Chopard L.U.C 16/1860/2, Silver Guilloché Dial, Yellow Gold

Opening Context
The L.U.C 16/1860 is where Chopard’s modern watchmaking story truly begins. Introduced in the late 1990s, it marked the brand’s transition into a fully fledged manufacture, with movements designed, produced, and finished in-house. Named after founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard and the year of the company’s founding, this reference set the tone for everything that followed in the L.U.C collection—refined aesthetics, high-level finishing, and a quiet confidence that placed it firmly within the world of serious watchmaking.

Why This Reference Matters
The 16/1860/2 is distinguished by both its movement and its dial. The silver guilloché dial brings classical texture and depth, paired with applied yellow gold indices and dauphine hands that reinforce its traditional character. The small seconds and date at 6 o’clock are integrated cleanly, preserving the dial’s symmetry. Inside, the automatic calibre 1.96 is the real highlight. Featuring a micro-rotor and twin-barrel “Twin” technology, it delivers approximately 65 hours of power reserve while maintaining a slim profile. Finished to Geneva Seal standards in early examples, the movement reflects Chopard’s serious intentions from the very beginning of its manufacture era.

On the Wrist
At 36.5mm in yellow gold, the watch wears with classical proportions that feel closely aligned with traditional dress watch sizing. The case is slim and balanced, allowing it to sit comfortably and discreetly on the wrist. The warmth of yellow gold complements the guilloché dial beautifully, while the black leather strap provides contrast and formality. It feels elegant, composed, and very much in the spirit of late 20th-century high watchmaking.

Condition & Transparency
This example features a 36.5mm 18K yellow gold case with silver guilloché dial, applied yellow gold hour markers, dauphine hands, and small seconds with date at 6 o’clock. It is fitted to a black leather strap secured by an 18K yellow gold pin buckle and powered by the automatic Chopard calibre 1.96 with approximately 65 hours of power reserve. As always, details regarding condition, service history, and set completeness should be communicated clearly and only on the basis of confirmed information.

Why It Belongs in a Collection
The L.U.C 16/1860 belongs in a collection that values the origins of modern independent manufacture watchmaking. It represents a pivotal moment for Chopard and offers a level of movement finishing and design coherence that rivals more established names. For collectors who appreciate micro-rotor movements and the quieter evolution of high horology in the late 20th century, it is a particularly meaningful piece.

Closing
The L.U.C 16/1860/2 is compelling because it reflects a beginning done properly. With its finely executed movement, classical guilloché dial, and balanced proportions, it remains one of the most honest and enduring expressions of Chopard’s watchmaking ambitions.

Specifications

• Case Size: 36.5 mm
  
• Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
  
• Dial: Silver Guilloché Dial with Applied Yellow Gold Index Hour Markers and Dauphine Hands, Small Seconds Sub-dial at 6 o’clock and Date at 6 o’clock
  
• Strap: Black Leather Strap with 18K Yellow Gold Pin Buckle
  
• Power Reserve: Approx. 65 Hours
  
• Movement: Automatic (Calibre 1.96)

Shipments are delivered under Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) terms, with duties and taxes payable by the recipient.