Chopard’s Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF is powered by a high-revving movement
Borna Bošnjak- The casual proposition in Chopard’s catalogue sports a high-beat 8 Hz movement
- Furthering the sporty characteristics, the Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF is cased in grade 5 titanium
- The 01.12-C in-house calibre retains its place from the 2019 limited edition 8HF in this regular-production release
Although the Alpine Eagle collection is home to bold, sporty pieces, Chopard’s Watches & Wonders 2023 efforts seem to be focused on honing the refined edge of this line-up. Alongside two stunning L.U.C pieces, the headlining feature was the ultra-thin Alpine Eagle 41 XPS, housing an L.U.C micro-rotor movement, and this – the Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF. Four years on from the first instance of a high-beat movement inside an Alpine Eagle, which was a limited edition of 250 pieces, we finally see it in a regular production format. The Cadence 8HF retains the muted grey tones of its mixed-finish grade 5 titanium case, though now sports a new black dial with sporty orange accents.
Chopard and high-frequency movements go back more than a decade, beginning with the L.U.C 8HF, which took the title for the first COSC-certified high-beat watch. Its unique design was quite far removed from the look L.U.C is known for today, and Chopard recognised that the high-beat nature would be better suited in a sporty watch. The Superfast Power Control Porsche 919 HF followed in 2017, before an 8HF movement found itself in the aforementioned 2021 Alpine Eeagle Cadence 8HF. The latest iteration of this fast-flying Alpine Eagle ramps up the sportiness of its predecessor, replacing the swirly silver dial and tone-matched hands with a high-contrast black-on-orange look. The eagle iris texture of the dial is still here, as is the feather-shaped counterbalance to the now orange seconds hand. Controversially positioned at 4:30, the date window is colour-matched to the dial, while the indices are rhodium-plated.
Among the more attractive propositions of the Alpine Eagle is its slender profile – the Cadence 8HF coming in at 9.75mm. Combined with a 41mm diameter and integrated bracelet design, its grade 5 titanium construction makes perfect sense in a sporty scenario. The crown is emblazoned with a compass rose and screws down, ensuring 100 metres of water resistance.
Though the motoring analogy of high-revving engines may not directly translate to watch movement technology, I still think it kind of works. In cars, more revs equals more power, and with watches, a higher frequency means better accuracy. With more beats per second, the average rate of the 01.12-C calibre is improved, as is its isochronous rate recovery. Chopard has developed this movement to be able to withstand the higher beat rate, most notably by manufacturing much of its escapement in silicon, also allowing for a high 60-hour power reserve. The pallet lever, escape wheel and impulse pin are all made of the self-lubricating and anti-magnetic material, allowing Chopard to eliminate additional lubricants, making for better longevity.
Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF pricing and availability:
The Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF is available now. Price: US$20,300
| Brand | Chopard |
| Model | Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF |
| Reference Number | 298600-3020 |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 9.75mm (T) |
| Case Material | Grade 5 titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Dial | Stamped black sunburst, galvanic treatment |
| Crystal(s) | AR-coated sapphire front and back |
| Strap | Grade 5 titanium integrated bracelet |
| Movement | Chopard 01.12-C, 57,600 vph, 8 Hz, COSC, silicone escapement |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$20,300 |