2017 Chopard Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster Limited Edition Urushi Watch: Experience a Masterpiece of Ancient Craftsmanship

　　True to its annual tradition, this yearChopard watchescontinues to focus on the Chinese zodiac, launching the new limited-edition L.U.C XP Urushi "Year of the Rooster" special edition watch. On 2017 Year 1 Month 28 Day, the Chinese Lunar Year of the Rooster officially begins, making the rooster the decorative theme for the dial of this extraordinary Urushi watch. The dial is hand-painted in Japan by Urushi lacquer masters, combining this ancient artisanal masterpiece with the ultra-thin, exquisite new L.U.C watch.

　　As is customary, Chopard launches a new L.U.C XP series Chinese zodiac limited-edition watch every year, bringing together the traditional essences of Switzerland, China, and Japan into a single timepiece. Switzerland is represented by Chopard's high-end L.U.C watchmaking and its beautifully decorated, prestigious ultra-thin movement; Japan showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of precious Urushi lacquer art combined with mother-of-pearl marquetry; while Chinese culture is displayed on the dial adorned with a golden rooster motif. The three elements merge into the new L.U.C XP Urushi "Year of the Rooster" watch.

　　In the Chinese zodiac, the "Rooster" represents a divine messenger whose crowing heralds the dawn and scares away evil spirits. It is said that people born in the Year of the Rooster are honest, frank, bright, and lively. They are energetic, resilient, never give up, and are always full of drive and perseverance. Eloquent and eager to offer good advice, they possess innate leadership qualities and decisive execution capabilities.

　　Continuing ancient techniques

　　In the traditional Japanese art of Urushi, the raw lacquer is extracted from the resin of the 'Urushi' tree, requiring meticulous harvesting, ageing, and processing before it can be used. Once prepared, the lacquer is applied in extremely thin layers. Urushi masters embed custom-cut, microscopic pieces of mother-of-pearl into the layers, adding an iridescent shimmer and brilliance to the dial of the L.U.C XP Urushi 'Year of the Rooster' watch. The golden rooster on the dial appears majestic, head held high with full plumage, set against a sunrise backdrop. The irises beside it symbolise good fortune, with eight bundles in total, as 'eight' is considered an auspicious number.

　　These techniques require rigorous and delicate craftsmanship, mastered only by senior artisans with years of experience who have dedicated their lives to refining this craft, perfecting every movement. This artisan spirit and virtue is precisely the philosophy upheld by Chopard. As with previous L.U.C XP Urushi watches, Chopard collaborated with its loyal partner, Yamada Heiando, the official lacquerware supplier to the Japanese Imperial Household, to create this precious dial. They worked in conjunction with Japanese Living National Treasure and master lacquer artist Kiichiro Masumura, who designed and supervised the production, with the dial hand-painted by master lacquer artist Minori Koizumi.

　　Exceptional mechanics rooted in Swiss watchmaking tradition

　　The fusion of precious, profound Oriental artistry with prestigious high-end Swiss watchmaking defines the Chopard L.U.C watchmaking craft. This extraordinary dial is housed within an L.U.C XP case, where the slim profile and perfectly proportioned bezel elegantly frame the Japanese Urushi master's work of art, powered by the high-performance L.U.C 96.17-L movement.

　　This ultra-thin, in-house automatic mechanical movement by Chopard features a micro-rotor crafted from 22K gold, integrated into the movement to balance slimness with functionality. The movement is equipped with twin barrels, providing a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. The movement is finished to the highest aesthetic and technical standards: bridges are decorated with Côtes de Genève, with chamfered and polished edges and polished screws, the result of strict requirements and long-term dedication. This is the core spirit of the L.U.C manufacture, committed to creating the finest watches, consistently striving for perfection in both aesthetic design and symbolic significance. A hand-stitched black alligator leather strap adds a touch of ultimate elegance, showcasing the unique refined character of every watch in the L.U.C collection. These horological masterpieces with extraordinary decorative details are perfect for the modern gentleman who appreciates distinction.

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