Unraveling the Art and Craftsmanship Behind Chopard L.U.C’s Exceptional XP Urushi Collection

The Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi collection is a spectacular fusion of horological precision and traditional Japanese artistry. Released earlier this year, this collection thrust Chopard, an iconic luxury timepiece brand, into the spotlight once more.

One of the defining elements of the XP Urushi collection comes in the form of nine intricate dials supervised by renowned Japanese artist Kiichiro Masumura, a living national treasure in his homeland. These dials are a testament to the ancient Japanese art of Urushi, a lacquer technique that uses the sap of the Urushi tree or lacquer tree found predominantly in Japan and China. The varnish, harvested only once a year in tiny quantities, is treated over a three to five-year period to create a highly durable and beautifully textured lacquer. This can then be applied in astonishingly thin layers to create unparalleled designs.

These timepieces feature nine distinct dials designed, painted, and adorned with gold dust under Masumura’s technical supervision, in collaboration with Yamada Heiando Company, an official supplier to the Emperor of Japan. Each dial narrates an element from Chinese natural philosophy, portraying the universe and fundamental elements like wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The last three dials feature a peacock, a red fish, and the jungle.

The watches are housed in an alluring L.U.C. XP timepiece, brilliantly thin at a mere 6.8mm, and encased in 18k rose or white gold. The striking designs are driven by the 29 jewel caliber L.U.C. 96HM, an exclusive in-house manufacture movement that purrs at a steady 4Hz frequency. The Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi collection redefines the boundless possibilities of watchmaking when meshed with rich artistic traditions.