For 2024, Chopard is lastly releasing a model of its larger-sized “XL” (44mm large) Alpine Eagle chronograph case with a full gold bracelet to match the 18k “moral” rose-gold case. Till now, solely the smaller time-only 41mm-wide model of the Alpine Eagle got here with an identical bracelet possibility. The result’s beautiful and large in each dimension and weight, with a hefty worth to match. Nevertheless, those that lust for gold and really feel that 41mm is maybe too petite on their wrist (or they just like the sportiness of a chronograph) will respect this addition to the “large gold Swiss watch household.” This Alpine Eagle XL in gold with the bracelet is a type of various to an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and the like, however with its personal persona and enchantment.
This Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono reference 295393-5002 begins with the model’s in-house caliber 03.05-C automated COSC Chronometer-certified chronograph motion. It options the time, date, and 12-hour flyback chronograph, and it operates at 4Hz with 60 hours of energy reserve. It isn’t fairly at Chopard L.U.C stage of ending, however it’s a very engaging mechanism designed for strong operation and reliability, versus sheer sleekness and class. It is usually a bigger motion at 7.6mm thick and comprised of 310 elements. You possibly can view the motion and its matching gold automated rotor via the sapphire crystal on the rear of the case.
The dial of Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono is a type of amalgamation between Chopard’s personal model DNA and the Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona. For this reference 295393-5002 mannequin, Chopard selected a grey “Bernina” dial coloration utilized by way of a galvanic remedy to the textured face. Chopard claims the colour of the dial is impressed by the tone of Swiss alpine rock facades. It’s a good mixture of colours, general, however my favourite gold Alpine Eagle fashions have had an identical gold case and dial coloration (for instance, see my hands-on article of this 18k yellow gold 41mm Chopard Alpine Eagle watch). The grey face on this mannequin is accented with some rose gold tones and purple, making it legible and compelling to have a look at.
The 44mm-wide Alpine Eagle XL Chrono case can also be 13.15mm thick and has a good water resistance ranking of 100 meters. The design retains rising on me, because the Alpine Eagle blends a type of industrial fashion with luxurious finishes and symmetry. Should you have been to put on a hefty strong gold sports activities watch at present, I can’t see why the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono wouldn’t be excessive in your listing. One draw back is that so far as I can inform, the bracelet doesn’t have a quick-release system or an accompanying strap. That will provide homeowners the flexibility to swap out the gorgeous however heavy and fragile (you don’t need to expose gold to conditions that might scratch it an excessive amount of) bracelet for a sportier strap. Maybe Chopard thinks that Alpine Eagle 18k gold watch homeowners will merely select a special look ahead to sports activities actions — they usually in all probability will. As I discussed above, all earlier variations of the Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono watch (irrespective of the case materials) have been paired with a strap.
There’ll nearly actually be future variations of the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono in gold on an identical bracelet; 18K yellow gold might be on the horizon, however Chopard may also come out with a titanium bracelet. Previous to this 18k rose-gold bracelet, the 44mm-wide Alpine Eagle XL Chrono household solely has a Lucent metal bracelet possibility. How a lot of a worth premium does the gold bracelet price? About $30,000 USD greater than an 18k gold mannequin on a strap, which is sensible provided that the bracelet is chunky and requires lots of steel. Worth for the fun-to-wear and pretty-to-behold Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono in rose gold (Ref. 295393-5002) is $73,400 USD. Study extra on the Chopard web site.
