By Jovan Krstevski
One of the most interesting news during Baselworld 2014 must be the Chopard L.U.C 8HF Power Control. When it was unveiled a couple of years back, the Chopard L.U.C 8HF (8 hz “High Frequency) contained the first movement with an ultra-high beat escapement (8Hz/57,600 beats per hour) to be chronometer-certified by the COSC.
Many details of this new 8HF are very similar to the previous version, except now the 42mm and 11.2mm thick case, which comes in black high-grade ceramic (original was titanium) and comes along with a ceramic crown at 4 o’clock bearing the L.U.C logo. This is also a “power control” model, in other words, there is a power reserve indicator on the dial.
There is a black titanium ring clamped between the high-grade ceramic bezel and case. On the black sunburst satin-brushed dial, date window is in a pointer-type display between 5 and 6 o’clock, while the red small seconds hand at 7 o’clock sweeps exceptionally smoothly thanks to the high-frequency escapement.
Running at an impressive frequency of 8 Hz or 57,600 beats per hour. The high frequency of the sophisticated Calibre 01.09-L-outruns the competition when it comes to the beats per hour (conventional mechanical movements beat at half that frequency or less), which helps it keeps excellent precision in timekeeping and reliability by increasing the “dullness” of the balance, making it more stable and less prone caused by external factors like impacts and shock.
Despite the high frequency of the movement, it still manages to generate 60 hour of power reserve by a single barrel. The silicon parts used in the Calibre 01.09-L, namely the impulse pin, lever, escape wheel, are interchangeable with the same components in other Choprad L.U.C movements.
The case-back, forming a matt black mono block together with the lugs, is half closed and features a sapphire window in the case-back displays the hi-beat balance wheel (escapement), providing a chance to appreciate it. This model is also water-resistant to 100 metres.
The L.U.C 8HF Power Control is fitted with a highly durable and fire-retardant technical fabric, which comes equipped with a titanium pin buckle and is limited to 250 pieces. For more info, please visit chopard.com
Jovan Krstevski – Founder, Proprietor & Executive Editor
Watch collector, aficionado and an Event profile in the Swedish nightlife. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches. ’ His passion jump started in his early teens, when he was given his first mid-range wristwatch which was an Omega Seamaster. Since then he has always been in love with wristwatches!
