Chopard used the 30th anniversary of its Fleurier Manufacture to make the case for restraint. The L.U.C XPS Prussian Blue is a 40 mm ultra-thin dress watch in Lucent Steel that owes its entire chromatic identity to the historical relationship between the Canton of Neuchâtel—where the Manufacture is based—and the Kingdom of Prussia.
Discovered by accident in the 17th century by a Berlin color merchant—the city then being the capital of Prussia—, this deeply saturated hue pays tribute to the unique past of the Canton of Neuchâtel, where Chopard established its Fleurier Manufacture 30 years ago. The deep, saturated sunburst sector dial references 1930s Art Deco and Bauhaus dial design, and the result is one of the most compositionally disciplined watches Chopard has produced in the L.U.C line.
Things to Know About the Watch
The Lucent Steel case—Chopard's proprietary alloy produced with an 80% recycling rate, offering gold-comparable brilliance with hypoallergenic properties—measures 40 mm in diameter and just 7.2 mm thick. The Prussian Blue sector dial is executed in a sunburst finish that shifts with the light, organized in concentric zones that give the otherwise spare surface genuine visual tension. No date, pure three-hand simplicity with hours, minutes, and seconds.
The Movement
Inside runs the L.U.C 96.12-L, Chopard's slim self-winding calibre bearing both COSC chronometer certification and the Poinçon de Genève. A combination demanding enough in steel to merit specific recognition. A 22K ethical gold micro-rotor winds twin stacked barrels via Chopard's Twin Technology, delivering a 65-hour power reserve from a movement that keeps the total profile under 7.5 mm.
On the Wrist & Price
At its under USD 15K price point, the Chopard L.U.C XPS Prussian Blue reference 168629-3002 makes a case that is difficult to dismiss: COSC chronometer certification, Poinçon de Genève certification that warrants a specific level of finishing, an in-house micro-rotor movement, and a 7.2 mm profile in a proprietary steel alloy. All for less than the entry price of many far less credentialed watches. In a segment where thin and refined typically commands a significant premium, Chopard has priced this one to be worn, not just admired.
Sticker Price USD 13,600. More info on Chopard, here.
