Chopard

Introducing the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS

by Ross Povey . Mar 27, 2023

Chopard

Introducing the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS

It seems that some trends just keep on going and there is no denying the power of the integrated bracelet sports watch. A dominant presence in the market for a few years now, and showing no sign of slowing down. Despite its position as an elite power player in this sector, remember that Chopard only launched its Alpine Eagle in 2019. It might be the new kid on the block, but its pedigree, like all the important watches in this space, stretches back to the 1970s.

Chopard launched St Moritz was launched at Baselworld in 1980 with the project being overseen by the then 20 year old Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, who convinced his father, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele Snr, that the family brand needed a watch in tune with the times. His father eventually agreed and the St Moritz was born. Interestingly, the Alpine Eagle was actually proposed by Karl-Fritz, the son of Karl-Friedrich who believed that it was time to revive the brand’s sporty classic having seen the watch on the wrist of people within the company. Chopard retailers had also repeatedly asked if the St Moritz would ever be rereleased.

The Scheufele family in 1980 presenting the St Moritz collection

Three generations of Scheufele men, part of the story of how the Alpine Eagle came about

The Alpine Eagle has been interpreted in many guises, including a flyback chronograph, a high-frequency caliber and a flying tourbillon. Now the eagle flies to new territory with an ultra-thin case and small seconds on the dial. The slim profile is thanks to the inclusion of calibre L.U.C 96.40-L, an automatic movement with a wafer-esque 3.30mm thickness. Impressive by any standards, but add in the fact that the watch is double chronometer rated and also has Poinçon de Genève certification and you understand that is serious watchmaking.

The case is also svelte, measuring a mere 8mm thick in Lucent steel, which comprises 85 percent recycled materials as a big contribution to Chopard’s commitment to the environment. The 41mm case has eight functional screws on the bezel, which along with the rehaut has been trimmed back to allow a bigger dial than previous incarnations. Sticking with the dial, Chopard has always taken inspiration from nature and this watch is no different. The Monte Rosa Pink dial is inspired by Alpine landscapes and is produced via a galvanic treatment on the brass dial base, in a pattern inspired by an eagle’s iris, with applied hours with Roman quarters.

Tech Specs

Alpine Eagle 41 XPS

Reference: 298623-3001
Movement: L.U.C 96.40-L with 22-carat gold micro rotor and 65-hour power reserve.
Functions: Hours, minutes and small seconds.
Case: 41mm Lucent steel
Dial: Monte Rosa Pink colour achieved by galvanic treatment, made of brass stamped with a radiating pattern inspired by the iris of an eagle
Strap: Integrated lucent steel with triple folding clasp

Tech Specs

Alpine Eagle 41 XPS

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