The Black-Dial Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF Titanium (Live Pics)

A descendant of the St. Moritz model of the late 1970s, Chopard’s Alpine Eagle collection winged its way into the luxury sports watch scene in 2019. Now a fully fledged collection, the Alpine Eagle welcomes a second iteration of its 8Hz high-frequency movement on board the Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF in titanium with a black dial with vibrant orange accents.

High-frequency movements are considered to improve the precision and stability of movements. Chopard’s experimentation with high-frequency materialised in 2012 with L.U.C 8HF, followed by the 2017 Superfast Power Control Porsche 919. The Alpine Eagle received a high-frequency movement in 2021.

Sporty and fast

Like the 2021 edition, Chopard unveils another 41mm chronometer with a modest thickness of 9.75mm and the robust yet lightweight properties associated with titanium. While most Alpine Eagle watches are made of Lucent Steel or ethical gold, the Cadence 8HF models are produced in titanium, which is darker in colour but lighter in weight. The finishings are in line with other models, displaying a satin-brushed bezel, case middle and bracelet links, along with polished bevels, central case links and the eight screws on the bezel. Protected by crown guards, the 7mm screw-down crown with its engraved compass rose ensures the 100m water-resistance of the case.

Inspired by the patterns found in the iris of an eagle’s eye, the blank dial is stamped with an irregular striated pattern. The pitch-black colour of the dial provides a bold contrast to the applied elements. Differing from other Alpine Eagle models, this high-frequency watch dispenses with the Roman numerals at III, VI and IX and uses just one at XII, consolidating a sportier look. The applied hour markers and baton-style hands are treated with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova, and there is a date window perched at 4:30 with a black background and white numerals. Another difference is the precision-graduated minute track with alternating white and orange markings to match the orange central seconds hand with its feather-shaped counterweight and the squiggly arrow representing the high-frequency movement powering the watch.

HIgh-frequency calibre

Beating at twice the rate of standard automatic movements, the 8Hz frequency improves chronometry, and the precision of calibre 01.12-C is certified by the COSC. The transparent sapphire on the caseback offers a view of the automatic movement with a central rotor and a 60h power reserve. The use of monocrystalline silicon for components subject to high friction – pallet lever, escape wheel and impulse pin – eliminates the need for lubricants and improves the longevity of the movement.

The Black Dial Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF comes on a tapering titanium bracelet with a titanium triple-folding clasp reinforced with steel blades and safety pushers. The watch joins the permanent collection. Price to be confirmed – more information at chopard.com.