Chopard L.U.C 8HF High Frequency Movement

Kong · 2012-03-09T08:50:56Z

Explore the Chopard L.U.C 8HF, the first COSC-certified 8 Hz high-frequency watch. Discover its L.U.C 01.06-L movement, silicon escapement, and avant-garde titanium design.

Kong

WPS member · Chopard forum

13 replies5408 views6 photos

Kong's 2012 BaselWorld report on the Chopard L.U.C 8HF introduces a groundbreaking timepiece featuring the first COSC-certified 8 Hz high-frequency escapement. This article highlights Chopard's commitment to pushing horological boundaries, detailing the technical innovations and the L.U.C 01.06-L movement's enhanced precision and reliability.

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The latest offering from Chopard Manufacture, the L.U.C 8HF model, is definitely bound for the history books as the exceptional timepiece introducing the new L.U.C 01.06-L, the first ever movement with a high-frequency escapement to be chronometer-certified by the COSC. Beating at a frequency of 8 Hz - compared with 4 Hz for ordinary mechanical movements - meaning 57,600 vibrations per hour, this mechanical movement was conceived, developed and perfected by Chopard Technologies in Fleurier.

Faithfully pursuing its determination to push the limits of mechanical horology, Chopard unveils the L.U.C 8HF model, an exceptional timepiece housing the first high-frequency (8Hz) escapement to have successfully undergone the rigorous tests conducted by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), a token of excellent precision and reliability. In this respect, it is entirely in line with the tradition of chronometer certification dear to the L.U.C collection.

57,600 vibrations/hour, COSC certified
After several years of studies and development, the engineers and watchmakers of Chopard Technologies and the horological research division of the Chopard Group, have succeeded in perfecting a mechanical movement beating at a frequency of 8 Hz, meaning 57,600 vibrations per hour and meeting the most stringent Swiss watchmaking standards.

In addition to its COSC certified precision, this L.U.C 01.06-L movement is distinguished by the highly adaptable nature of its high-frequency escapement, since it is indeed compatible with almost all existing L.U.C movements developed by Chopard Manufacture – a major step forwards that further consolidates the coherent nature of the company’s Fine Watchmaking collection.

High Frequency for enhanced reliability
The primary value of high frequency in watchmaking applications lies in a significant improvement in the precision timekeeping properties of a calibre, particularly in terms of rate resumption and stability. A higher number of vibrations of the balance means less sensitivity to disturbances, and Chopard’s technology breakthrough takes on its full meaning when viewed from this angle. For if the choice of high frequency implies enhanced reliability and consequently increased precision, it is quite logical that a product comprising this added value should be duly recognised by an official certification.

In addition to ensuring greater reliability, high frequency – which naturally requires more energy – is in this instance associated with a remarkable 60-hour power reserve generated by a single barrel. In terms of materials, the engineers at Chopard Technologies decided to work with silicon for certain escapement components (impulse-pin, lever, escape wheel) and developed a new means of fixing silicon on steel (patent pending).

Avant-garde design
Entirely in keeping with the futuristic movement housed within, the 42 mm-diameter case of the L.U.C 8HF model is made of titanium. It is water resistant to 30 metres and distinguished by its crown at 4 o’clock, also in titanium and bearing the L.U.C logo.

The date appears in a pointer-type display at 5.30, while the red small-second-hand at 7 o’clock travels far more smoothly than on ordinary watches thanks to the high-frequency escapement and its 57,600 vibrations per hour. The resolutely avant-garde case features titanium monobloc lugs and caseback with a matt finish. A magnifying glass built into the half-closed case-back is positioned just above the high-frequency escapement, providing a chance to appreciate its finer details.

The L.U.C 8HF model is teamed with a hand-sewn matt black alligator leather strap with a cognac-coloured alligator lining, fitted with a titanium pin buckle. It is issued in a first 100 pieces.

Technical Details

Case
• Titanium caseband
• Titanium bezel
• Titanium crown with L.U.C logo: 6.50 mm
• Titanium monobloc matt black caseback with integrated lugs and magnified window revealing the high-frequency escapement
•Total diameter:                    42.00 mm
• Thickness:                        11.47 mm
• Water resistance:                30 m
• Glareproofed sapphire crystal

Movement
• Mechanical self-winding:      L.U.C 01.06-L
• Diameter:                             28.80 mm
• Thickness:                           4.95 mm
• Number of jewels:               31
• Frequency:                          57,600 A/h (8 Hz)
• Power reserve:                    60 hours
• Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève
• Chronometer-certified (COSC)

Dial and hands
• Silver-grained dial with black small seconds counter
• Rhodiumed hour and minute hands
• Red small seconds hand

Functions and displays
• Central hour and minute hands
• Small seconds at 7 o’clock
• Date window at 5.30 with red arrow

Strap and buckle
• Hand-sewn matt black alligator leather with cognac-coloured alligator lining
• Titanium pin buckle

Ref. 161938-3001 First pre-production series of 100

Press Release

Key Points from the Discussion

While the L.U.C 8HF movement is of high interest for its technological advancement, the watch's aesthetics, including the small seconds placement, printed indexes, lug shape, hands, and crown, are not easily approachable and require more time to appreciate.
The claim that high frequency implies enhanced mechanical reliability is debatable; while it improves accuracy, its impact on mechanical reliability is questioned.
The design, particularly the date window layout, is a point of contention, with some finding it aesthetically unpleasing despite appreciating the technical innovation.
The use of silicon for escapement components in the 8Hz movement raises questions about materials needed for even higher frequencies, such as 10Hz.
Breguet already offers 10Hz movements, indicating a broader industry trend towards higher frequency escapements.

The Discussion

AlexSunrise

Mar 9, 2012

Kudos for another great technological advancement in the sake of precision and chronometry. Looking forward in learning more about it. Best, Alex

CaliforniaJed

Mar 9, 2012

Congratulations, and thank you, Chopard. I cannot wait to see it! Best, CaliforniaJed

Kong

Mar 11, 2012

will have to ask the Team. Very likely, they have tested and comfortable with the reliability at 8Hz. Kong

ling5hk

Mar 12, 2012

For 8Hz, silicon escapement is used. I can't imagine what material will be used for 10Hz. The titanium case looks well polished. It reminds me of PSM's Marin 1. Kong, I can't stand the date window lay out on the dial. Personally, I think it is ugly. Regards Ling

Mark in Paris

Mar 12, 2012

very disturbing in the mean time. The mouvement seems of a very hight interest but I must add that the aesthetics of this watch is not so easy to approach. The place of the small second dial, the printed indexes, the shape of the lugs or the hands, the crown ... I'll need more time but I'm very appealed and I'll be glad to see it in the flesh. Best, Mark Edit : an idea of the price ? This message has been edited by Borale on 2012-03-12 15:19:21

Ginger

Mar 17, 2012

still need to be convinced about the design. I love funky, and don't mind the placement of the subseconds, but from the photos the placement of the date just looks wrong. Look forward to seeing it in the metal sometime, or perhaps just waiting for future models or developments. Ginger

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