The Chopard L.U.C Full Strike watch successfully avoids this obstacle because the sapphire crystal is directly connected to the gong, and the two form a solid whole. It is it that vibrates and excites the surrounding air, forming an ideal amplifier for the beautiful sound of the L.U.C Full Strike platinum watch. Of course, the material from which the case is made also affects the sound. Like a violinist playing the same instrument with a different bow, the L.U.C Full Strike platinum watch sounds different from previous versions. However, since the crystal properties of sapphire, and the fact that the L.U.C Full Strike timepiece emits sound through the top of the watch, compensates for the inherent limitations of platinum, the material of the case does not affect the quality or intensity of the sound. This technical achievement has enabled Chopard to create a platinum version of the minute repeater of the same quality, after the brand released the rose-coloured 18K gold version in 2016 and the white 18K gold version in 2018 http://www.watchbuyoff.ru.
The dial of the L.U.C Full Strike platinum watch is based on a solid gold half-disk. It has a hollowed-out design with a snail-brushed bezel and is electroplated in a grey-blue colour, then embellished with rhodium-plated Roman numerals typical of the L.U.C collection. Power reserve, small seconds counter and rail-style minute track are pad-printed in white and black.
At 10 o'clock there are two hammers striking the sapphire gong. Their surfaces are completely mirror-polished, a quality that also highlights the craftsmanship of the rest of the movement. The two hammers are at the same height as the dial, condescending and unobstructed. Therefore, the avoidance of a clear demarcation between the exterior parts and the movement is justified in the design.
When the minute repeater lever is not fully depressed, the striking may not be complete and the time reading may be inaccurate. This is why the L.U.C 08.01-L calibre is equipped with a separate barrel, dedicated to striking the time. This barrel stores enough energy to ensure twelve full strikes for a maximum of one hour, i.e. 32 percussion tones are heard at 12:59 pm (twelve for the hour, six for the quarter-hour, Fourteen times for the remaining minutes). If there is not enough energy in the barrel to strike the strike, the chime will not be triggered. In addition, this separate barrel ensures constant force on each gong. Finally, this watch skips silent units of time with a subtle striking mechanism. That said, the L.U.C Full Strike watch has no silent pauses between the hours and the quarters, and between the quarters and the minutes. Instead, it delivers a smooth, natural, beautiful sound whenever it is.
The chiming power reserve of this movement is indicated by a longer hand at 2 o’clock on the dial, above which there is a bell. In the same area, on the adjacent reading scale, the slightly shorter hands indicate the movement's power reserve, which is 60 hours.
