Watches And Wonders 2024: Size Surely Matters In The New Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono

The imposing stature of the Swiss Alps have definitely served as inspiration for Chopard’s Alpine Eagle XL Chrono. Measuring an impressive 44 mm- diameter case, this “Rhône Blue” dial watch channels the power of the eagle and also pledges itself to a nobler cause. Devised by three generations of men in the Scheufele family, the Alpine Eagle collection is a modern reinterpretation of Chopard’s St. Moritz watch, the first horological creation by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in the late 1970s. With its pure and assertive design, Alpine Eagle enriches this heritage with powerful inspiration drawn from Nature. Making its debut at Watches And Wonders 2024 in Geneva, this eagle is expected to soar high in the eyes of the watch community. 

Embracing Titanium 
With a case forged entirely out of grade 5 titanium, this is a first for Chopard’s chronograph line. Known for its extreme lightness and superior resistance, it has already been used to make two high-frequency Alpine Eagle models previously. Featuring a slightly darker shade than steel, titanium further accentuates the sporty and rugged nature of the Alpine Eagle chronograph, while making it so light that one could easily forget the watch is actually on the wrist. Combined with a blend of aluminium and vanadium, grade 5 titanium’s properties make it especially resistant to corrosion and salt water. 

A fresh colour has been used to fashion the watch’s dial, making it a unique addition to the Alpine Eagle collection. Inspired by the palette of natural colours composing the beauty of the Alpine landscape – like Aletsch Blue, Bernina Grey and Pitch Black – "Rhône Blue" is inspired by the palette of natural colours composing the beauty of Alpine landscapes. A textured and sunburst pattern mimics the sharp eye of an eagle while the seconds hand with its arrow-shaped tip flies over a highly legible display punctuated by snailed counters. 

A Contemporary Finish 
The tachymeter scale bearing discreet red 100, 160 and 240 graduations appears on the inner bezel ring. It is divided into four steps, with different intervals of 5, 10, 20 or 40 km/h per line. This arrangement facilitates reading the average speed measurements and contributes to the dial’s overall aesthetic dynamic. For a dynamic and sporty look that is perfect for the outdoors, Chopard has used a rubber strap while preserving the elegance and identity of the Alpine Eagle by reprising the shape of the metal-link bracelet – slightly tapering with a raised central cap.

Beating at the heart of all the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono models, the Chopard 03.05-C movement developed and assembled by the artisans in the Manufacture is one of the world’s most innovative chronograph movements. It has a 60-hour power reserve and features an elaborate design guaranteeing accurate adjustments and optimal use of the chronograph functions.

Conserving Our Planet
Perhaps the most special component of this timepiece is the fact that it goes a step beyond just watchmaking and looks out for the greater good. Set up in 2020 by Chopard’s Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and a number of specialists and mountain lovers, The Alpine Eagle Foundation, aims to raise awareness, mobilise people and act on behalf of the entire Alpine region and the life it shelters. Chopard directly contributes to financing the Foundation's programmes through several Alpine Eagle timepieces. Part of the profits from sales of this new chronograph model with its "Rhône Blue" dial will be donated to the Alpine Eagle Foundation.