Lighter than air: launch of the new Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF Titanium
The manufacturer celebrated the 25th anniversary of Fleurier’s watchmaking industry with the limited-edition, high-frequency, lightweight version of the modern sports watch Alpine Eagle.
When Chopard launched Alpine Eagle in 2019, the brand came at the right time. The old decree on when and where to wear stainless steel sports watches disappeared. Alpine Eagle’s design is inspired by Chopin’s St. Moritz in the 1980s. Yes, it is sometimes sad to think that watches of that era are considered retro, but time is moving forward, and a new generation of enthusiasts are entering the design of that era.
Alpine Eagle was an immediate success. Today, Chopard ushered in Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF In titanium. Through the use of new materials and enhanced movement, the Alpine Eagle story is pushed forward. The reason why this brand can make such a move is because of its independent manufacturing in Fleurier. Coincidentally, it is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2021.
Fly like an eagle
Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF In titanium continues the tradition of the intersection of cutting-edge and classic design. It combines the comfort of titanium with the power of an elegant and robust mechanical device. In addition, this 41 mm diameter timepiece is equipped with one of the most advanced chronometer movements launched by Chopard Workshop-Chopard Calibre 01.12 C. This high-frequency escapement vibrates 57,600 times per hour (8 Hz), which is twice the automatic movement of a normal movement.
To achieve maximum accuracy in a lightweight watch, a high-frequency movement is required. It is also an aerodynamic movement with a thickness of only 9.75 mm. Finding a balance between comfort and performance is not an easy task. But it will be described in detail later.
Differential equation
Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF has many attributes of its predecessors. At first glance, you might mistake it for the Alpine Eagle Large in Lucent Steel A223. In addition, there are other 41 mm models in the series. But when you examine the parts in the metal, you can find the difference, titanium is distinguished by a darker color. It also feels less cool, but it feels more comfortable to the touch.
The satin-brushed bezel, the middle of the case and the wide bracelet links will make fans who like the Alpine Eagle design specifications feel at ease. The center cover of the link and the bevel of the case are polished, and the eight slotted screws are set at a position tangent to the circle of the bezel. Due to the robustness of titanium, the wearer does not have to worry about wear and scratches.
Eagle has landed
Many other luxury elements make Alpine Eagle surpass most sports watches. The sunburst dial of the watch, which Chopard calls the “Eagle Iris” pattern, is a tribute to the steely gaze of the majestic bird of prey. In Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF, Vals Gray is inspired by a Swiss village of the same name in the canton of Graubunden, which is famous for houses with quartzite tile roofs. The hue of this limited edition is painted by hand, making each dial unique and once again distinguishing it from other products in the Alpine Eagle series.
The rest of the displays are also very attractive. The minute track is minimalist, with bar-shaped hour markers and Roman numerals at 12 o’clock. There are two inscriptions on the dial: “8 HZ Chronometer” that appears under the brand name and a unique arrow-shaped logo reserved for Chopard high-frequency watches.
The layout of the movement also has some emotional satisfaction. Fortunately, the transparent sapphire crystal case back shows the H8F heartbeat of Alpine Eagle Cadence. This watch represents another crossover point-between the LUC premium watch series and the sporty Superfast series.
new beginning
One of the benefits of this internal evolution is that Chopard can use the characteristics of monocrystalline silicon to optimize the ability to move at 8 Hz. This lightweight, self-lubricating material is used for pallets, escape wheels and impulse pins—basically, any parts subject to a lot of friction. In turn, this eliminates the need to use traditional lubricants to extend the life of the movement.
The lightness and tribological properties of silicon allow watchmakers the freedom to develop escapements dedicated to high frequencies without consuming energy. This is how the automatic movement 01.12-C provides a 60-hour power reserve. replica automatic watches