KIH presents a hands-on review of the Chopard L.U.C 8HF Power Control, detailing his journey to acquiring this limited edition timepiece. Inspired by WEC Porsche Team driver Brendon Hartley, the author shares his personal experience, including his preference for a sporty nylon strap over the original alligator, and provides an in-depth look at the watch's technical and aesthetic qualities.
Gentlemen, and ladies. This is my final purchase of the year 2015, I proudly say, and I am so happy that this finishes my watch hobby of the year. I had known this model but it was really this moment that it got my attention quite a bit:
WEC Porsche Team #17 driver, Brendon Hartley just got one and it looked on his wrist sooo cool.
The following day before the race final, with better camera, he was really a nice young chap.
And please allow me to remind you of my post back then:
So, I just couldn't resist and I knew it was almost sold out (LE of 250) but asked Chopard Japan anyway to find one (with good number) and they got one for me. Great job, they found one.
First thing I noticed was the strap (sorry!). The watch is very, very sporty, but with Alligator strap just didn't match in my mind, so I started looking for sporty one, Black nylon like NATO type even before knowing whether the watch would be still available. And I found the strap what I had in mind and brought it to the boutique when they told me that they had found one:
See? There is something that didn't match for my taste with the alligator strap for this watch.
The one I brought in placed on the alligator strap to see how the nylon NATO type would look.
Not bad - in my mind anyway. Oops, PurisSPro special was next and I was, for a brief moment, torn between those two... ) Maybe next time....
So, long story short, I waited a week to pick it up (I did, on the day of Chopard Academy) and they changed the strap and checked inside-out.
Here is the day of the celebration!
Not bad with the "new" strap
The original strap is placed in the box bottom, kept new.
Ah, Christmas tree - yes, present for myself!
Now, the serious review section starts.
As you may know, "8HF" means 8 Hertz, meaning 16 beats per second=57,600 vibration per hour (vph). "Normal" modern watches are either 21,600 or 28,800, and those so-called "Hi Beat" is usually up to 36,000. Some traditional Chronographs, e.g. Datograph, Speedmaster, still use 18,000 vph movement, which makes sense as their minute index is usually divided by five.
An example - Datograph: minute track is divided by five so that it could measure 0.2 second, and 18,000 vph=5 beats per second makes perfect sense.
Anyway, 8HF is not a chronograph, but simply a three-hands watch (with power reserve) which aimed to be as accurate as possible with the super hi-beat movement and L.U.C title.
I tried to measure it with my cheapo timographer but it was up to 43200, so I couldn't check the actual accuracy.... So, from my about a month use, it looks like, when worn (important!), it gains between 0.5 and 1.5 seconds per day. As a mechanical watch, this one seems very, very good in the accuracy department.
Case is also what attracted me most - sandwich structure: top (bezel) and bottom are ceramic, while the center part is titanium.
The crown is ceramic (NOT cheapy rubber or plastic). The difference of the color between black ceramic and titanium (crown guard here) is not as prominent as you see in the photos below. These were taken under very bright condition and minor details were enhanced.
The lugs are ceramic. The ceramic bezel are very hard. I have banged it (as always...) on doors, drawer top, etc. all the time, but I couldn't find any scratch or ding, dent through the loup.
Although too much light here, the combination of the watch and the nylon strap is really, really good.
There are a lot more than meets the eye - dial finish, hands, index, etc..... Very, very well made. See below for "how".
As for the dial:
1. Power reserve meter
As you can see, it is painted and it seems to have been applied inks many times and it has thickness visible, and yet no leak from the white lines.
2. Prints on the dial.
As shown here, very, very well done. I don't know how many times it was printed but it certainly has 3D look.
3. Index:
Also, no flaw here. Each five minutes and hour/ minute hands have lumi on them. Good to know and useful. Note the center part of the dial is sort of flat finish while the index outer ring is machined (brush) finish.
4. Hands:
Look at the precisely made hand's tip and the very well balanced length of the minute hand.
5. Date:
Some may like it and some may not. I am on the camp of "no date", but this uniquely displayed date is "a-O-K".
Again, the main print on the dial and its thickness shown.
Let's see how this "red" is made - I believe the red color is applied on the edge of the glass, OR the gasket is red color. Very subtle and nice touch, giving sporty feel.
As mentioned, each 5 minute index, including this "60" has lumi.
Again, hands, the other side. Very well made and finished.
See the touch of "red" below the glass edge.
Also notice that the inner bezel or the index ring has been machined separately (brush finish) from the center part which has been polishing finished. Brush finish (round machined) goes for the small second subdial, too.
From the back, there is only a small window to see the balance wheel moving very fast. A part of the rotor is showing here.
Surely, we can't see most part of the movement but they have been properly finished. They don't cut the corner.
Interesting videos you might find useful
The very smooth, almost like Spring Drive small second.
And plese listen well in a quiet room of with earphones - beat sound comparison between low beat and this 8HF super hi-beat.
What I want to see change in this model:
- could give options (one more set of strap) for sporty look and a bit more dressy look.
- display back, please!
- date - maybe no-date version could be good.
But other than that, I really don't have complaint at all.
All in all, I am a very happy man - robust, tough, accurate, sporty/ nice looking watch, good for the weekend or off-time.
Wonderful watch.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, Chopard Japan and Chopard Geneva!
Best,
Ken
PS: A great new year to everyone!
This message has been edited by MTF on 2015-12-30 16:08:47
Key Points from the Discussion
The Chopard L.U.C 8HF Power Control is considered a 'Grail' watch by some, with its in-person experience living up to high expectations.
The high-frequency movement of the 8HF produces a distinct, faint 'tick-tock' sound that is notably different from lower-beat watches, enhancing its unique appeal.
The choice of a synthetic strap significantly changes the watch's aesthetic, making it sportier and highlighting the need for manufacturers to offer more alternative strap solutions for high-end timepieces.
The macro photographs reveal exceptional dial craftsmanship and hand finishing, with no visible 'tweezer marks' often found on watch hands, indicating high quality control.
The watch's sporty yet elegant appearance, especially with a NATO-style strap, makes it a versatile and well-constructed timepiece.
The off-center seconds hand and the smooth operation of the seconds subdial are particularly appealing features, contributing to the watch's overall cool aesthetic.
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The Discussion
RN
rnaden
Dec 28, 2015
It\'s a beautiful and sporty looking watch too. Wasn\'t aware of these ones, but they\'re nice looking and technically advanced. The date...I agree with you that it\'s good. Without it, the dial might appear to be a bit too empty. Congratulations on this for the the year closing. What does the new year hold? ;-)
CA
CaliforniaJed
Dec 28, 2015
FIrst, huge congratulations! This watch is an absolute winner in my book, and I have lusted after it for some time. Your detailed review and high resolution photography are very well done. Thank you so much for taking the time to walk us through this purchase. Iove that it was Brendon Hartley who convinced you to take the plunge! There is really nothing left to say except HAPPY NEW YEAR and ENJOY!!!! Best, CaliforniaJed
LU
Luis6
Dec 28, 2015
Is it possible for you to post a short video clip demonstrating the movement of the sweeping seconds hand? At a rate of 8 Hertz, I suppose it must must move almost as smooth as a Seiko Spring Drive.
CA
cazalea
Dec 28, 2015
Wow. I didn\'t realize it was 8 Hz. You have certainly changed your "inventory" this year, haven\'t you? Happy, happy? Mike
KI
KIH
Dec 28, 2015
Here is the small second video. .. and this is the video, but mostly the sound - listen well for a small sound. The first sound is from low beat watch (had to get it close to the mic of my digital camera, so you can't see the watch), and the second sound you hear is the faint sound of this 8HF beat. Let me know what you think! Ken
KI
KIH
Dec 28, 2015
The new year.... Hahaha. No one knows! Happy new year, my friend! Ken
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) Maybe next time....
