Introducing the Chopard L.U.C Qualite Fleurier in Lucent Steel

April 09, 2024

For the first time, Chopard is bringing Lucent Steel to its L.U.C Qualit Fleurier collection. Inspired by the first Qualit Fleurier from 2005, it's a suitable, subdued addition to the lineup.? The L.U.C Qualit Fleurier Lucent Steel measures 39mm and 8.9mm thick and features a silvery sector dial with contrasting sunburst and satin finishes. The case also has a mix of polished and brushed finishes, with a satin-finished midcase. There's no date and a snailed small seconds at 6 o'clock. The syringe hands are a traditional feature of the Qualit Fleurier collection and are filled with lume. The Qualit Fleurier collection is named for the enhanced testing process that all its watches go through. The process takes chronometer-certified movements and then puts them through a series of additional tests to cover quality, shock resistance, and precision. The movements are put through an additional series of tests involving hot, cold, and wet conditions, as well as magnetic field exposure. The caliber is also fully cased up and again tested for accuracy. To qualify for the Qualit Fleurier certificate, each assembled watch must be 0/+5 per day. Learn more about the independent Fleurier Quality Foundation on its website. The Foundation was established in 2001 by Chopard, Parmigiani, Vaucher, and Bovet, all of whom submit select watches for certification.?The Qualit Fleurier in Lucent Steel uses Chopard's caliber L.U.C 96.09-L, its classic twin-barrel, micro-rotor movement with a 65-hour power reserve. The finely finished movement is visible through a sapphire caseback.? What We Think The L.U.C Qualit Fleurier illustrates so much of what Chopard continues to get right about watchmaking. It's low-key, top-notch watchmaking, and it doesn't shout about it from the rooftops.The Lucent Steel addition to the Qualit Fleurier collection looks well-executed, subtle, and monochromatic, with just enough contrast in the varying textures of the dial. Maybe I'd prefer if the 39mm was more like a 36.5mm, like last year's L.U.C 1860, but at just 8.92mm, I'm excited to see how this wears in person.? The Basics Brand: ChopardModel: L.U.C Qualit FleurierReference Number: 168631-3001Diameter: 39mmThickness: 8.9mmCase Material: Lucent SteelDial Color: Silver with sunburst and satin-brushed center, circular satin-finish chapter ringIndexes: Rhodium-plated applied hour markersLume: Super-LumiNova above indices and handsWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Brown calfskin leather with beige bridle stitch; steel pink buckle The Movement Caliber: L.U.C 96.09-LFunctions: Time onlyDiameter: 27.4mmThickness: 3.3mPower Reserve: 65 hours Winding: Automatic, micro-rotorFrequency: 26,800 beats per hourJewels: 29Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC certifiedAdditional Details: Twin barrel; COSC certified and additional Qualit Fleurier certification Pricing & Availability Price: CHF 19,300For more, view Chopard's L.U.C collection. Shop this story Hodinkee is an authorized dealer for Chopard, click here to see what's in the Hodinkee Shop.