A world first: the Chopard L.U.C. Triple Certification Watch

Written by: Vanessa Formato

Chopard has achieved a feat that was previously unimaginable in the watchmaking world with its L.U.C Triple Certification Tourbillon Watch. As the timepiece’s name suggests, this watch has received three prestigious certificates from the most well-respected watch authorities, making this watch perhaps the most well-crafted and reliable one in history.

The three certifications that this Chopard watch received are the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, abbreviated as COSC) certificate,  the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark and the Fleurier Quality Foundation label. Each certificate assessed different aspects of the watch’s technical quality.

The COSC certification judges whether watches can be considered chronometers, and the COSC is the only organization that may bestow that title. The testing involves 15 days of tests where the watch is monitored in varying conditions, like different positions and temperatures, to see if it maintains accuracy.

To receive the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark– also known as the Geneva Seal– watches must meet a variety of technical requirements over 12 criteria ranging from craftsmanship to movement construction to the integrity of the materials.

The Fleurier Quality Foundation label can only be achieved by subjecting watches to a rigorous series of tests that, above all else, determine the timepiece’s long-term durability. The tests last for 21 days and are meant to simulate six months of everyday wear. The watch is subjected to different levels of humidity and wrist movement simulations. It must also prove that it can endure a certain amount of impact. This certification is very difficult to obtain.

While Chopard’s watches have received these certifications individually in the past, it is the first time that any of their watches have received all three simultaneously. This is an accomplishment that watchmakers of a similar caliber are yet to achieve. No other watch created by another other brand has received all three certifications.

The  L.U.C Triple Certification Tourbillon is not purely a functional piece. Chopard has successfully married form and function with this particular watch, featuring 18-carat rose gold, bold Roman numerals and an alligator leather band.

Only 100 of this record-breaking watch will be produced and the price is yet to be announced. For the supreme quality that buyers will receive, it is safe to say that this it will be worth the investment, a piece that will be passed down for generations.