Suzanne Wong
I like my watches in the same way I like people — with multiple dimensions to them. The kind of watch that reveals everything about itself within the first minute of observation has never really appealed to me. As a fine mechanical watch is designed to stay in your life for an extended period of time (ideally lasting through generations), it’s important that it be capable of sustaining your interest in the long-term. Watches can be practical, but they should never be boring. In recent years, we’ve been spoiled with an embarrassment of new sport-chic collections, specifically steel watches with integrated bracelets. You might think they’re all more or less interchangeable, and there are a number of amusing memes on this subject to be found on Instagram. It’s fine; social media apps aren’t designed for thoughtful, nuanced content. Broad humour has its place on such apps. I’m here to point out, however, that you shouldn’t dismiss the Chopard Alpine Eagle as just another sport-chic integrated-bracelet watch in steel. The dial texture, inspired by the iris of its eponymous bird, is endlessly rewarding to the eye, as it creates a play of light that gives the watch a different look at any given moment. The proprietary Lucent steel used in the Alpine Eagle is representative of Chopard’s environmental policy, being made of high-performance recycled steel. In terms of product quality and ethical value, you’re in the sweet spot with this watch.
Sophie Furley
There are so many stories to tell about Chopard’s Alpine Eagle, many of which we have covered on WorldTempus (A New Alpine Eagle Mission, Taking Flight Towards Monte Rosa) if you are thinking of acquiring one. For my short review of this piece, however, there was something quite different that struck me while observing my colleagues testing this watch. When we review timepieces, we tend to get up close, scrutinizing the details, the finishing, the angles, the components in the movement, the reflections, and more. But there is something else that makes a watch great and it is the “How does it look from afar?” factor. The Alpine Eagle absolutely excels in this category. Its chunky Lucent steel case, integrated bracelet, wide circular bezel, and mesmerizing blue eagle-eye dial with white numerals and indexes, ooze sporty coolness from across a room. You may not immediately recognize it from afar, but when this timepiece catches your eye, you are going to want to get closer, perhaps discreetly at first, but eventually wanting to engage with the wearer for information! Of course, the day you wear one, you will need to share your horological love with everyone who approaches you with “What watch are you wearing?” but I am sure you will agree, it is a small price to pay for such a gorgeous timepiece!
Marie de Pimodan
I don't like frills or overly convoluted designs. On the other hand, I do have a real obsession with details. And I have to admit that I particularly appreciate all the details that Chopard has distilled in its Alpine Eagle. Let's start with the 'face' of the watch. As I move my wrist, I am struck by the way in which it, fashioned in blue galvanised brass, plays with the light thanks to its decoration inspired by the iris of an eagle. I also appreciate the play of reflections on the Lucent Steel case middle, the bezel and the ingot-shaped links of the bracelet, which feature a skillful alternation of satin and gloss polishing. These finishes are among the details that make all the difference and contribute to the aesthetic success of this model. These famous details give it its unique character and its instantly recognisable allure in today's range of sporty-chic watches.
Allissa Pataki
When a full team of journalists, videographers and photographers – in short, a group of creatives - heads off for a week to a Scottish castle, the result is what we fondly term as an “explosion of creativity”. To give you a picture, it’s a mix of ideas bouncing off the walls. Some of us prefer to run around testing out new concepts and searching for the ideal angle and lighting for the perfect picture, while others stroll around leisurely, soaking up as much inspiration from the surroundings, brimming with possibility. Admittedly, to an outsider, this scene might look a bit chaotic (maybe more than a tad) – but to be fair, the creative process often demands a smidge of hands-on chaos.
In any case, I needed something to help me bring a bit of order to this creative jungle, and there was no better candidate than the Alpine Eagle. Its robust Lucent Steel™ case ensured it could handle any crisis. And thanks to its automatic 01.01-C movement and 60-hour power reserve, it was ready to go at a moment’s notice. This made it the perfect companion during that bustling week. Not least thanks to its chronometer certification, to help me keep track of time and to sound the gong to let everyone know that it was time to extricate themselves from their creative endeavours and gather for dinner the only quiet time of the day, where I could finally look beyond the hour and minute hands and enjoy the beauty of the Alpine Eagle in all its details.
