Introducing Chopard Unveils the L.U.C Full Strike Spirit of the Warrior

Chopard has long stood at the pinnacle of Swiss Haute Horlogerie, uniting mechanical mastery with a poetic sense of craftsmanship. Since the creation of Chopard Manufacture in 1996, the brand has pursued excellence through innovation, integrity, and beauty. Under the vision of Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard’s approach to watchmaking reflects both technical rigor and deep artistic expression. For more than four decades, Scheufele has nurtured a fascination with Japan, drawn to its philosophy of craftsmanship, humility, and discipline.

This year, the brand introduces the new L.U.C Full Strike Spirit of the Warrior, a one-of-a-kind timepiece that fuses the precision of Swiss watchmaking with the soul of Japanese tradition. This unique creation reinterprets Chopard’s celebrated minute repeater through the lens of the samurai spirit, where every engraved detail tells a story of honor, courage, and mastery.

Crafted entirely from 18-carat ethical white gold, the case serves as a canvas of intricate hand-engraving, depicting scenes from Japanese folklore and samurai symbolism, including oni (ogres), guardian lions, and patterns inspired by traditional armor such as kebiki-odoshi cords. It measures 42.5 mm in diameter and 11.55 mm in thickness. The crown, engraved with a peony motif symbolizing strength and honor, complements the matching bezel.

The openworked dial, also made of 18-carat ethical white gold, centers around the menpō mask of a samurai, a powerful motif inspired by Edo-period armor. The mask’s fierce expression and blackened engravings embody loyalty and discipline. Gilded Dauphine fusée-type hands mark the hours and minutes, while two concentric power-reserve indicators at 2 o’clock display the energy of both the movement and the minute repeater. A railway-style minute track is engraved on the sapphire crystal.

At its heart beats the L.U.C Calibre 08.01-L, a hand-wound movement composed of 533 components. Developed and produced entirely in-house, it operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and provides a 60-hour power reserve.

The calibre powers a patented minute repeater system in which the gongs and sapphire crystal form a single monobloc structure, a groundbreaking innovation that produces crystal-clear resonance. It also features multiple patented safety mechanisms, including a disengagement system for the strikework pusher to prevent misuse during chiming, and a dedicated barrel for the striking mechanism. Together, these ensure each chime is delivered with perfect clarity and consistent volume.

All bridges and plates are crafted from 18-carat ethical white gold and richly engraved with motifs inspired by waves and mythological creatures. The watch comes with two refined straps, one in red and black kimono fabric, echoing its Japanese inspiration, and another in hand-sewn black alligator leather. Both are secured with a folding clasp in engraved 18-carat ethical white gold.

The L.U.C Full Strike Spirit of the Warrior is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation, and its price is available upon request.

For more information, visit Chopard’s official website.