Manufacturer: Chopard Year: Circa 2011 Reference No: 161902-1021 Movement No: 151’065 Case No: 1’824’429 Model Name: “The Ultimate Universe” Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. L.U.C. 96HM, 29 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Chopard pin buckle Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by undated Chopard Certificate of Origin stamped Pasquali Domenici Srl, Chopard wooden outer packaging and faux lacquered presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Paying homage to traditional Japanese lacquering, Chopard launched their L.U.C Urushi collection in 2011 collaborating with renowned Japanese artists Yamada Heiando and Kiichiro Masumura to create a fusion timepiece combining western execution via horology and eastern artisanal craftsmanship.
Japanese lacquering has long been an admirable asset to Japanese culture as it livens up the motif depicted through the use of two techniques, Urushi and Maki-e. Each dial is delicately handcrafted and designed by Minori Koizumi, one of the world’s most renowned urushi and maki-e masters.
The present example in white gold featuring a black dial depicting the motif of “The Ultimate Universe”, portrays a beautiful scenery of trees with colored insects to complete the scene including a butterfly, dragonfly, bee, ladybug and a grasshopper enjoying their mellow spring time. Offered in “like new” overall condition and complete with the full set of accessories, this is certainly a delightful timepiece to acquire and wear for a black tie event, or a perfect gift to one that truly deserves it.
At the age of 24, Louis-Ulysse Chopard started his company L.U.C. Chopard in Sonviller, Switzerland. Since the brand's inception in 1860, Chopard understood the need for thin and accurate pocket watches to be functional for daily wear. The brand gained world recognition in 1912 after Tsar Nicolas II became a client.
Following Louis-Ulysse's death in 1915, his sons Paul-Louis and Paul André took over the business and moved their headquarters to La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1963, the company was taken over by Karl Scheufele, who remains the brand's owner. Arguably Chopard's most recognizable design, the "Happy" line, was inspired by Scheufele's daughter Caroline. In 1996, his son Karl-Friedrich established Chopard as a manufacturer of its own range of in-house movements under the name L.U.C., creating groundbreaking, exquisitely finished watches that have earned the brand worldwide acclaim.
Ref. 161902-1021 A fine and attractive white gold wristwatch with Japanese Lacquer dial by Kiichiro Masumura with Yamada Heiando, certificate and presentation box
Circa 2011 39.5mm diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed