The Stunning, Contemporary Chopard L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV in Ice Blue & Platinum

When Chopard launched the L.U.C Quattro in 2000, powered by the ultra-thin, manually wound Calibre 98.01-L, it announced itself as a serious force in the world of haute horlogerie. Calibre 98.01-L was the second movement developed entirely in-house by the Chopard Manufacture, following the groundbreaking Calibre 96.01-L, an innovative microrotor design created in collaboration with master watchmaker Michel Parmigiani. This year, Chopard celebrates the Quattro’s milestone with a refreshed, more contemporary version that stays true to the spirit of the original while refining its silhouette, dial, and finishing. Presented earlier this year in rose gold, this new platinum & ice-blue version, officially known as the L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV, elevates the model to a new level of rarity and presence.

The Quattro’s claim to fame was its Quattro technology: four stacked mainspring barrels arranged in two pairs, delivering an exceptional nine-day (216-hour) power reserve in a movement only 3.7mm thick. Chronometer-certified and bearing the Poinçon de Genève, the L.U.C Quattro set a new benchmark for slim, high-performance manual-wind watches.

The first L.U.C Quattro, Ref. 16/1863, debuted in a classic 38mm case and has since evolved through various references and complications, including the remarkable L.U.C Quattro Tourbillon, the L.U.C Regulator, and the inventive L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25, which marked the Chopard Manufacture’s 25th anniversary with a jumping-hour display paired with the same four-barrel power reserve (see below). More recently, the L.U.C collection has embraced sleeker, more modern lines, as seen in the refined L.U.C Lunar One perpetual calendar and the more compact L.U.C XPS line. The new 2025 L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV carries forward this legacy with a dial layout that’s cleaner than ever, powered by the evolved L.U.C 98.01-L calibre.

The 2021 L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25 Jumping Hour…

… and it’s movement, with twin double-stacked barrels.

Chopard has reworked the Quattro’s case into a more compact, elegant profile that feels wonderfully balanced on the wrist. This new L.U.C Quattro version is offered in 950 platinum, adding a discreet sense of heft and presence that suits its refined character. Measuring 39mm in diameter and just 10.4mm thick, the new case seamlessly integrates with the streamlined aesthetic codes that now define the modern L.U.C line. It slips easily under a cuff but still feels substantial in the hand.

Its bassine shape, a subtle nod to the classic pocket watches made by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in the 19th century, combines a softly domed, polished bezel with vertical satin-brushed case sides, creating a pleasing contrast between surfaces that catch the light at every angle. A discreet engraved bee between the lugs, Chopard’s new signature for platinum pieces, adds a tiny flourish that collectors will appreciate when handling the watch up close.

The updated dial, crafted from brass with a rich sky-blue or ice-blue frosted finish achieved via PVD treatment, shimmers beautifully in changing light, giving the Quattro a fresh, contemporary energy without losing its classic poise. The applied herringbone-style hour markers and sharp Dauphine fusée hands, crafted from ethical 18k white gold, stand out crisply against the blue background, adding just the right touch of warmth and sophistication when viewed in person.

At 6 o’clock, a finely snailed subdial integrates both the small seconds and a hand-indicated date, keeping the dial perfectly balanced. One of the most welcome updates is the relocation of the power reserve indicator, previously located at 12 o’clock, to the back of the movement, which is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. This subtle change clears the dial for a cleaner, more elegant look when worn, yet still proudly displays the Quattro’s signature nine-day reserve for the owner to admire.

The L.U.C 98.09-L calibre remains a technical triumph and a true pleasure to study through the caseback, as finishing is outstanding. This slim, hand-wound movement, with 215 components, measures just 3.75mm thick but packs an impressive nine-day power reserve thanks to Chopard’s patented four-barrel Quattro system, which remains an industry benchmark for extended autonomy. The movement bears the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, is COSC-certified, and features a swan’s-neck regulator for fine-tuning. A balance spring with a Phillips terminal curve keeps amplitude steady as the power unwinds, and a stop-seconds function lets you set the time precisely — small touches that make this watch as practical to live with as it is rewarding to admire up close.

The Mark IV is offered on a hand-sewn, brown alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching, providing a suitable pairing with the platinum case. A second grey grained calfskin strap is included for a more contemporary look, yet a light blue one could also be a nice option. Straps are secured by a matching platinum pin buckle, which completes the watch’s discreet yet luxurious character. The L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV is available exclusively through Chopard boutiques, with a price of EUR 51,400.

For more information, please visit Chopard.com.