Chopard - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Chopard
    Year: Circa 2011
    Reference No: 1902
    Movement No: 161’979
    Case No: 1’862’982
    Model Name: L.U.C XP ‘Blue Horn Dragon’
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. L.U.C 96.17-L, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Chopard pin buckle
    Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with Chopard production literature, blank Chopard Chronometer Certificate, lacquer Chopard presentation box with wooden outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 2009, Chopard and Yamada Heiando Studio launched the first L.U.C. XP Urushi Collection, marketed exclusively in Japan with the goal of showcasing the art of Urushi to the global audience. This ancient lacquering technique, also known as Japanese wood lacquer art, holds a rich history.

    All Urushi dials are meticulously hand-painted and overseen by a single artist, the esteemed Kiichiro Masumura, recognized as a Living National Treasure by Japanese authorities.

    Each dial is a unique creation crafted by Urushi master Minori Koizumi from the Yamada Heiando studio, renowned for supplying tableware to the Japanese Imperial Household. The resulting pieces are exquisite examples of horological artistry. The collection features depictions of five mythical creatures from ancient Asian philosophy: the dragon, phoenix, kylin, tiger, and genbu.

    The watch at hand showcases a scene of a golden blue horned dragon soaring high against the mysterious night sky, symbolizing prosperity, wealth, and power. Another notable technique employed is 'Raden,' where mother-of-pearl pieces are used for the dragon's horns, intricately inlaid into the wet lacquer to create a shimmering visual effect when viewed from different angles.

  • Artist Biography

    Chopard

    Swiss • 1860

    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.

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Σ66

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 1902
An attractive pink gold wristwatch with Japanese Lacquer dial by Kiichiro Masumura with Yamada Heiando Studio and presentation box

Circa 2011
39.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 155,000 
€9,200-17,900
$10,300-19,900

Sold for HK$165,100

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November