Hands-On With The Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chronograph

Given the present state of affairs, you possibly can be forgiven for having forgotten what it’s wish to journey. However, not flying out on a near-weekly foundation, helps remind you the place you truly went and when. It was final August that we went to Switzerland for the Geneva Watch Days occasion. Again then, there have been loads of watches that had been nonetheless underneath embargo and the Chopard Alpine Eagle XL is a kind of. 

The environment at Chopard was superb and relaxed as we had loads of time to have a look at all of the novelties. Proper subsequent to a nicely outfitted non-public bar we received a primary glimpse of the brand new Alpine Eagle XL chronograph watches. All three fashions had been obtainable, two in metal, and one in gold and metal.

Chopard Alpine Eagle XL

Though I often say that 40mm is the proper dimension for a watch, that doesn’t imply I don’t often discover smaller or bigger watches engaging. Sure, it usually takes extra for me to love them, however something exceptionally characterful or well-made stands an opportunity. Going as much as 44mm, although… That might take one thing fairly spectacular certainly.

Surprisingly, these dauntingly massive chronographs really feel fairly good on the wrist. Maybe it’s as a result of the case doesn’t have conventional lugs. The stouter lug-to-lug size than the 44mm diameter threatens is really a blessing and, I feel, the important thing to this design. The case design continues seamlessly into the bracelet. Though it appears to be like good, there’s one downside. This lug model doesn’t (but) permit for a distinct strap. Personally, I’ve a rising curiosity in customized leather-based straps and found some top-quality manufacturers final 12 months. I’d want it if manufacturers providing sports activities fashions with built-in bracelets additionally conceived some form of adapter end-links so after-market choices could possibly be fitted to the watch as an alternative.

The design is fairly symmetrical other than the crown and chronograph pushers. Pleasingly, the pushers (and the crown to a lesser extent), have been executed in a complementary vogue. On the highest of the crown, you’ll discover a compass arrow. All through the watch the surfaces are completed with a linear grain, all entering into the identical course, with alternating mirror polished surfaces. This offers the watch sufficient distinction to make it attention-grabbing. That’s in case you haven’t seen the dial but.

Eagle Eye

This dial is an actual eye-catcher. The Eagle was used as a reference throughout the design of those fashions. You may see the “majesty of the Alps and the Eagle” woven into the design of assorted elements of the watch. The galvanic blue or gray brass dials and their course sunburst motif are impressed by the iris of the eagle. These vivid dials come to life immediately when gentle hits the dial at an angle. That is very true of the blue dial — my private favourite of the bunch.

Moreover, the dial design is kind of balanced though there’s a lot occurring. The tachymeter scale is positioned on the rehaut. As such, it isn’t as invasive as a bezel scale. Utilized hour markers give the dial extra reduction identical to the completely different heights of the subdials which all have a radial end (this breaks up the iris sample properly). The operating seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock has a beveled edge whereas the others have a refined edge.

Little particulars like this simply make a dial a lot extra attention-grabbing. At four:30 there’s a small date. The date wheel colour matches the colour of the dial. The chronograph fingers all have pink particulars and the counterweight of the central seconds hand is formed like an eagle’s feather. And when you see an arrow leaping out at you from the seconds hand in its entirety, you’re not alone…

In-house caliber

Seen via the sapphire case again of the Chopard Alpine Eagle XL is the Chopard 03.05-C caliber. This column wheel, flyback chronograph caliber is developed, produced, and assembled in-house. Totally wound it has an influence reserve of roughly 60 hours. All surfaces of the caliber are properly completed. Once more, we are able to see the iris motif mirrored right here on the bridges and cocks of the motion, in addition to on parts of the automated winding weight.

Spectacular specs are topped off by a licensed chronometer-grade by COSC. The case again is held in place by eight screws, which you’ll additionally discover within the bezel. The place the screws on the again aspect appear to have random positions, from the entrance they’re completely aligned. The bracelet has three rows of hyperlinks the place the center one is the smallest, polished and barely raised. It’s marketed as being paying homage to its mountain biotope which I discovered a bit far fetched.

Nonetheless, the bracelet appears to be like good and the small hyperlinks make it very snug. It closes with a double folding clasp which opens with two small buttons on either side of the hidden fastener. It needs to be folded in a selected method in any other case it doesn’t shut. Personally I’m not a fan of this sort of clasp however you continue to discover them recurrently on varied watches. It’s only a visible factor as that one prolonged heart hyperlink holds the Chopard model title. 

Conclusion

The Chopard Alpine Eagle household is Chopard’s Haute Horlogerie reply to the ever-present dons of the luxurious metal sports activities watch discipline. This chronographs are going up towards the very best of the very best. Can the Chopard Alpine Eagle XL ruffle the feathers of the Nautilus? The Royal Oak? The Abroad? What concerning the fashionable claimants to the throne, just like the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo, The Czapek & Cie. Antarctique, or the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner?

For me, on a wishlist from high to backside, it could are available in fifth place. Props to the primary Fratelli that guesses the order through which I rank all seven! And what about you? The place does the Alpine Eagle rank in your estimation? Is it a contemporary basic or is it on the skin, trying in on the large boys’ membership? Share your ideas within the feedback under. You may study extra about Chopard right here.

Watch specs