Chopard, a QP whirlwind for Santa Muerte in Mexico.
In homage to Mexican culture, Chopard is introducing an exceptional new timepiece: the L. U. C Perpetual T Spirit “La Santa Muerte”. Entirely hand engraved by the craftsmen of the Chopard manufactory, its gold case and dial are decorated with motifs typical of the Día de Los Muertos. Inside, beats one of the most sophisticated calibres available: a perpetual calendar tourbillon with 9 days of operation. This unique piece will be presented to collectors at the SIAR, a prestigious watchmaking exhibition to be held in Mexico City from 16 to 18 October 2018.
Confirming its credentials as an accomplished, expert and versatile Manufacture, Chopard presents a one-of-a-kind highly complicated watch entirely hand-engraved in-house. After paying tribute to the cultural symbolism of the Chinese zodiac, Chopard is turning to Mexico and the syncretic traditions surrounding Santa Muerte. Stemming from the Aztec civilisation and tinged with Spanish Catholicism, the Día de Los Muertos – Day of the Dead – is a joyful celebration of the cycle of life, an occasion for renewed awareness of the possibility of death, which in turn gives full meaning to life. A day of remembrance, the Día de Los Muertos also provides an opportunity for gifts, offerings and libations to the deceased, and to cultivate the ties that bind families on either side of the final frontier.
Catharsis
This macabre fiesta celebrated through deliberate touches of parody provides a wealth of ornamental elements with which Chopard adorns the generous rose gold case of the L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of ‘La Santa Muerte’. Even the gold dial features the stylised Mexican Calavera skull, dotted with sun and floral-themed patterns. The tourbillon bridge appears as a moustache above a gentle grimace, and the perpetual calendar counters are sunny eyes. The very contours of the dial have been modified to trace the features of an emaciated yet inoffensive face.
Mechanical exclusivity
The case of this exceptional timepiece houses one of the most prestigious horological combinations, featuring a perpetual calendar, tourbillon and a nine-day power reserve achieved by the four barrels of the Quattro system. By spinning constantly around its axis, the tourbillon releases the watch from the effects of gravity. The L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of ‘La Santa Muerte’ has successfully undergone the stringent COSC test procedure, as confirmed on the dial by the Chronometer inscription, a noble attribute to which Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is strongly attached.
The entire L.U.C 02.15-L calibre is thus entirely decorated by hand in keeping with the highest Fine Watchmaking standards. The quality of these treatments, along with the principles adopted in its construction and design entitle the L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of ‘La Santa Muerte’ to bear the ‘Poinçon de Genève’ quality hallmark, one of the most prestigious Swiss watch industry certifications. A hand-sewn black alligator leather strap with alligator leather lining lends a final touch of elegance to this finely crafted watch.
Chopard’s in-house approach to watch manufacturing
Chopard is a family business with a strongly ingrained philosophy of independence. The steps involved in making L.U.C watches are all performed at the group’s Geneva and Fleurier production sites. Movement development, finished product design, gold smelting, case stamping and machining, calibre components, traditional hand-crafted finishes, surface treatments, polishing, assembly, adjustments and quality controls: Chopard masters the full range of watch production operations and applies them to each and every L.U.C watch.These exceptional timepieces stemming from meticulous workmanship meet the aspirations of the modern-day gentleman. They speak to him without artifice or pretention, through a subtle blend of artisanal expertise and emotions.
