Faithfully pursuing its determination to push the limits of mechanical horology, Chopard unveils the new L.U.C 8HF Power Control model, an exceptional timepiece housing L.U.C Calibre 01.09-L equipped with a high-frequency (8Hz) escapement having 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, 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. 

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 its COSC-certified precision, this L.U.C 01.09-L movement is distinguished by the highly adaptable nature of its high-frequency escapement. It is indeed compatible with almost all existing L.U.C movements developed by the Chopard Manufacture, although it is currently reserved for special and exclusive versions. 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). 

L.U.C 8HF Power Control: new materials for a technological challenge

The new L.U.C 8HF Power Control takes on even greater character and technical sophistication thanks to a new design. Its movement is not the only element pushing the boundaries of technology. For this Power Control version, the 42 mm-diameter case graced with curves similar to the titanium version of the L.U.C 8HF now comes in high-grade black machined ceramic. The various production, assembly and design constraints relating to this material forced the Chopard engineers to entirely revise the case assembly. This model is water-resistant to 100 metres and presents a DLC-coated titanium case-band, allowing a broad bezel diameter, along with a ceramic crown at 4 o’clock bearing the L.U.C logo. This resolutely avant-garde model features monobloc matt black ceramic lugs and case-back, as well as a screw-down crown guard with the same finish. A sapphire crystal built into the half-closed case-back is positioned just above the high-frequency escapement, providing a chance to appreciate its finer details. 

On the black sunburst satin-brushed black dial, entirely in harmony with the matt ceramic and semi-matt titanium of the case, the date is in a pointer-type display between 5 and 6 o’clock, while the red small seconds hand at 7 o’clock travels far more smoothly than on an ordinary watch thanks to the high-frequency escapement and its 57,600 vibrations per hour. The approximately 60-hour power reserve appears between 9 and 11 o’clock. Generated by a single barrel, this remarkable power reserve represents a real feat, since a high-frequency escapement naturally requires more energy and may thereby imply a lower power reserve.

The L.U.C 8HF Power Control is teamed with a highly durable fire-retardant technical fabric equipped with a titanium pin buckle and is issued in a 250-piece limited series.