Just serviced by Chopard, this L.U.C. Pro One divers watch is super quality and suitably rare. Model reference 8912.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
These watches were available between 2003 and 2005, with a very Chopard price of $6,800. Later models had orange lume, so we can safely say this is towards the beginning of production. For comparison, an Omega SMP300 automatic divers watch was $1,895, and a Rolex GMT-Master II was $4,250, which helps explain why you do not see many Pro One watches. A fairer comparison may be the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms ($7,500) or the Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk II ($5,950) and more left field diver choices.
CONDITION
There is no doubt that Chopard is a premium brand, but in order to be considered a watch manufacturer they had to make their own movements rather than buy them in. So in 1996 development started on their in house movement, and only the in house watches carried the initials of Louis Ulysse Chopard, and you see the L.U.C. initials not only on the case back and crown, but also on the counterweight of the seconds hand. This Pro One uses a calibre L.U.C. 4.96, which has a microrotor made of 18k white gold and was chronometer rated. It also has twin barrels to give a longer power reserve of 65 hours. This watch has just been returned from Chopard from having a service, so is running well and under their warranty – the movement photo was taken before the service. The leather strap is used but the original item, and the original signed buckle is a thing of beauty. The lume is excellent, and the centre of the dial has a wave pattern that catches the eye nicely. The case has a few minor marks, as we insisted the case was not polished at service.
This watch will be supplied with the original presentation box, service papers and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 45.7 mm
Width without crown 42.7 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 51.0 mm
Case Thickness 13.3 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
