Chopard Zagato Lab One Concept: A Revolutionary Watch Prototype
Imagine a timepiece that challenges conventional boundaries between horology and automotive innovation—this is precisely what Chopard has achieved in collaboration with Zagato. Their latest creation, the Lab One Concept watch, isn’t designed for mass appeal; instead, it serves as a bold testament to the heights of creativity and craftsmanship that can be attained in watch design, materials, and construction. No room for compromises here! To truly grasp the extent of this visionary approach, we must delve into the specifics of its design and fabrication.
Innovative Tubular Architecture
This striking watch, featuring a 42 mm case, veers dramatically from the typical watch design. Drawing inspiration from the tubular chassis found in racing vehicles, its unique structure adeptly distributes mechanical stresses while ensuring maximum rigidity and durability.
Crafted from ceramized titanium, a lightweight material weighing in at only 43.2 grams with the strap, this watch is designed to resist wear and tear effectively. The electroplasma treatment enhances its hardness to approximately 1,000 Vickers, providing remarkable scratch resistance without compromising on weight.
Instead of conventional lugs, the design incorporates self-locking tubular loops that can pivot up to 45 degrees, accommodating a more comfortable fit on the wrist. The crown is tastefully adorned with an engraved motif reminiscent of a steering wheel. Accompanying the watch are two straps: one made from technical fabric featuring a Velcro closure and another crafted from calf leather, both equipped with buckles made from ceramized titanium. Additionally, the watch boasts a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters.
Time Display Inspired by Automotive Culture
In place of a traditional dial, the watch showcases the mainplate of the movement, embellished with the iconic "Z" logo from Zagato in raised relief. This integrated approach fosters a unified industrial aesthetic, beautifully complemented by rhodium-plated chamfers.
The skeletonized hands are evocative of racing steering wheels, while the power reserve indicator positioned at 12 o’clock resembles a fuel gauge, reinforcing the automotive theme. At 6 o’clock, the tourbillon adds to the dynamic allure, creating the impression of a continuously moving mechanism akin to a high-performance engine.
An Ultra-Light Movement
At the heart of this extraordinary timepiece lies the L.U.C 04.04-L movement, meticulously designed and manufactured entirely by Chopard. This movement embodies the philosophy of the Engine One caliber introduced back in 2010, with each component crafted to minimize weight without sacrificing precision.
Both the mainplate and bridges are fashioned from ceramized titanium, a rare choice for mechanical movements, particularly those featuring a tourbillon. This manual-winding movement is COSC-certified and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph). It consists of 207 components, includes 29 jewels, offers a 60-hour power reserve, and features an aluminum cage for the tourbillon. To cushion against shocks, the movement is mounted on four lever arms paired with silent elastomer dampers, a design concept inspired by the suspension systems found in high-performance vehicles.
Rarer Than a Supercar
This exceptional timepiece is not only a marvel of engineering but also an ultra-limited edition with only 19 pieces slated for production. Available exclusively through Chopard, the watch carries a price tag of 130,000 CHF (approximately €137,000), solidifying its status as both a coveted collector's item and a showcase of cutting-edge technology.
Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Case | 42 mm, ceramized titanium, tubular architecture, 43.2 g |
| Thickness | 11.15 mm |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Dial | Ceramized titanium mainplate, raised Zagato “Z” logo, skeleton hands |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Movement | L.U.C 04.04-L, manual, tourbillon, 28,800 vph, COSC certified |
| Tourbillon | 60-second, aluminum cage |
| Straps | Technical fabric (Velcro) and calf leather, ceramized titanium buckles |
| Price | 130,000 CHF |
| Availability | Limited edition of 19 pieces, only available at Chopard |
What do you think about the fusion of automotive design and watchmaking? Is this approach groundbreaking or merely a marketing gimmick? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
