Endowed with an impressive interior to match its equally dazzling exterior, the new Imperiale Tourbillon Full Set embodies a concentrated blend of watchmaking and jewellery expertise – Chopard’s twin domains of excellence. Its chronometer-certified tourbillon calibre bearing the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark is housed within an 18-carat case and dial entirely set with diamonds and illustrating almost the entire range of gem-setting techniques.Chopard clearly preferred not to choose between making this a watch or a jewellery creation. The new Imperiale Tourbillon Full Set crystallises the full measure of the brand’s expertise in the two fields on which it has built its reputation. The breathtaking gem-setting work is a virtuoso demonstration of jewellery-making skills; while the L.U.C 02-14-L movement entirely designed, developed and crafted in hand is equipped with a tourbillon, a complication rarely seen on ladies’ models. The overall result is a blend of Haute Joaillerie and Haute Horlogerie that sets a new benchmark in the field of complicated feminine watches.Respect for horological traditionBearing the famous Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark – an acknowledged token of craftsmanship and respect for horological tradition – the hand-wound L.U.C 02.14-L calibre is equipped with four stacked and series-coupled barrels. This patented Quattro® technology ensures over 9 days (216 hours) of autonomy and a constant regularity of rate that enables this Imperiale Tourbillon Full Set model to meet all the standards required to earn the chronometer certificate awarded by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). It drives the hour and minute hands, the small seconds visible on the 1-minute tourbillon visible at 6 o’clock, as well as a power-reserve indicator magnificently highlighted at 12 o’clock in an arc set with baguette-cut diamonds and amethysts.Snow settingThe 18-carat white gold dial is set using the snow setting technique, which is particularly hard to master because it combines brilliant-cut diamonds of varying diameters. It is also adorned with a row of baguette-cut diamonds and a power-reserve indicator set with amethysts. The white gold crown features baguette- and briolette-cut diamonds, while oval-cut cabochons and baguette-cut diamonds adorn the bezel, lugs and bracelet. Finally, at 6 o’clock, surrounded by amethysts set amid an ocean of white lights, the tourbillon bridge reflecting the distinctive motif of the Imperiale collection is held in place by four screws with amethyst-set heads – a refined detail representing yet another unique characteristic.This Imperiale Tourbillon Full Set is water-resistant to 30 metres and radiates a truly regal bearing with its generous 42 mm diameter. The case-back is fitted with a sapphire crystal and engraved with the inscriptions “Imperiale”, “Tourbillon” and “Chopard” – all representing exclusive hallmarks of a truly exceptional timepiece.
