons, regulators, and highly complex "All-in-One" pieces, showcasing its versatility and robust design. The recent L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25, featuring a jumping hour and an eight-day reserve, further illustrates the platform's capacity for evolution.

Completing the presentation, the L.U.C Quattro Mark IV comes equipped with interchangeable straps, offering versatility. One option is a sophisticated brown alligator leather strap described as having a soft touch, featuring hand-sewn tone-on-tone stitching and an alligator lining. The alternative is a grey calfskin strap with a grained texture and a matte finish, also complemented by tone-on-tone hand stitching. Both straps attach via a classic pin buckle crafted from matching 950 platinum.



Chopard Manufacture operates between facilities in Fleurier and Geneva, handling the entire process of watch creation from initial conception and development through production, assembly, intricate decoration, and final certification. Under Karl-Friedrich Scheufele's guidance, the L.U.C collection represents a fusion of respect for traditional watchmaking crafts and a drive for technical innovation. The Manufacture's commitment to pushing boundaries is evidenced by the 22 patents registered over the past 25 years, covering a wide array of horological complications and improvements.

The Chopard L.U.C Quattro Mark IV, embodying Chopard's dedication to high watchmaking through its sophisticated L.U.C 98.09-L movement bearing both COSC certification and the Poinçon de Genève hallmark, is positioned at a price point of $47,900 USD. It marks a significant release for the L.U.C collection, commemorating 25 years of the innovative Quattro technology.

Case: 950 platinum, 39 mm diameter, 10.40 mm thickness. Bassine-shaped middle with vertical satin-brushed finish, polished bezel and case-back. Transparent sapphire exhibition case-back, glare-proofed sapphire crystal. 6.00 mm platinum crown with L.U.C logo. Hand-engraved bee symbol between lugs. Water resistance 30 meters.

Movement: Mechanical manual-winding L.U.C 98.09-L. Diameter 28.60 mm, thickness 3.75 mm, 215 components, 38 jewels. Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz). Power reserve approx. 216 hours (9 days) via Chopard Quattro Technology (four stacked barrels, 1.885 meters of springs). Features swan's neck fine adjustment, Phillips terminal curve balance-spring, stop-seconds function. Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève. Chronometer-certified (COSC) and Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o'clock, date at 6 o'clock, power-reserve indicator on bridge side.

Dial: Frosted-textured brass with sky-blue color via PVD treatment. Anthracite transfers. Herringbone-type hour-markers in ethical 18-carat white gold. Dauphine fusée hours and minutes hands, baton-type small seconds and date hands, all in ethical 18-carat white gold.

Strap: Interchangeable straps included: brown alligator leather (soft touch, tone-on-tone stitching, alligator lining) and grey grained calfskin (matt, tone-on-tone stitching). Pin buckle in 950 platinum.

Price: $47,900 USD

Reference Number: 161954-9001

Notes: Celebrates the 25th anniversary of Chopard's Quattro movement technology. Features unique four-barrel system for 9-day power reserve. Power reserve indicator relocated to movement side for cleaner dial aesthetic. Bears the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark.