Chopard's recent evolution, especially through the Alpine Eagle series, has been remarkable. The brand, known for its independence and innovation, has redefined a classic design for today's market. The Alpine Eagle's rapid rise often overshadows the extraordinary craftsmanship in the L.U.C line, where Chopard's prowess in movement manufacturing shines. As an enthusiast, I'm consistently amazed by the L.U.C's design finesse, from its ultra-slim profile to its unique casebacks and textured dials. These timepieces are truly in a league of their own.

Marking the 25th anniversary of the L.U.C collection at Dubai Watch Week, Chopard introduces the L.U.C Strike One. Limited to just 25 pieces, this striking watch features an 18k white gold case made from Chopard's ethical gold. The timepiece, measuring 40mm in diameter and just 9.86mm thick, incorporates a seamlessly integrated pusher within the crown. A highlight is the chime, which resonates each hour through a Chopard-exclusive monobloc sapphire crystal.

The heart of the watch is the L.U.C 96.32-L movement, operating at 4Hz with a robust 65-hour power reserve. The Strike One is not only chronometer-certified but also boasts the prestigious Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. The front showcases a stunning grey-green dial crafted from solid gold, adorned with a hand-guillochéd honeycomb pattern. Notably, at one o'clock, a cut-out reveals the polished hammer that produces the hourly chime, accompanied by an engraved railway-style minute track on the sapphire crystal.

The chime mechanism rings at the top of each hour, striking 24 times daily. Its dual barrels ensure the power reserve remains strong, even with the chiming function active.

Priced at $66,600, the Chopard Strike One is a testament to horological artistry.

Chopard's craftsmanship in the Strike One is evident, combining aesthetic finesse with mechanical innovation. Introduced in 2022, the integrated crown and pusher mechanism allows the wearer to control the chime function, showcasing Chopard's commitment to innovation.

Beyond its mechanical intricacies, the watch's guilloché dial, in a subtle grey-green hue, exudes understatement and sophistication. Considering its features, the $66,600 price point is unexpectedly reasonable, a delightful surprise for horology aficionados.

Chopard's attention to the acoustic quality of its chiming mechanism is commendable. While not in Dubai to experience it firsthand, we eagerly anticipate sharing any live demonstrations we receive.

This release sets the stage for the next 25 years of the L.U.C's evolution, promising continued excellence and innovation.

Read more about this release on Chopard site