Plus-sized chronographs and options for ladies in the mix.

Alpine Eagle XL Chrono

Like several other marques that have been wading into the field of 1980s-inspired luxury sports tickers, Chopard is not definitely not shy about banking on nostalgia with the Alpine Eagle. Launched in 2019, the collection bears designs that hark to the watch category’s formative years of the late-1970s and 1980s, brandishing exposed screws on the bezel and hefty bracelets that more than recall its brethren from decades ago. The homage is not unjustified, though, as the Alpine Eagle takes inspiration from Chopard’s own St. Moritz collection, which the brand launched in the 1980s to offer its own take on the stainless steel luxury sports watch.

This year, the Alpine Eagle returns with new variants that extend its assortment to include models in ethical rose gold, offerings for ladies in 36mm cases, and, the most eye-catching of all, automatic chronographs in upsized cases.

Previously available only in Lucent Steel, a type of hypoallergenic steel alloy that is more reflective and 50 per cent harder than regular steel, as well as in bi-metallic versions, the Alpine Eagle Large in 41mm case now also comes in full ethical rose gold – an offer that endows the watch with forthright ostentation.

Alpine Eagle Large

Powered by COSC-certified automatic movements with 60 hours of power reserve, the watches come in an ‘Aletsch Blue’ dial with textured surface that pays homage to the namesake Alpine glacier, which is the largest in Switzerland, as well as a ‘Bernina Grey’ dial, with textures that evoke the eponymous mountain range between Switzerland and Italy. Accentuated by the timepieces’ heft and trademark profile, the gleaming new members to the family are hard to miss.

It is rather appropriate, too, that the Alpine Eagle now also includes 36mm models for ladies. While obviously daintier than its siblings, the Alpine Eagle Small is just as dominant on the wrist. For now, the model is only available in Lucent Steel, but one can choose to upgrade it to a version with gem-set bezel.

Alpine Eagle Small

Last but not least, given its sports-inspired complication, the XL Chrono is a natural fit for the Alpine Eagle, a collection inspired by the mountainous outdoors and its namesake bird of prey. For this watch, Chopard employs the Calibre 03.05-C, a COSC-certified automatic flyback chronograph movement with 60-hour power reserve. The engine comes with a column wheel, a component found in high-end chronographs that aids smooth actuation of the chronograph mechanism, as well as a Variner balance that improves the movement rate stability.

Alpine Eagle XL Chrono

From the outside, the plus-sized case and tri-compax dial adds an even sportier dimension to the time-only models that debuted last year, accentuated by subtle red accents on the totaliser hands and tachymeter scale circling its circumference. Macho and moneyed, it is a look that is tailor-made for the Alpine Eagle.

Again, the XL Chrono parades all of the Alpine Eagle’s distinctive features that have been well-established in the collection’s launch. The porthole-style case and bracelet with ingot-type links remain integral to the aesthetic, as do the textured dial that evokes an eagle’s iris, hands that call to mind feathers, and the alternating polished and matt finishes inspired by glaciers.

Alpine Eagle XL Chrono

For now, customers have the option of the XL Chrono in Chopard’s proprietary Lucent steel A223, as well as a bi-metallic version in Lucent steel and ethical rose gold. Both versions will make their presence felt on the wrist, though it must be said that the steel-and-gold version will a better job if you're out for a watch to flex with.

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