Chopard 16/1902-1003 L.U.C XP – White Gold

When it comes to dress watches, the Chopard 16/1902-1003 L.U.C XP in white-gold, provides an admirable lesson in understated elegance.

An elegance that is only available to an ultra-thin dress watch. No diving or chronograph watches need apply; you are way too bulky!

Only a dress watch has the gravitas that epitomises the highest standards of Swiss watchmaking.

This paragon of horological refinement is crafted from white gold and has a reassuring weight when on the wrist. It sits very comfortably, being just under 40mm in diameter, and at just 7mm thick, it won’t interfere with your “double-cuffed” bespoke shirt from Jermyn Street!

The dial has a fabulous sunburst Grey finish which catches the light “just-so”. It features highly polished white-gold 3-6-9-12 Arabic markers and baton sub markers. Depending on what these highly polished indices are reflecting changes their colour markedly. If you look at photo’s 2 & 3 above, in #2 the face is reflecting a black card and in #3 it is reflecting a white card. The dial is complemented by white-gold Dauphine hands.

Simplicity rules here, and it looks stunning.

The mechanical self-winding micro-rotor L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts an incredible 65-hour power reserve. This is thanks to a Chopard-patented system that combines two coaxial barrels. Chopard calls this “Twin Technology”, and represents a truly remarkable technical feat in light of how slim the movement is at just 3.3 mm deep! This watch has just completed a full service, so is running as it should.

Again, the white-gold case back follows the same simple design principles as the rest of the watch. No need for elaborate engravings or a display back.

No, plain white gold is just fine.

Finally, a lightly used and original black leather strap with a white gold buckle compliments this watch beautifully.

The original Chopard presentation box comes with the watch too.

So, there you have it, what we think is one of the best looking dress watches out there. From one of the best watchmakers out there too.

What’s not to like?