Introducing Chopard Launches the Zagato Lab One Concept

Before automotive inspiration became a widespread trend in watchmaking in the mid-2000s, Chopard was already translating mechanical performance into horological expression through its long-standing association with the Mille Miglia, where it serves as official timekeeper. Over time, this relationship evolved beyond visual cues into a genuine exchange of ideas, with lightness, rigidity, and functional design becoming shared objectives rather than stylistic references, as seen in the Classic Chronograph.

In its latest release, the brand collaborates with the Italian automotive design and coachbuilding atelier Zagato to introduce the Zagato Lab One Concept. Conceived as an ultra-light watch, it pushes Chopard’s technical experimentation further than any previous collaboration, combining a tubular chassis-style case construction with extensive use of ceramicised titanium across both the case and the movement itself.

The case adopts a tubular construction inspired by racing car chassis design, replacing traditional lugs with open loops that allow controlled articulation so the watch sits naturally on the wrist. Measuring 42 mm in diameter with a thickness of 11.15 mm, the case is crafted entirely from ceramicised titanium with an anthracite bead-blasted finish. The electro-plasma treatment hardens the surface to a level comparable to ceramic while retaining the low weight of titanium. Weighing just over 43 grams including the strap, it is the lightest titanium watch ever produced by the Maison. Water resistance is rated at 50 metres.

The dial abandons convention entirely, with the movement’s mainplate serving as the visual surface. Executed in anthracite-coloured ceramicised titanium, it is decorated with Zagato’s recurring “Z” motif in positive relief. Rhodium-plated logos for both Chopard and Zagato sit against the architectural backdrop. Openworked rhodium-plated hour and minute hands draw inspiration from steering wheels, while baton-style hands are used for the small seconds and power-reserve display. Time is indicated centrally, with the small seconds integrated into the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, while the power-reserve indicator at 12 o’clock adopts the form of a fuel gauge.

Powering the watch is the hand-wound L.U.C Calibre 04.04-L, developed specifically to support extreme lightness without compromising chronometric performance. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and delivers a power reserve of 60 hours. Its bridges and mainplate are crafted from ceramicised titanium rather than traditional nickel silver, reducing weight while increasing resistance.

The watch is offered with a fabric strap secured by a hook-and-loop fastener with a ceramicised titanium loop, as well as a calfskin leather strap fitted with a pin buckle. Produced in a strictly limited series of 19 pieces, the Zagato Lab One Concept is priced at CHF 130,000, approximately AED 621,500.

For more information, visit Chopard’s official website.