Heading into Halloween we’re sure to be seeing a fair few terrifying timepieces, but for Chopard it’s more Coco than The Exorcist. The Swiss watchmaker is celebrating Mexican Day of the Dead in style with a unique high complication, the L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of ‘La Santa Muerte’.
Dedicated to the Saint of Death himself, this is far from a morbid momento mori. Dia de Los Muertos is a glorious celebration of life as much as death and Chopard’s tribute is as much a celebration of craftsmanship as cold mechanics.
The dial is, as you’d pretty much expect, a classic Mexican Calavera skull dominates the dial, complete with a set of grinning, mother-of-pearl teeth and a healthy moustache that doubles as a tourbillon bridge. The skull itself is hand guilloched into gold and covered with black lacquer, complete with floral swirls.
Powered by Chopard’s COSC certified L.U.C 02.15L calibre, the skeleton’s eyes double as the perpetual calendar, showing 24 hours and days on the left, months and power reserve on the right. The seconds are squirreled away at 6 o’clock, rotating in time with the hidden tourbillon.
The decoration doesn’t stop on the sugar skull itself of course. In fact, the entire rose gold case has been embellished with Aztec patterns, more skulls and the occasional sombrero. It’s over the top and we love it.
Inside, it’s a stunning piece of horology that allows Chopard’s haute horology LUC manufacture to flex its muscle; outside it’s an eccentric, flawlessly embellished tribute to Mexico’s most famous holiday. No matter which you look at, it’s one impressive watch – which is why it’s also a unique piece.
Price & Specs:
- Model name: Chopard L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of ‘La Santa Muerte’
- Dial/Case: Guilloche gold, black lacquer with floral swirls, mother-of-pearl teeth
- Movement: L.U.C 02.15-L calibre (COSC certified)
Power reserve: 9-days - Price: TBC
More at: www.chopard.com
