Lately, I’ve been finding myself being increasingly drawn to time-only replica watches. Part of this has been for practical reasons such as not having to correct the date when I decide to wear a replica watch with a date function, and the simple fact that servicing a time-only piece is going to cost less. The other part is because I find that in many ways, trying to get a simple design right, to get it balanced, is actually harder than it may seem, but when it works, it really can be stunning.
The difficult art of simplicity is realised in this slim and oh-so-elegant Chopard L.U.C. XP dress replica watch. The L.U.C. are Chopard’s replica watches named after its founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard, and this particular model won the top prize at the 2006 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve in the category of ‘ultra-thin replica watches’.
This L.U.C. XP is an 18 carat white gold case a smidgin under 7mm thick, with a matching 18 carat white gold buckle. The dauphine hands and Arabic numbers (also white gold) are perfectly proportioned and the dial has a slight sheen to it, adding a denseness and depth of richness to its blackness.
As well as it being a comfortable size that sits well on both the male and female wrist, I really love this replica watch’s classic aesthetics. Despite the L.U.C. XP (which has had several iterations) having been launched a number of years ago, this white gold model is in the current collection line-up, and I hope that it continues to stay in production.
Perfect for someone looking for something dressy and lightweight (you barely register its presence on your wrist), its insides aren’t to be sneezed at either – the 3.3mm thin automatic 29 jewel Calibre L.U.C 96HM movement comes with a solid 65-hour power reserve.
You really have to see this replica watch in the metal to get its full beauty, especially the blackness of the dial. The intensity of the dial’s colour, combined with the contrast of the white metal are almost hypnotic in their understated elegance. This is just one damn fine looking replica watch, and I wish that it was mine.
Well, what are you waiting for?
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Reference: 161902-1001
Material: 18-carat white gold
Diametre (case): 39.50 mm
Thickness (case): 6.98 mm
Movement: L.U.C 96.17-L (L.U.C 96HM) self-winding
Power reserve: approximately 65 hours
Frequency/ VPH: 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour)
Oscillating weight: 22-carat gold
Jewels: 29
Water-resistance: 30 metres
Strap: hand-stitched alligator
Buckle: 18-carat gold