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BUBEN&ZORWEG

presents the new Python V8

Snakes grow by shedding their skin; the Python V8 from theHouse of BUBEN&ZORWEG grows through innovation: carbonplays a major role in contemporary design, hence the appearanceof the Python in a refined carbon look – as a design element anda highlight with particular aesthetic appeal. The subtlety with which carbon as a design element has been integrated in the overall concept is a matter of course for a masterpiece of refined craftsmanship from the House of BUBEN&ZORWEG.

A precision mechanical movement whose appearance is reminiscent of a sport scar's dials is at the heart of the Python V8. Four TIME MOVER® modules on the left and the right wind the precious timepieces of the passionate collector. A safety lock affords valuable objects protection whilst LEDs provide the right ambient lighting.

The “new” Python has grown to the extent that it can now be equipped with twelve TIME MOVER® modules instead of eight, whereby the additional set would in this case replace the clock at the centre.

CHOPARD

LUC WATCHES

L.U.C Tech Qualité Fleurier

Four years after presenting its first watch bearing the prestigious “Fleurier Quality Foundation” label, Chopard Manufacture once again rises to the multiple challenges of the extreme certification granted by this independent body, with a model belonging to its contemporary L.U.C Tech collection.

In 2005, Chopard Manufacture decided to submit one of its most famous models, the L.U.C watch, to the merciless scrutiny of an independent certification body. In a period that is witnessing a plethora of labels self-attributed by certain brands, the decision to have the quality of its timepieces officially guaranteed by a completely independent authority acknowledged as the most demanding of all testifies to an unusually daring approach within the watch industry.

Fleurier Quality: an extremely technical and demanding certification
The “Fleurier Quality” label is a guarantee of global quality granted by the Foundation bearing the same name. At this highly demanding level of approval, each word and each stage are of the utmost importance. The Fleurier Quality Foundation is an independent certification organisation created in 2001. It is open to all Swiss and European watch brands and operates under the control of a Technical Committee and the Council of the Foundation. The independence and thus the objectiveness of these two bodies is guaranteed by the support of Swiss public authorities, including the Swiss Federal Government.

The certification process encompasses a series of steps aiming to guarantee not only the precision of the watch movement, but also its reliability, its durability, and the quality of its aesthetic finish. After the movement itself, the finished watch is also tested in simulated wearing conditions – hence the notion of global quality.

The precision of each movement is tested by the benchmark in this field, the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the only authority in Switzerland entitled to award the much-coveted title of “chronometer”. During the two weeks of testing that put the movement through its paces in five positions and at three different temperatures, its variation in rate must not exceed the -4/+6 seconds range. Durability and robustness are tested by the “Chronofiable” protocol performed in a random manner on a representative batch of finished watches. The latter are subjected to test cycles involving ageing, heat, cold and damp, as well as repeated pull-and-push forces on the winding-stem, numerous pushbutton activations, magnetic fields and violent impacts. The entire procedure lasts three weeks, after which the smooth running of the finished watch is tested by a final test on the Fleuritest machine specially developed by the Fleurier Quality Foundation to recreate as faithfully as possible the conditions endured by a watch worn on the wrist for 24 hours. The variation in rate is optically tested by a camera linked to a computer and must fall within the range of 0 to +5 seconds per day.

Only timepieces having successfully passed all these tests and equipped with movements meeting the aesthetic finishing criteria are deemed worthy to receive the “Fleurier Quality Foundation” certification.

For the second time in its history, Chopard Manufacture is choosing to present a new watch bearing this prestigious label. This model belongs to the L.U.C Tech collection, designed right from the time of its introduction to represent the best of both worlds, since it is firmly rooted in the noblest watchmaking traditions governing the entire L.U.C collection and expressed here in an ultra-contemporary manner.

L.U.C Tech Qualité Fleurier
The new L.U.C Tech Qualité Fleurier naturally embodies the wealth of this dual nature. Its 18-carat white gold case is water-resistant to 30 metres and inspired by a historical watch launched by Chopard in 1950. Its highly distinctive shape is underlined by lugs that are welded rather than stamped, a token of authentic horological refinement. Its slender bezel exquisitely highlights the dial crafted in 18-carat solid gold, a genuine rarity. The latter is adorned with applied numerals arranged on an anthracite circular-brushed base that accentuates their radiance. The openworked dial centre reveals part of the L.U.C 9.96 self-winding movement and enables one to admire the various finishing techniques: brushing, polishing, Côtes de Genève. The movement is also visible through the sapphire crystal case-back. It comprises two “Twin” type stacked barrels, a technical feat accomplished by Chopard Manufacture that endows it with a 65-hour power reserve. The watch shows the hours and minutes, along with small seconds at 6 o’clock. This exceptional model proudly displays its two distinctions: the “chronometer” label awarded by the COSC and appearing on the dial; and the “Fleurier Quality” logo engraved on the movement.

The exceptional level of quality represented by the L.U.C Tech Qualité Fleurier is matched by its rarity, since it is issued in a limited numbered edition of 250.


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