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Chopard 8HF: A New Age of Timekeeping?

ant
I became a Chopard enthusiast about 10 years ago.
I was in Singapore and saw an advert for the upcoming Steel Wings skeleton tourbillon. I was astonished by the cutting edge visual design.
So smitten that I ordered one of the limited edition of 5 pieces. Previously I had never splurged so much on a watch.
This one was different, so very special.
When the watch was delivered my faith was fully justified, it was easily as spectacular as the photos suggested. Unfortunately there was a slight technical problem. Much to my astonishment Chopard's Grand Fromage, the inimitable Karl-Fredrich Scheufele, got involved with fixing it.
He is a charming charismatic figure. What I didn't know was that he has an artists vision and a passion for pure watchmaking that is the driving force
behind the Chopard product range. The problem was completely solved and I now had a new friend. You never know where things will lead but this
was as unexpected as they come.
Since then I have owned several wonderful Chopard masterpieces (artworks?). The quality has been exceptional and the understated elegance a
wonder to behold.
Last year I saw pictures of their 8HF and knew that I really wanted to have one. An email to KFS was sent and, yes!!!, I would get one of the limited
edition of 100. The idea of the 8HF is that a very high frequency escapement will enable far better timekeeping. The technical problems of making a
reliable 57,600 bph escapement are huge: lubrication, mass and wear. And I would bet a whole list of other hidden technical hurdles that  I would have
never imagined.
The year wait for my masterwork passed ( it did seem like a long time) but three weeks ago I took delivery.

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Timekeeping:

This is what this watch is for and it surpassed my greatest expectations. I had expected accuracy but ….wait for it! …. In three weeks, it has lost, in total, 4 seconds. That is an accuracy rate of about 0.2 seconds a day. Incredible!

I find this hard to believe as I am sure you do. This was my method of judging the time keeping. Three weeks ago, I set the 8HF as exactly as possible with my radio controlled clock. So + or – 0.5 seconds roughly. Measured today, it reads about -4 (relative to the clock). What more can I say, its unbelievable and my brain has been reformatted!

Bravo team Chopard!



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Comments:
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MervC March 1st, 2013-05:13
Very nice! Very nice! I have a question about the 3 week/4 sec accuracy. For the 3 weeks, how often was it worn? Daily? Also, Do indulge us with a few 'On the wrist' shots...if you can.. Merv
ant March 1st, 2013-06:30
Reply I wore and am wearing it for it for about 12hrs/day, then leave it, dial up (for no reason) overnight. I am pleased that you like it. All the best
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Ronald Held March 1st, 2013-14:45
interesting review. have others gotten the same... Performance as you have?
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G99 March 3rd, 2013-03:12
great review, great watch and good to see you posting here Ant look forward to seeing you next time we have a london meal. if you were there the other week my invite went to my old email address or i would have been there. best G
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Mark in Paris March 3rd, 2013-13:49
It could have been a watch made by indpendants for its orginial shape and unusual technical features. I'm not a Chopard guy, even if the L.U.C. familly seems very well finished and designed. But I still remember when this 8Hz was presented, I was really curious to learn more about this watch. I would ... 
ant March 3rd, 2013-21:12
KFS has the heart of an indie. I agree that the 8HF could be the work of an indie, perhaps that's what appealed to me. I believe that KFS studied Art at university. When I met him I was certain that he was a really creative guy who would always try to give his products an 'edge'. No co... 
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moc March 4th, 2013-15:28
Great post my dear ant.. All your passion for your new addition perspires in every word. A watch to acknowledge and to appreciate for sure,its performance is quite something. I must say its look is very captivating too. Luc watches are too underrated if you ask me,I think the ove... 
ling5hk March 6th, 2013-04:59
It keeps accurate time. I would prefer the dial without the date window. Regards Ling
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AlexSunrise March 8th, 2013-14:43
Superb addition, Ant! Really cool watch that highlights Chopard´s commitment to chronometry and excellence. Needless to say, the fact that you have a friendship with Mr. KFS makes this watch even more special and personal. Enjoy it profoundly, and please share more pictures or... 
optionc March 10th, 2013-00:10
Super technical Hey Ant, Nice one. I've been eyeing it as well. Glad it lived up to your expectations. Op
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AndrewD
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A visit to the Fleurier Quality Foundation

AndrewD
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The Foundation Qualit Fleurier (FQF) certification is an independent quality assurance program which examines everything from materials and aesthetics to finish and performance. The FQF was launched in September 2004 after three years of research and testing. There are several requirements of the Quality Fleurier: Watches must be conceived, produced, assembled and tested in Switzerland. Raw materials may be sourced from outside Switzerland but must be processed within the country.


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