The Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS In Lucent Steel
5 min read
Alpine Eagle is a part of Chopard's new modern sporty-chic collection, and it features a simple look paired with an intricate mechanism. After much anticipation, the Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon model debuted in 2022 with the much-loved small seconds display. It now fully represents the horological heritage of this collection, which featured timepieces powered by in-house movements with chronometer-certified precision, exquisitely decorated, and outfitted with key innovations from the Manufacture, such as the gold micro-rotor and Chopard Twin technology. Chopard brings together the sporty sophistication of the Alpine Eagle line with the highest quality Chopard Manufacture movement in the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS at Watches And Wonders 2023!
Three generations of Scheufele men have been inspired by a classic Chopard design to continually expand and improve the Alpine Eagle collection ever since its inception. Chopard's most recent is the L.U.C 96.40-L movement with small seconds indication within a watch in the Alpine Eagle collection, which is a resounding testament to the watchmaking expertise steadily acquired by its workshops since 1996.
With a new ultra-thin model that features a small seconds indication to go along with their already existing flyback chronograph movement, high-frequency calibre, and flying tourbillon, the Manufacture's watchmakers have accomplished many remarkable things, including creating a movement with a thickness of just 3.30 millimetres (mm) (the L.U.C 96.40-L). The Alpine Eagle 41 XPS has a 65-hour power reserve and a chronometer-certified accuracy thanks to its cutting-edge features and Chopard Twin technology.
The Alpine Eagle 41 XPS is made entirely in the Maison's workshops from Lucent Steel A223, an exclusive, ultra-resistant, and remarkably shiny alloy made from 85% recycled materials. The case and bracelet together measure 41 millimetres in diameter. This model has been awarded the prestigious Poinçon de Genève because of its impeccable proportions and textured "Monte Rosa Pink" dial, both of which are indicative of the highest standards of Haute Horlogerie.
A timepiece with verified precision
The L.U.C 96.40-L movement's main distinguishing feature is its ultra-thinness; at only 3.30 mm, it is the result of the development of the first Chopard Manufacture calibre (the L.U.C 96.01-L, introduced in 1997). It has a stop-seconds feature for setting the time to the second. It also has a swan's neck, which allows the oscillating frequency to be fine-tuned (and the watch's rate with it) by adjusting the length of the active hairspring. The swan's neck not only adds technical interest to the calibre, but also gives it a more ornate appearance. The "Chronometer" inscription below the brand logo on the dial attests to the accuracy of the movement that powers both the main and small seconds hands. At the heart of the philosophy upheld by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (Co-President of the Maison) and fueling the entire creative process of the Manufacture is the demand for accuracy that is intrinsic to Swiss watchmaking.
The automatic winding system of the L.U.C 96.40-L movement is driven by a 22-carat gold off-center micro-rotor, the density of which contributes to the movement's slimness, and the two stacked barrels based on Chopard Twin technology guarantee a 65-hour power reserve. Each bridge is decorated with a Côtes de Genève motif, and the rest of the movement components are finished in accordance with the Poinçon de Genève criteria, alluding to the meticulous attention to detail cultivated by the artisans of emotions.
Aesthetic sophistication
The Alpine Eagle 41 XPS watch's case is only 8 mm thick, while the sides and bezel have been trimmed compared to a traditional Alpine Eagle Large model, resulting in a wider dial, all in an effort to maximise the watch's aesthetic appeal while still accommodating the thin movement. As with the rest of the collection, this timepiece exudes elegance thanks to its proportions, which have always been a collection hallmark.
Chopard's Alpine Eagle collection, which takes its cues from the strength of nature, is a stunning display of the brand's artistic depth and visionary drive. The Alpine Eagle 41 XPS stays true to this aesthetic with its round case, stylized sides, compass rose crown, eight functional screws set at a tangent bezel, stamped dial with intense colours, luminescent indications, and incredibly comfortable metal bracelet.
The revolutionary metal, Lucent Steel A223
Lucent Steel A223, an innovative steel alloy composed of 85% recycled materials, developed by Chopard for its anti-allergenic virtues, its robustness, and its incomparable brilliance achieved through a meticulous recasting process, is used to craft the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS timepiece, demonstrating the brand's dedication to the use of raw materials combining performance and responsible origins.
A never-before-seen shade of "Monte Rosa Pink" for the dial
The dial's texture is based on the iris of an eagle, and it rests on a brass base. The gold hands are complemented by Grade X1 Super-LumiNova®, which is 60% brighter than regular LumiNova and more stable over time. The dial of this new model features a brand-new colour: "Monte Rosa Pink." Like Aletsch Blue, Bernina Grey, and Pink Dawn, it draws inspiration from the spectrum of natural colours that make up the stunning Alpine landscape. This unusual colour, which is sure to pique the interest of collectors, is reminiscent of the pinkish shimmer that gives the second highest mountain range in the Alps its name. It is also home to the highest peak in Switzerland, the Dufourspitze/Punta Dufour.
Poinçon de Genève: The Sign of Swiss Quality
Chopard is "vertically integrated," meaning that from movement to case to bracelet, everything for the Alpine Eagle collection is made and assembled in-house. This means the entire timepiece has been stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève hallmark of quality. The latter ensures that the Canton-assembled timepieces are of the highest quality and perform flawlessly. The coat of arms of Geneva, which features a gold key and, most prominently, an eagle, is stamped on the back of the watch and on the main movement bridge, serving as a visual reminder of the original inspiration for the Alpine Eagle collection.
Technical details:
Alpine Eagle 41 XPS
in Lucent Steel A223
Case:
Lucent Steel A223
Total diameter 41.00 mm
Thickness 8 mm
Water resistance 100 metres
Lucent Steel A223 crown
with compass rose 6.65 mm
Vertical satin-brushed case middle with polished bevels
Lucent Steel A223 bezel with eight screws set at a tangent
Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Exhibition case-back with glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Movement:
Mechanical with automatic winding L.U.C 96.40-L
via an engraved 22-carat yellow gold micro-rotor
Number of components 176
Total diameter 27.40 mm
Thickness 3.30 mm
Number of jewels 29
Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve 65 hours
Two stacked barrels – Chopard Twin technology
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
Variable-inertia balance
Balance-spring with Phillips terminal curve
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark
Dial and hands:
Dial featuring a Monte Rosa Pink colour achieved by galvanic treatment, made of brass stamped with a radiating pattern inspired by the iris of an eagle
Applied white gold hour-markers and numerals enhanced with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova®
White gold baton-type hours and minutes hands enhanced with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova®
White gold baton-type small seconds hand enhanced with white lacquer
Black transfers
Functions:
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o'clock
Stop-seconds function
Bracelet and clasp:
Lucent Steel A223 tapering bracelet with satin-brushed wide link and sides, polished central cap
Lucent Steel A223 triple folding clasp with safety pushers
Ref. 298623-3001 – in Lucent Steel A223 with Monte Rosa Pink dial
