Chopard

WEC Porsche Team #17 driver, Brendon Hartley just got one and it looked on his wrist sooo cool.

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.

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!

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