Introducing: Chopard's Zagato Lab One Concept, the Brand's Lightest Titanium Watch Ever
This groundbreaking timepiece, unveiled at the Retromobile classic car show in Paris, is a collaboration between Chopard and Zagato, renowned for their craftsmanship in both watchmaking and automotive design. The result is a masterpiece that redefines the boundaries of lightweight luxury.
A Revolutionary Design
Weighing a mere 36.5 grams without a strap, the Chopard Zagato Lab One Concept challenges the notion of what a watch can be. By eliminating traditional features like dials and fully formed cases, it prioritizes weight-to-power, showcasing the marriage of cutting-edge horology and innovative design.
The movement's mainplate serves as the dial, adorned with the Zagato "Z" motif and rhodium-finished chamfers. A fuel-gauge-inspired power reserve indication, hours, minutes, and a 60-second tourbillon ( housed in an aluminum carriage) are elegantly displayed.
A Collaboration of Legends
This watch is part of the Mille Miglia collection, symbolizing the synergy between Chopard, a sponsor of the historic car race, and Zagato, the Italian coachbuilding design studio. While this collaboration is not the first, it embodies the spirit of pushing boundaries, reminiscent of concept cars, in both watch and car design.
Lightweight Innovation
The watch's tubular architecture is evident in its hinged lugs that rotate to 45 degrees and the case itself. The ceramicized titanium structure, created through electroplasma oxidation, boasts a hardness of 1000 Vickers and scratch and shock resistance comparable to ceramic. Despite its thickness of 11.5mm, the case weighs only 36.5 grams without a strap and 43.2 grams with it.
A Timeless Movement
The L.U.C 04.04-L movement, dating back to 2010, seamlessly blends automotive design with advanced horology. With a COSC certification, 60-hour power reserve, stop-seconds function, and a Variner® balance with a Phillips terminal curve, it remains an impressive 16 years later.
Limited Edition Excellence
Limited to 19 pieces, this collaboration is a testament to exclusivity. While the price remains undisclosed, it promises to be a more affordable option compared to other lightweight watches, such as the Richard Mille RM 27-05.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Chopard
- Model: Zagato Lab One Concept
- Reference Number: 168636-3001
- Diameter: 42mm
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Case Material: Ceramicized titanium, beadblasted and anthracite-colored
- Dial Color: Anthracite-colored ceramicized titanium mainplate with Zagato "Z" motifs
- Indexes: None
- Lume: None
- Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: Technical fabric with hook-and-loop fastener or calfskin leather with engraved pin buckle
Caliber: L.U.C 04.04-L
Functions: Hours, minutes, 60-second tourbillon, power reserve, stop-seconds
Diameter: 30.60mm
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 4 Hz
Jewels: 29
Chronometer Certified: Yes, certified by COSC
Additional Details: Ceramicized titanium tourbillon bridge, Variner® balance, and hairspring with Phillips terminal curve
Price: On request
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 19 pieces
For more information, visit: [Link to Chopard's website]
