Introducing the Chopard L.U.C. Quattro
To put it bluntly, nine-day power reserves don’t get the spotlight they deserve. In a world where we’re all quick to marvel at tourbillons and perpetual calendars, it's easy to overlook what is arguably one of the most practical feats in high-end watchmaking: not needing to wind your watch for over a week and still having COSC-level precision. Chopard gets it. And with the latest update to the L.U.C Quattro, they’re reminding us why this movement deserves a place on the horological Mount Rushmore.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Quattro movement, Chopard just dropped a refreshed L.U.C Quattro in ethical 18k rose gold, and the update is more than just a new dial color or some limited-edition engraving. The case has been completely reshaped, the dial layout refined, and the legendary four-barrel movement remains the same mechanical beast it’s always been, only now, it hides a little of its complexity under a cleaner, more mature aesthetic.
The Basics
Case: 39mm x 10.4mm, ethical 18k rose gold
Crystal: Domed, glare-proof sapphire
Movement: Manual winding L.U.C 98.09-L, 9-day power-reserve, COSC chronometer-certified, Poinçon de Genève
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Strap Options: Hand-sewn blue alligator leather with tone-on-tone stitching or brown calfskin with beige stitching
Price: Upon request (but expect north of $25K)
The Juice
Let’s start with what hasn’t changed because it’s what makes the Quattro so special in the first place. The L.U.C 98.09-L movement is an evolution of the original Quattro caliber, still built around four stacked barrels arranged in two pairs, totaling an absurd 1.885 meters of mainspring. That’s not a typo. It’s got almost two full meters of coiled energy, which, thanks to some clever engineering, translates into a full 216 hours of running time. And unlike many extended power-reserve watches, the torque remains consistent, meaning the accuracy doesn’t drop off a cliff on day seven. This is crucial for ensuring that it’s a certified chronometer.
Where things get interesting is the redesign. The case has been trimmed down to 39mm across and only 10.4mm thick, which, when you consider what’s going on inside, is almost miraculous. The new proportions wear significantly better on the wrist, especially for those of us who prefer something more understated in our dressier pieces. The vertical brushing on the sides of the case is a nice touch that adds some texture, while the polished bezel keeps things traditional.
Then there’s the dial. Previous Quattro models often felt a little busy, especially with the placement of the power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. In this new version, Chopard has moved the indicator to the back of the movement. That sounds like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in how clean the dial feels. The frosted blue finish, achieved through galvanic treatment, plays well with the rose gold Dauphine hands and herringbone hour markers. It's a refined, modern take without trying too hard.
Chopard could’ve gone with an openworked dial or added a gimmicky complication to commemorate the anniversary. Instead, they pulled things back. The dual purpose small-seconds and pointer-date complication at 6 o’clock is just fabulous. The result of this refinement and restraint is something that feels quietly confident, which, honestly, suits the L.U.C line more than anything flashy.
Final Thoughts
The new L.U.C Quattro is a perfect example of what happens when a brand sticks with an idea long enough to perfect it. Chopard didn’t just rest on its laurels—they improved the wearability, refined the design, and maintained the movement that made this watch a standout in the first place.
If you’re looking for a flex piece to turn heads at the club, this probably isn’t it. But if you’re the kind of collector who appreciates real watchmaking and engineering innovation wrapped in elegant aesthetics, the new Quattro might just be your next favorite under-the-radar grail. It’s thoughtful, it’s technically impressive, and above all, it doesn’t scream for attention. It just earns it.
link. Find out more about this watch here.