Chopard 8HF: High-Frequency Chronometry

ant · 2013-03-01T03:27:02Z

Discover the Chopard 8HF, a limited edition timepiece with a 57,600 bph escapement and exceptional accuracy. Explore its technical innovations and unique design.

ant

WPS member · Chopard forum

17 replies6143 views15 photos

Ant, a long-time Chopard enthusiast, shares his journey with the brand, culminating in his acquisition of the Chopard 8HF. This article delves into his personal connection with Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and his detailed impressions of the 8HF's groundbreaking accuracy. Readers will gain insight into the technical marvel of high-frequency escapements and Chopard's unique position in haute horlogerie.

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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.

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!

Key Points from the Discussion

The Chopard 8HF stands out for its original shape and unusual technical features, prompting curiosity even from those not typically drawn to Chopard, and its 100-piece limited edition status makes it particularly exclusive.
The 8HF is noted as the first ultra-high frequency watch to achieve COSC certification, highlighting Chopard's technical prowess in overcoming the challenges of lubrication, mass, and wear in a 57,600 bph escapement.
Despite Chopard's in-house calibers, cutting-edge technology, and fair pricing, the brand lacks an iconic design universally associated with it, unlike competitors with models like the Royal Oak or Calatrava.
Chopard's association with 'Happy Diamonds' and 'Happy Sport' quartz watches, while commercially successful, tends to overshadow its significant horological achievements and in-house manufacturing capabilities.
The watch's design is captivating, and L.U.C. watches are often underrated, with their overall quality and finesse comparable to top-tier brands.
The 8HF's design could be mistaken for an independent watchmaker's creation, reflecting Karl-Friedrich Scheufele's artistic vision and passion for pure watchmaking, which drives Chopard's innovative products.

The Discussion

MervC

Mar 1, 2013

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

Mar 1, 2013

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

Ronald Held

Mar 1, 2013

Performance as you have?

G99

Mar 3, 2013

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

Mark in Paris

Mar 3, 2013

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 really like to see it in the flesh, I didn't know it was a 100 pieces limited edition. Thank you so much for these high quality and numerous pictures. Did you leave you watch steady on a table during the test or did you wear it (I guess you left

ant

Mar 3, 2013

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 corporate speak from him. A mensch! (colloquial; a man of integrity and honour)

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