New for Baselworld 2019, Chopard adds another Quattro to its popular L.U.C line of ultra-luxury watch offerings. The L.U.C Chopard Quattro ref. 161926-1002 features a unique aesthetic that brings out a bit more of a playful vibe to its mostly dressy watch collection and, interestingly, straddles a fine line between “dressy” and “casual.”
Specifications
Brand: L.U.C Chopard
Model: QUATTRO Ref. 161926-1002
Dimensions: 43mm x 8.84mm
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Case Material: 18k white gold
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: L.U.C 98.01-L
Frequency: 28,800 VpH
Power Reserve: 216 Hours (9 days)
Strap/Bracelet: Brown alligator leather strap
Price & Availability: Limited to 50 pieces with a price tag of $25,800
Analysis
The design of the new Quattro is very similar to last year’s model with some aesthetic changes that I feel bring out a slightly sportier touch to an otherwise ultra-dress watch. Last year’s model introduced the well-received brushed-satin finish of the dial plate, and this year it gets a splash of color. Looking through the press images, the watch looks like a muted blue, but according to the press information and hands-on images, it is really more of grayish-green. When matched up against the polished bezel with satin-brushed case-siding, it makes for a bolder wrist presence.
As for the dial and layout, this watch appears to be superbly legible. One difference I noticed from the last version of this watch is the inclusion of lume on the hands instead of the skeleton nature of its predecessor — further increasing legibility on a watch with a colorway that could allow for lost hands in lower light. The only qualm I have with the dial is that the seconds hand and pointer date on the subdial are the same color, making it difficult to differentiate between them at a glance.
Flipping the watch over is the real treat here. I’ve always found the finished L.U.C 98.01-L to be one of the best-looking movements Chopard produces. The Geneva striping on this movement is nothing short of stunning and is a testament to the amount of effort put into watches bearing the Poincon de Genève Seal (which this watch does). While the striping, polished screws, jewels, and chamfered edges are impressive, so are the technical feats involved. The watch features a dual set of stacked barrels that allows for the watch’s nine days of power reserve in such a small package. Interestingly, it still beats at 4-Hz, making it an even more impressive technical achievement.
Conclusion
Overall, this L.U.C Chopard Quattro ref. 161926-1002 makes for a formidable dress watch for someone looking for a bit more wrist presence than your average Seamaster. For most, 43mm is too large to be considered for the dress category, but as Ariel points out in his hands-on article linked above, the fit is just right for the casual-dressy market. The hefty price tag puts this watch right in the middle of some heavy-hitting competition, but because of its arguably unique look, I don’t foresee this watch having a hard time finding its audience. To learn more, visit chopard.com.
