L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Monkey watch
Chopard has been creating timepieces utilizing the ancient art of Urushi for several years now. This year, the brand brings the specialty paining technique to the forefront in its L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Monkey” watch, with a dial created using Japanese decorative lacquer.
The lacquer is harvested from sap only once a year and is very rare.
The varnish, or lacquer, is made from sap that is harvested from the Urushi tree just once a year. The Urushi technique is coupled with the art of Maki-e, wherein gold dust is applied via a thin bamboo tube. The painting is designed and supervised in Japan by “living human treasure” Master Kilchiro Masumura, and is executed by Master Minori Koizumi of Yamada Heiando, official purveyor to the Japanese Imperial family. The monkey is shown gathering peaches — which is believed to bring good luck.
The 39.5mm watch houses the self-winding ultra-thin (3.30mm thick) L.U.C Caliber 96.17-L with twin barrels and 65 hours of power reserve. Prices have not yet been established. You can read more about the watch on our Perfect Timing column at Forbes.com.
