Jewellery and watches are what sell best on the Chinese market. Indeed, in 2018, the country accounted for 30% of spending in the luxury market, and this number continues to rise. Hence, major brands in the industry compete harder and harder to attract the attention of Chinese consumers.
Chinese travellers in Europe are important for tourism, because they are who buy most when travelling, since it is cheaper for them to buy in Europe than in China.
Chinese New Year (also known as the Spring Festival) is the most important celebration in the Asian country and in many of its neighbouring countries. This year will begin on 12 February 2021 and end on 31 January 2022. When celebrating Chinese New Year, those living in China often take holidays lasting anywhere between two weeks and a month and a half, making it the best time to travel to Europe to buy gifts for loved ones.
In this regard, Chopard is one of the major brands that participates in the festivities by coming out with new products. The Maison surprises connoisseurs again this year with a stunning, unique, elegant watch that embraces superior ancient Asian craftsmanship, the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Ox. It is a timepiece dedicated to the Year of the Metal Ox, an animal that, according to the Chinese horoscope, is favourable to harvests, wisdom and loyalty.
Its dial in Urushi, a special Asian lacquer made from the sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree, is crafted by Japanese lacquer masters to reveal a scene that evokes ancient labours, humble prosperity and timeless elegance. It also features gold, representing good fortune.
The 88-piece limited edition has an in-house LUC 96.17-L movement that has been entirely developed, produced and assembled at the Chopard High Watchmaking workshops. This self-winding mechanical movement oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a power reserve of nearly 65 hours thanks to Twin technology, a system invented by Chopard combining two coaxial barrels.
The undeniable centrepiece of this model is its dial, which is adorned with gold flakes that illuminate the background and shows the golden ox with straight horns harnessed to a cart made out of gold, mother-of-pearl and coloured lacquer.
Details of the watch
It boasts an 18-carat gold case and a crown in the same material. It is water resistant to 30 metres and set on a matte black alligator leather strap with hand-sewn matching tones. The timepiece indicates hours and minutes with a self-winding mechanical movement. Limited edition of 88 pieces.
