The high-tech recycled steel is now available in a larger collection of watches
Lucent Steel first appeared in Chopard's Alpine Eagle when it was launched in 2019. A hardy steel alloy composed of 80 per cent recycled materials, the proprietary Lucent Steel is more resistant and more luminous than standard steel. Its creation is part of Chopard's ongoing initiative towards sustainable luxury, which kickstarted with Fairmined gold sustainably and directly sourced from small-scale miners.
After building a solid presence in the Alpine Eagle, the surgical quality steel now appears in a larger collection of models from the feminine Happy Sport to the Mille Miglia chronographs.
Read more: Key highlights from Watches & Wonders 2023
But first, there is a new Alpine Eagle showcasing the brilliance of the alloy via a chronometer-certified wristwatch with a small seconds counter at 6 o'clock. Powered by the L.U.C 96.40-L movement that measures only 3.3mm thick, the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS boasts the Chopard twin technology that offers a power reserve of 65 hours. Aesthetically, it stands out for its "Monta Rosa Pink" dial with a pattern that recalls the eagle's iris. The gold hands are coated in Grade X1 Superluminova, which is 60 per cent more luminous than traditional Superluminova.
At Watches & Wonders 2023, Chopard unveiled a couple of L.U.C timepieces crafted in Lucent Steel: the L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph and the L.U.C 1860. The former is a chronometer-certified flyback chronograph with a green dial and is limited to 25 pieces. The latter is a revival of the original L.U.C watch with a salmon guilloché dial; at 36.5mm, it personifies classic elegance with a robust automatic movement fitted with a gold micro-rotor.
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