With Alpine Eagle, Chopard has created a contemporary sporty-chic collection with a pure design and sophisticated aesthetic. The collection now welcomes a new ultra-thin timepiece providing full visibility across the entire intricate mechanical workings of L.U.C Calibre 96.17-S. This movement measuring a mere 3.30 millimetres thick, featuring subtly openworked components in an elegant play on contrasting materials and finishes, showcases the finest expertise and innovation cultivated within Chopard Manufacture. The 41 mm-diameter titanium case benefits from the extreme lightness of a metal boasting tried and tested resistance. Its optimal proportions and modernist design infuse this model with an undeniably technical character, while remaining faithful to the collection’s sporty look.
Inspired by a historical Chopard model, the Alpine Eagle collection has been constantly enriched since its launch by new horological achievements. The latest of these is the introduction within an Alpine Eagle timepiece of a movement developed by Chopard Manufacture, L.U.C Calibre 96.17-S. In the name Alpine Eagle 41 XP TT, the ’41’ refers to the diameter of the case; ‘XP’, for extra-plat (ultra-thin), expresses the slimness of the movement and the watch; while ‘TT’ evokes the terms ‘technical’ and ‘titanium’ that are both strongly featured in the model’s design. Chopard thereby orchestrates a fruitful encounter between the mechanical logic of its workshops and the sporty elegance of the Alpine Eagle collection.
L.U.C 96.17-S: a Chopard Manufacture movement
The ultra-thin L.U.C Calibre 96.17-S combines the technical sophistication and aesthetic refinement underpinning Chopard Manufacture’s approach to watchmaking. An evolved version of the first L.U.C movement, it features an off-centre micro-rotor in 22-carat gold, whose high inertia ensures the efficient winding of two barrels. Stacked in accordance with Chopard Twin technology, these barrels store the energy required for a total 65-hour power reserve.
In the absence of a dial, in order to reveal the mechanism’s inner workings to the full, the mainplate and bridges are openworked in a manner following the curves of the case opening, creating concentric spaces around the movement’s centre and thus providing a chance to admire the components in action. This approach is a signature Chopard touch reflecting the Maison’s wish to adopt an approach distinct from traditional openworking techniques.
The mainplate and bridges are moreover sandblasted, a finish that contrasts with the satin-brushed and polished surfaces of the case and bracelet, directing the gaze towards the movement. In the same spirit, they are then black rhodium-plated to create a new contrast that highlights the gilded gear trains. This technical aesthetic – unprecedented for Alpine Eagle and enabled by the expertise developed over the years in the Chopard Manufacture workshops – blends in brilliantly with the collection’s sporty-chic codes.
A timepiece in grade 5 titanium: a material boasting tried and tested resistance
The Alpine Eagle 41 XP TT is entirely made of grade 5 titanium, which is a slightly darker shade than steel and further accentuates the sporty, rugged identity of the Alpine Eagle, while providing such a light feel that one almost forgets the watch is on the wrist. Combined with a blend of aluminium and vanadium, the properties of grade 5 titanium make it particularly resistant to corrosion and salt water: from steep peaks to the depths of the sea, the Alpine Eagle 41 XP TT remains the finest ally of extreme sports enthusiasts.
The optimal proportions of an ultra-thin timepiece
The proportions of the Alpine Eagle 41 XP TT watch have been optimised thanks to its thin movement: maintaining a total 41-millimetre diameter, the case is just 8 mm thick, while the flanks and bezel have been trimmed down compared with a classic Alpine Eagle 41 model, thus providing a wider opening onto the dial. These exquisitely pleasing proportions, which Chopard reserves for exceptional models, endow the timepiece with an aura of graceful elegance. The Alpine Eagle 41 XP TT also remains true to the aesthetics of the collection, inspired by the power of Nature and nurtured by Chopard’s visionary spirit.
Alpine Eagle: reinterpreting an icon
Envisioned by three generations of gentlemen in the Scheufele family, the Alpine Eagle collection is a modern reinterpretation of the St. Moritz watch, the first horological creation designed by Chopard’s now Co-President, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, in the late 1970s. With its pure, assertive design, Alpine Eagle enriches this heritage with powerful inspiration drawn from Nature. A round case with raised stylised flanks, a crown engraved with a compass rose, a bezel with eight functional indexed screws: Alpine Eagle is a token of refined and resolutely contemporary elegance.
