Words: Zoe Dickens
We’ve waxed lyrical about the merits of the Alpine Eagle – the latest sport-inspired timepiece from Chopard – before. You know the story. The Alpine Eagle is a modern reinterpretation of the St Moritz, the first watch Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (now co-president of Chopard) created for the brand back in the 1970s, when he was simply a bold and ambitious 22-year-old watchmaker.
And, with its chronometer-certified movement, Lucent Steel flanked case, integrated bracelet and deep blue and grey dials, the original Alpine Eagle is an undeniably beautiful watch. But, just like the man who designed it, the Alpine Eagle has evolved.
The latest addition to the Alpine Eagle family comes in the form of the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono. The clue is really in the name here: it’s big and it’s a chronograph. Specifically its a 44mm flyback chronograph available in three references – Lucent Steel with an Aletsch Blue or Pitch Black dial or bi-material Lucent Steel and ethical rose gold with a Pitch Black dial. While the blue shade is the same as that found on previous models, the black hue is a new addition to the range inspired by the intense darkness of the eagle’s mountainous habitat and both maintain the sunburst pattern reminiscent of an eagle’s iris.
The larger case size, as well as being increased from its predecessor’s 41mm to fit comfortably on a man’s larger wrist, is also necessitated by the three chronograph subdials found on the XL Chrono. A 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter and small seconds indicator are all powered by an in-house Calibre 03.05-C movement – a new mechanism for the house which has resulted in the filing of no less than four patents.
While we could get into the technicalities (if unidirectional gearing systems and vertical clutch modes are your thing you’ll find much to love in the XL Chrono), suffice to say that Chopard’s technical advancements ensure this new model is one of the most accurate and user friendly on the market. A case in point? The Alpine Eagle XL Chrono has a power reserve of 60 hours – an outstanding length of time for a traditionally power-hungry chronograph.
The additional complications have been achieved without sacrificing any of the original’s style either. The chronograph functions are operated by two right-hand pushers subtly integrated either side of the crown guards, preserving the sophistication and elegance of the Alpine Eagle while also making the chronograph easy to operate.
So should you think about upgrading? All we’re saying is it might not hurt to put it on your Christmas wish list…
Introducing Chopard’s latest collaboration, the L.U.C XP Il Sarto Kiton…
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