A new landmark: Chopard L.U.C 8HF Limited Edition

OK, pay close attention, an important new watch from Chopard has just been released. It’s the L.U.C 8HF model, definitely bound for the history books as the exceptional timepiece which introduces the new L.U.C 01.06-L, the first ever movement with a high-frequency escapement to be chronometer-certified by COSC. The new movement beats at a frequency of 8 Hz - compared with 4 Hz for ordinary mechanical movements. This means it beats at 57,600 vibrations per hour as opposed to 28,800. The movement was conceived, developed and perfected by Chopard Technologies in Fleurier.
 
The L.U.C 8HF houses the first high-frequency (8Hz) escapement to have successfully undergone the rigorous tests conducted by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute COSC.

57,600 vibrations/hour, COSC certified 

Following several years of development, Chopard engineers 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 compatible with almost all existing L.U.C movements developed by Chopard Manufacture.

 







High Frequency for enhanced reliability

 The key benefit 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.

The new movement also has a remarkable 60-hour power reserve generated by a single barrel.

 






Avant-garde design

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 seconds hand at 6 o’clock travels more smoothly than 28,800 vph watches thanks to the high-frequency escapement and its 57,600 vibrations per hour. 

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 watch comes on a hand-sewn matt black alligator leather strap with a cognac-coloured alligator lining, fitted with a titanium pin buckle. The watch with this new movement is limited to just 100-pieces.



 



Specifications


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: 30m
• 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 experimental series of 100