Alongside the new L.U.C. 1860 launched at Watches and Wonders 2023, Chopard is introducing a new chronograph to the L.U.C. lineup — the L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Chronograph. As the name suggests, this is a throwback model with plenty of vintage cues, albeit with the haute horlogerie execution you’d expect from any model in Chopard’s L.U.C. lineup.

Measuring in at 42mm, this new flyback chronograph is crafted from Chopard’s proprietary Lucent Steel, a material made from 80% recycled materials that’s differentiated from standard 316L stainless steel by both its increased brilliance and luminosity as well as increased dermo-compatibility. A nice touch for those with sensitivities to stainless-steel cases. The case shape is largely subdued and traditional in appearance, with two mushroom-shaped pushers and an oversized crown. This is a nice approach, as the case doesn’t distract attention from the dial, and, with Chopard, the dial is almost always the conversation starter.

For the 1963 Heritage Chronograph, Chopard opted for what they call an English-green dial. The dial features a sunburst pattern that radiates outwards from the L.U.Chopard logo at 12 o’clock. Chopard then contrasts the sunburst pattern with snailed concentric chronograph registers. The effect is dynamic and, frankly, gorgeous.

For the 1963 Heritage Chronograph, Chopard leaned into the British racing heritage of the colorway, opting for dual Arabic numerals graduated from 05-60 in lieu of hour designations. Contrasting against the green dial are rhodium-plated Dauphine fusée-type hour and minutes hands, along with a rhodium-plated sweep-seconds chronograph hand. What you won’t find on the dial, however, is a date aperture. Chopard decided to keep things clean and simple and it’s a move that’s paid off, as it’s hard to imagine disrupting such a clean dial.

The 1963 Heritage Chronograph features Chopard’s chronometer-certified in-house flyback chronograph movement, L.U.C. 03.07-L. This hand-winding movement features a column wheel, vertical coupling clutch, and flyback chronograph complication. Not surprisingly, movement receives all the bells and whistles when it comes to finishing, including rhodium-plated bridges, yokes, levers, and column wheel against a rose-gilt backdrop. You’ll also find circular graining on the base, straight-graining on the chronograph components, and Côtes de Genève finishing on the nickel silver bridges. Chopard ensures the movement is as functional as it is beautiful with COSC chronometer certification and an ample 60-hour power reserve. As another point of external validation, the 1963 Heritage Chronograph receives the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark.

The Chopard L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Chronograph is priced at $32,300 USD. For more information on Chopard and the L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Chronograph, please visit the brand’s website.