As per tradition, Chopard annually presents a new timepiece, inspired by the Chinese calendar. This year, it has added the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Tiger (Ref. 161902-5076) to its heritage. Limited to just 88 pieces, the watch has an ultra-thin case powered by Chopard’s L.U.C.96.17-L movement. 

The highlight of the timepiece is the Urushi Maki-e technique, which combines lacquering and gold dust that features on the dial. The Year of the Water Tiger will begin on 1 February 2022 and end on 21 January 2023 and in accordance to this, the dial features a tiger perched above a bay surrounded by cliffs, against a starlit background with claws out and jaw turned sideways, all created using the Urushi Maki-e technique. Chopard has worked with Japanese lacquer craftsmen to produce these dials using the technique, in specific lacquer artist Minori Koizumi of the century-old company Yamada Heiando, who has devoted no less than 160 hours per dial for this task.

The 39.5mm timepiece is crafted from 18-karat rose gold, and has a slim bezel; it measures just 6.80mm in thickness. The case is vertically satin-brushed, with a polished bezel and caseback, and is water-resistant to 30 mts. The exhibition caseback allows one to see the automatic L.U.C 96.17-L movement, with the 22-karat gold micro rotor, which is set into the movement rather than sitting on top, thereby creating a calibre that is thinner. The strong inertia ensures efficient winding of the dual barrels, and the movement offers a 65-hour power reserve and a 4 Hz frequency. The watch is finished with a hand-sewn blue alligator leather strap with nubuck lining.