The flyback chronograph of the Alpine Eagle collection is now presented in a case made of grade 5 titanium, a lightweight and durable metal. The Alpine Eagle XL Chrono model, with its 44 mm-diameter case and new “Rhône Blue” dial colour, continues to draw inspiration from the strength of the eagle and the beauty of the Alps. The Chopard 03.05-C chronometer-certified movement with flyback function, which has three patents, ensures both accuracy and smooth operation. As part of its commitment to preserving the Alpine environment and biodiversity, a portion of the sales from this model will be donated to the Alpine Eagle Foundation.
Titanium joins the Alpine Eagle chronograph series
The new 44 mm model of the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono introduces an extra-large case crafted entirely from grade 5 titanium, known for its lightness and durability. This marks the first appearance of titanium in the collection’s chronograph line, which had previously featured variations in Lucent Steel™ and ethical gold. The slightly darker shade of titanium enhances the sporty and rugged look of the watch, while its lightweight nature ensures comfort on the wrist. With properties that resist corrosion and salt water, grade 5 titanium is the perfect choice for extreme sports enthusiasts, from mountain peaks to ocean depths.
A cutting-edge chronograph movement
At the core of every Alpine Eagle XL Chrono timepiece lies the Chopard 03.05-C movement, meticulously crafted and developed by skilled artisans at the Manufacture. This movement stands out as one of the most groundbreaking chronograph movements globally, boasting a 60-hour power reserve and a sophisticated design that ensures precise adjustments and efficient utilisation of the chronograph features. Featuring a column wheel, this movement is further enriched by a range of technical advancements, leading Chopard to secure three patents as a result of the daring innovations by its R&D teams.
The timepiece features a unidirectional gear drive system to prevent energy losses and enable quick automatic winding, a highly valued function in the energy-intensive chronograph category. Moreover, its vertical clutch guarantees precise time-measurement starts. This particular chronograph calibre is also a flyback type, allowing seamless consecutive timing operations with the help of three pivoting hammers with elastic arms for easy zero-setting of the hands.
The Chopard 03.05-C movement is officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, allowing for precise adjustments with its stop-seconds function.
A sporty contemporary rubber strap
The Alpine Eagle XL Chrono model has undergone a transformation since 2022, now offering a rubber strap in addition to the existing metal bracelet and leather option. This change has brought numerous advantages to the timepiece, especially for sports chronographs that are exposed to extreme conditions. The rubber strap is water-resistant, flexible, and provides a comfortable fit, enhancing the overall dynamic appearance of the watch. Despite the use of rubber, Chopard has successfully maintained the elegance and distinctive identity of the Alpine Eagle by incorporating the design elements of the metal-link bracelet, such as its tapered shape and raised central cap. While the material may be different, the watch still retains its signature features of identity and well-balanced proportions, making it a truly contemporary chronograph.
Chopard maintains a longstanding practice of utilising sporty rubber straps. In 1995, the Maison’s workshops were at the forefront of embracing this material for its creative potential, such as mimicking the rubber treads of 1960s tires on the straps of its Mille Miglia chronograph collection. This trend, which has been consistently fostered by the Mille Miglia models, has now become widely popular in the watchmaking industry.
A dial in the eagle’s eye
A fresh hue graces the dial of this latest model, marking its debut. Drawing inspiration from the natural colour palette that adorns the picturesque Alpine landscape, such as Aletsch Blue, Bernina Grey, and Pitch Black, “Rhône Blue” takes its cues from these captivating hues. This particular shade evokes the essence of the renowned Rhône River, which originates from the heart of the glacier bearing the same name in the canton of Valais. At an elevation exceeding 2,200 meters, the journey of this iconic river commences amidst serene blue tones symbolizing purity. It nourishes the waters of Lake Geneva before ultimately reaching its destination in the Mediterranean Sea.
The eagle’s iris is evoked by the texture and sunburst pattern, while the highly legible display is punctuated by snailed counters, over which the arrow-shaped tip of the seconds hand flies. The hands and hour-markers are coated with Grade XI Super-LumiNova®, a treatment that remains equally intense over time and is naturally more luminous than traditional Super-LumiNova®.
The inner bezel ring showcases a tachymeter scale with discrete red graduations at 100, 160, and 240. This scale is divided into four sections, each with varying intervals of 5, 10, 20, or 40 km/h per line. Such a layout enhances the ease of reading average speed measurements and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the dial.
Reinterpreting an icon
The Alpine Eagle collection, crafted by three generations of the Scheufele family, is a modern reinterpretation of the St. Moritz watch, the initial timepiece created by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in the late 1970s. Alpine Eagle enhances this legacy with a design that is both pure and bold, drawing inspiration from the natural world.
Featuring a round case with stylised flanks, a crown adorned with a compass rose, a bezel secured by eight functional indexed screws, and a textured dial with rich colours and luminescent markers, Alpine Eagle epitomises flawless sophistication presented in a distinctly contemporary style. Today, alongside its chronographs, the collection presents a range of complications, including a high-frequency movement, a flying tourbillon, and an ultra-thin model with small seconds display that proudly bears the Poinçon de Genève hallmark.