Just released by Chopard for Watches & Wonders 2024 is a new titanium version of the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono. Done in grade 5 titanium, this new model joins the current lineup of XL Chrono watches in Lucent steel as well as a rose gold and ceramized titanium version.
The Chrono model of the Alpine Eagle doesn’t quite get the same attention as some of the other versions which is likely due to the larger case size not to mention the higher price point. That said, for those who prefer something a little bigger and are fans of the “luxury chronograph on a strap” vibe made famous by ubiquitous watches like the Royal Oak Offshore and the Hublot Big Bang. Done in a 44mm wide and 13.15mm thick case (100 m of water resistance), this new XL Chrono is should be very lightweight due to pairing the case material with a rubber strap.
The striking dials of the Alpine Eagle have become a signature of the collection and a deserved point of pride for Chopard. This model debuts a new color which is dubbed “Rhône Blue” that is inspired by the famed river located in the Alps. It is an icy glacial blue in contrast to the existing “Aletsch blue” which is deep and saturated — almost navy blue. The Rhône blue is complemented with a matching date window and has contrasting black sub-dials making for a sporty and legible dial. From the case back one can see the Chopard 03.05-C automatic movement with integrated column-wheel flyback chronograph which operates at 4 Hz and has a 60-hour power reserve.
More and more consumers are understanding just how superior titanium can be in comparison to steel and it’s just good business to offer a watch as substantial as the XL Chrono in the lightweight metal. Interestingly enough, there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the price differential between titanium and steel. Some brands charge essentially the same or a small premium for titanium while others price titanium at a substantial premium. A boutique exclusive, the Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono in titanium (Ref. 298609-3008) is priced at $25,000 which is about $4,900 more than the Lucent steel model. Chopard notes that part of the proceeds from this Rhône blue model will go to the Alpine Eagle Foundation which Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele helped to establish with the aim of raising awareness of the Alpine region and its wildlife.
To learn more, visit Chopard, here.
