The Chopard Alpine Eagle Chrono is more eye-catching than ever on an integrated rubber strap
Borna BošnjakChopard has long produced complicated and/or highly decorated pieces in their L.U.C collection as well as sport-oriented watches like the Mille Miglia, but a space was open for a model to bridge the gap between the two. This is where the Chopard Alpine Eagle steps in. Following in the footsteps of the 1980s St. Moritz, it brings about an air of quiet, athletic luxury with notable, refined touches. The Chopard Alpine Eagle Chrono steps up the sporty appeal over the time-only variants, offering more function packed in a hunky case.
Swirls and texture
The dials of the Alpine Eagle have been a standout across the collection. With their swirling, iris-like texture, and especially so in the electric Aletsch blue colourway, they’re a sight to behold. Chopard adds further texture with circularly grained sub-dials, though the effect is pleasingly subtle and does not take away from the main attraction. The chronograph sub-dials are symmetrical, while the running seconds at 6 o’clock is reduced in size, all the sub-dials being slightly sunken in. A tachymetre scale moves from its traditional position on the bezel to a narrow rehaut, yet manages to stay surprisingly legible despite its steep angle.
The applied indices give further depth to the dial, and are stylistically matched by the handset in colour and shape, while the chronograph hands are all finely red-tipped. My only quibbles are the Roman numeral in place of a 12 o’clock index and the 4:30-positioned date window (though the latter is at least colour-matched to the dial).
XL is the name of the game
With 44mm in diameter and 13.2mm in height, the Alpine Eagle Chrono does its damnedest not to remain unnoticed, helped by the brilliance of Chopard’s lucent steel A223. Not only is it extra shiny, it’s also sourced with ethics and the environment in mind, which has been a constant across all of Chopard’s metal-sourcing endeavours. It’s supposedly 50% harder than regular steel, and offers anti-allergenic properties, all of these features thanks to the re-smelting process the steel undergoes.
It’s not all pure innovation, however, as Chopard pays tribute to the predecessor of the Alpine Eagle – the St. Moritz – with its eight distinctive screws positioned along the four cardinal points of the case, and the compass-like inspiration extending to the crown that features a compass rose relief. The rest of the case adopts an angular, faceted look, with many interchanging polished and vertically brushed surfaces.
What’s new with the Alpine Eagle Chrono is the integrated rubber strap, which makes the whole package appear sportier, and is sure to take some weight off the wrist, too. Though less obvious in the rubber strap-equipped model, the St. Moritz inspiration extends to the bracelet too, with a raised, polished centrelink acting as a feature line down the length of the bracelet.
Flyback functionality
The automatic flyback chronograph movement inside the Alpine Eagle Chrono is Chopard’s 03.05-C calibre. The fully integrated movement offers up to 60 hours of power reserve, and features some pleasant, though certainly not OTT finishing. Fine côtes de Genève are visible on the bridges and rotor, while circular graining adorns the mainplate.
Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono pricing and availability:
The Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono is available now. Price: A$28,200
| Brand | Chopard |
| Model | Alpine Eagle XL Chrono |
| Reference Number | 298609-3003 |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm x 13.15mm |
| Case Material | Lucent steel A223 |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Aletsch blue, stamped brass |
| Strap | Integrated ruber strap |
| Movement | Chopard 03.05-C, automatic, column wheel flyback chronograph, 60-hour power reserve |
| Price | A$28,200 |