Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS: W&W 2023 Review

amanico · 2023-12-23T22:10:44Z

Explore the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS Monte Rosa Pink dial. A collector's review of this standout luxury sports watch from Watches and Wonders 2023.

amanico

WPS member · Chopard forum

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Amanico, a seasoned collector, shares his unexpected journey to appreciating the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS, a timepiece that initially fell outside his preferred aesthetic for luxury sports watches. His detailed review, focusing on the dial, case, and movement, provides a compelling argument for why this particular reference from Watches and Wonders 2023 stands out. Amanico's shift in perspective offers valuable insights for anyone re-evaluating their preconceptions about integrated bracelet designs.

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I am not a super fan of these so-called " luxury sports watches ", and, among them, the Nautilus or the Royal Oak, with a preference for the Royal Oak, though. Same for the Vacheron 222.

My favorite, till now, was the Girard Perregaux Laureato.

As for the Chopard Alpine Eagle, I must say that it was not in my scope at all, and I don't even mention the St Moritz, which I always found too " rococo "... Then, this new Alpine Eagle came, and...

This is funny because I was not mad about its case, the date between 4 and 5 o' clock was a no go, the bracelet was ok, just ok, and the dials were not to my taste... Till... This new Alpine Eagle 41 XPS.

Here are the reasons which totally made me change my mind, at this point I am considering it as one of the Stars of Watches and Wonders 2023!

1/ THE DIAL is THE part which is driving me nuts.

Pink, salmon, or more poetically called Monte Rosa Pink by Chopard, The brass plate has been textured like an eagle's iris, giving a lot of character, elegance and relief. The small seconds subdial is smoother, with a circular decoration, which I find to be a good idea, as it helps reading them.

The applied indices and III, IX and XII are in white gold, as well as the hands. Both the hands and the applied hour markers are filled with super bright superluminova.

The only detail I less like is the circle of metal surrounding the seconds subdial... That was not mandatory, in my opinion, but not a big deal.

2/ THE CASE:

It is funny to see how a dial can change the perception you may have on a case. I find it interesting, now. I would have imagined that 41 mm was too big, not at all. I thought that the case shape, almost Genta-esque, would not be to my taste... On the contrary!

Chopard inaugurated their new steel, called Lucent, harder, more brilliant, with this watch and the other Monte Rosa Pink, the LUC 1860. I find that the choice of this kind of steel is spot-on for a sports watch.

The other spectacular detail about the case is its thinness, with a height of only 8mm, mainly thanks to its movement, as we'll soon see, which allows this watch to play the sport chic game with talent. What a profile!

The crown, nicely integrated, has a generous size of 6, 65 mm.

The bezel reminds the era the ancestor was designed, obviously, with its superbly aligned 8 screws.

3/ THE MOVEMENT:

Pièce de choix, lettres de noblesse... Whatever you want to call it, it is THE killing detail of this watch, the part which makes this watch belong to another category.

COSC Chronometer certified, Geneva hallmark, hence superbly finished and decorated with all the traditional techniques such as Côtes de Genève, perlage, anglage this yellow gold guilloché micro rotor automatic movement also has the good taste to be quite thin, with a height of only 3, 30 mm and a very good power reserve of 65 hours. One of the finest micro rotor movements I know, Girard Perregaux Tourbillon with gold bridges apart.

4/ THE BRACELET:

Truth to be told, I am not a huge fan of this integrated bracelet, not to the point to hate it, though. Let's say that I would have preferred it to be fully brushed, without this center link polished. Especially when the case is all brushed... As well as the bezel.

BUT... It is super comfortable to wear.

So you got my point. I consider this watch to be one of the most interesting of the show. At this point I would love to get one for me... Yes, yes, I had to pinch myself to be sure I was not dreaming or that I was not drunk... I like the Alpine Eagle, now!

There is still one point I / we will have to swallow... The price, which is 24, 400 Euros (ouch).

But even if it is not a limited edition, I heard that it will be limited in production, annually. And, compared to some other contenders from some so-called prestigious brands, it is not ridiculous at all. Not ridiculous, but high priced...

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

About the Chopard L.U.C Ref. L.U.C1860

The L.U.C 1860 reference is a notable offering within the L.U.C collection, distinguished by its focus on classical watchmaking principles and refined aesthetics. This particular model, introduced at Watches and Wonders 2023, represents a continuation of Chopard's commitment to high horology, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and a discreet presentation. It is recognized for its balanced proportions and the integration of a finely finished movement, reflecting the brand's in-house manufacturing capabilities.

This reference features a case crafted from Lucent Steel, a proprietary alloy, measuring 36.5 mm in diameter. The watch is powered by the L.U.C 96.01-L automatic movement, which is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. This movement is equipped with a micro-rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. The dial is presented in a salmon color, complemented by a sapphire crystal on the front.

Appealing to collectors who value understated design and mechanical integrity, the L.U.C 1860 fits into the brand's lineup as a dress watch with significant horological merit. Its limited production and specific material choices contribute to its appeal among enthusiasts seeking a watch that combines traditional watchmaking with contemporary material science. The model is a testament to Chopard's ongoing development in its L.U.C range.

Specifications

Caliber: L.U.C 96.01-L

Case: Lucent Steel

Diameter: 36.5mm

Dial: Salmon

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Monte Rosa Pink dial exhibits remarkable variability, shifting from a very light salmon to a dark salmon depending on lighting conditions, enhancing its dynamic appeal.
While the dial's 'eagle's iris' texture is unique, some find it 'strange,' and there's debate whether the indices and hands are white gold or steel, impacting perceived luxury.
The Chopard 96 movement is lauded for its thinness, long power reserve, and Geneva Seal certification, making it a significant technical highlight of the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS.
The integrated bracelet, while praised for its precise manufacturing, is a point of contention due to its polished center links being prone to scratches and the lack of an adjustable clasp, a feature expected at this price point.
The thinner bezel on the XPS, compared to the regular Alpine Eagle, is perceived by some as slightly out of proportion, and the small seconds subdial is considered 'fussy,' with a preference for a micro-rotor center seconds.
Despite initial reservations about the case size and Genta-esque design, the dial's impact can significantly alter one's perception, making the 41mm case feel appropriate and the overall design more appealing.
The absence of a date window and the Monte Rosa Pink dial are frequently cited as key improvements over other Alpine Eagle models, contributing to a cleaner, more focused aesthetic.

The Discussion

mdg

Dec 23, 2023

I too came around once I saw the no-date dial...

Aquaracer1

Dec 23, 2023

Superb write up Nico!

Stunning dial, this is the star of the show for me, yes, better with no date. I never noticed the circle around the sub dial until you pointed it out . Better without in my option, but not a reason to skip all together. The price is steep, if I was to move on one, I’d try to wait until it cools down to purchase on the secondary market. Overall though, this could very well be the watch of 2023! And for good reason 🤩

amanico

Dec 23, 2023

Yes, I hesitate a lot between this one and the 1860... For the star of the show!

TeutonicCarFan

Dec 23, 2023

This is a killer piece

I definitely am close to pulling the trigger. For me, I am waiting/hoping for a micro adjustment on the clasp. It would drive me crazy otherwise. Also, I'm not too thrilled on adding another steel bracelet watch, I'd prefer something fun like Ti..and agree on no polished center links. 🤷‍♂️ The dial and LUC movement make it!

amanico

Dec 23, 2023

Thanks for your feedback, mon ami. Keep us posted!

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

Dec 23, 2023

Tried it on, very nice.

I like the LUC 1860 salmon very much.

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Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS: W&W 2023 Review

About the Chopard L.U.C Ref. L.U.C1860

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

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