Chopard introduced a new reference for its young model family, Alpine Eagle, in the sport-chic segment. The new model, which draws attention with its 8Hz frequency movement as well as its titanium material, is limited to only 250 pieces.
Sport-Chic, the concept we know as the luxury sports watch, continues to rise in the world of watches. This trend, born with the design of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak by the famous watch guru Gerald Genta in the 1970s, also represents the most mediatic face of today's luxury watch culture.
In the Sport-Chic concept, it is possible to come across dozens of models of many brands in different price ranges. Undoubtedly, one of the most important reasons for this situation is that this concept does not actually have a significant production difficulty. The basic features that define Sport-Chic are a bold, sporty but neither too thick nor too wide case (it must be steel for Purists), efficient water pressure resistance for all seasons and activities, and, of course, an elegant yet comfortable integrated bracelet. As you can see, you don't need any high complications or above-limits durability.
Of course, this situation gives rise to many examples inspired by the signature details of the first models. Although there is a perception that those few models are extensively copied at first, in fact, these affordable examples allow the concept to spread to the base while fueling the popularity of their high-priced variants.
One of the luxury brands in this segment is Chopard. Alpine Eagle collection, inspired by the iconic St. Moritz model family introduced in the 1980s, has been decorating Chopard catalogs since 2019.
The young model family, which was also the base model for our latest Horobox Limited Edition project with its unique dial color, expands with a new version today. The eye-catching model, which draws attention with its titanium material and cutting-edge technology movement, is under the spotlight.
The new model comes with a 41mm diameter and 9.75mm high case. However, this time, the case is made of Grade 5 titanium alloy, which stands out with its ultra-light and wear-resistant properties. I would like to add a short editor's note here; I find the versions of the models in the Sport-Chic concept produced using alternative materials very successful. It doesn't seem acceptable to me, especially nowadays, that these types of watches, which were bought with significant amounts of money, are filled with signs of wear due to use.
There are sapphire crystals with an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the case. Therefore, you can enjoy watching both the dial and the movement. Like other models in the Alpine Eagle series, the Cadence 8HF is waterproof up to 100 meters.
A titanium bracelet complements the stylish case. The stainless-steel version of the bracelet was very comfortable. I believe the titanium version will elevate this comfort to a higher level.
Another distinguishing feature of the new reference is its dial. The dial, sharing the same elements as the previous models in terms of design, stands out with its galvanic patinated and sunray patterned background on a brass base. The dial is finished in a gray tone that the brand calls Vals Grey. This color, which gives the model a monochrome appearance along with the distinctive, slightly dark gray hue of titanium, is named after the village of the same name in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, known for its quartzite tile roofed houses.
The dial is another distinctive feature with two reference-specific details; the "8 HZ Chronometer" lettering under the Chopard text and the dynamic arrow logo unique to hi-beat Chopard models. The dial, which has baton hands, an arrow-shaped seconds hand, and baton indexes (12-hour marker in Roman numerals), has a date window at 4:30. One of the most distinctive features of the Alpine Eagle series is undoubtedly the pattern used on the dial floor. To appreciate the eye-catching appearance of this three-dimensional pattern, which is inspired by the eye of the Alpine Eagle, it is a must to see the watch live.
Among the details of the model, the movement deserves an article of its own. Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF Titanium takes its power from the manufacture Caliber 01.12-C. The highlight of the caliber is the high-beat operating frequency, 8Hz (57.600vph), as emphasized on the dial. The automatic movement offers a power reserve of up to 60 hours when fully wound.
While most mechanical wristwatches generally operate at frequencies ranging from 2.5Hz to 4Hz, higher frequencies of 5Hz and above are considered to be more stable and precise. Chopard, which has been working in this field for many years, launched its first hi-beat model in 2012. Equipped with the L.U.C 01.06-L movement, the L.U.C 8HF was an experimental model with an 8Hz beat rate. That model was followed by the LUC 8HF Power Control in 2014 and the Superfast Power Control Porsche 919 HF in 2017, respectively.
The list price for the model, which is limited to only 250 units, is CHF 19,000. Considering the prestige of the brand, the history of the collection in the world of watches, and the aesthetic and technological details specific to the model, I think the figure is quite reasonable. Of course, if you can find one.
