Thoughts on Chopard

[RW16610]

This one is my favorite - The Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chronograph:


Image from monochrome-watches.com


Image from monochrome-watches.com

[JParm]

Originally Posted by 1William

Great watches, very bad resale. See what kind of discount you can get and then see if it is available pre-owned.

Originally Posted by RW16610

They've got some watches I really like. As long as the piece makes you happy it's totally worth consideration for purchasing.

Agree with William here - if you go pre-owned, you'll be fine but if buying new, you'll take a hit. At the end of the day though, if it makes you happy, then all good!

I bought my AE from the NYC boutique and I really like it. The only thing I wish they differently is the taper of the bracelet - it's nonexistent. Other than that, it's a great watch with top-notch materials.

[RolexBHR]

Originally Posted by sss205

Anyone happen to know the availability of the green dial Alpine Eagle? I don't see many online, and the website doesn't show the watch as available to add in cart.

The green with the regular roman numerals are not limited but sold in boutiques only, they are hard to get though.

The green with arabic numerals is limited to 100pcs and only available in middle eastern boutiques.

[rockdrock]

Originally Posted by athens7

The sound is as crystal clear and pure as you have heard from the Full Strike minute repeaters. According to KFS, Chopard crafted the single strike to last longer than the minute repeater strikes, as there is only one strike to hear (I have no idea how they accomplished this). The sound is audible under a cuff but not so loud as to be noticeable over significant ambient noise. In the Revolution video, KFS remarks that the original Strike One had to be held up to the ear to be heard. That is certainly not the case with the new version. I have not heard the non-crystal gong versions of the Strike One nor the CW Bel Canto, so I have no standard for comparison.

I leave the striking train on by default, unless I am in an environment where any sound is frowned upon. It is a delightful hourly surprise that always prompts me to look at the watch, which is lovely. The Metalem dial is gorgeous; an 18K base with a galvanized Ruthenium coating and RG faceted stick indices. In any light, there is substantial action and life to the dial. The honeycomb guilloche pattern is beautifully executed and is constantly changing as light plays across the dial. The faceted indices also play well with light, but not all at the same time, so there is movement in the reflections. The dial and dial furniture is truly the embodiment of Chopard's skill as a jewelry maker.

The watch is 40 mm X 9.86 mm, with a lug to lug of 47.22 mm. It wears visually well and physically comfortably on my 7 inch wrist. That said, it wears visually larger than its physical dimensions. I attribute this to the sapphire ring around the dial, coupled with a very narrow bezel. There is no negative space on the dial, but it still looks big. There is also a significant ring around the display case back (not surprising, as the 96.1 movement which is the base for this watch was designed for a 36 mm case). If it were possible with the striking mechanism, I would prefer the watch to be 38 mm for visual purposes. That said, the original Strike One was 41 mm, so the striking mechanism may require a larger case. Of course, the 1860 XPS is also 40 mm, so the size may simply be an aesthetic choice by Chopard.

Much has been written about the 96.1 movement, so I won't speak to its many strengths. The 96-32.L movement in the Strike One is the 96.1 base with a chiming module on top. The ceramic ball bearings on the winding mechanism do make some noise, so if a silent rotor is a requirement for happiness, one will be disappointed. It is a positive sound that is neither constant nor cheap sounding, so it is not grating. The movement also makes a small clicking noise at 5 minutes past the hour when the striking train is activated. I am told that this is due to the spring for the hammer resetting.

The Strike One is both COSC Certified and carries the Geneva Seal, signifying excellence in both accuracy and finissage.

I have yet to find a perfect watch for me, and this one isn't either, but it has many charms, both visual and auditory. The combination of technical prowess, movement finissage, timing precision, stunning habillage, and a lovely audible strike is not readily available elsewhere.

Hello Athens, thank you for the exceptional explanation and experience on this piece. I am so in with the Strike One! Congratulations again for your first Chopard.

[sss205]

Originally Posted by RolexBHR

The green with the regular roman numerals are not limited but sold in boutiques only, they are hard to get though.

The green with arabic numerals is limited to 100pcs and only available in middle eastern boutiques.

Yes the regular pine green one is the one I am interested in. Heading to NYC next week and will pop into the boutique to see what's the wait like

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by sss205

Yes the regular pine green one is the one I am interested in. Heading to NYC next week and will pop into the boutique to see what's the wait like

Yep..That green dial is absolutely stunning. I just hate that I can't get a discount at a boutique from what I have been told.

Speaking of dials, the new release of the all gold AE with the gold dial might be one of the most beautiful dials sold today. It's ridiculous. I can't afford full PM pieces unfortunately, but I could stare at the gold dial forever!

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by Craigdwh

Lol sorry for the above posts, clearly still learning.

This is my first LUC and I love it



Sent from my SM-S918W using Tapatalk

Wow! That is one beautiful watch Craig.

[991C4S]

I am a huge Chopard fan, specifically the LUC line. Extremely underrated brand with lots of heritage. Great range, haute horology. I am hoping to get the Alpine Eagle soon. However, it is at a bad time as I should be getting a 15500 RO soon. Here is my LUC 1860 XPS below, its one of my most worn in the stable:

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by sss205

Yes the regular pine green one is the one I am interested in. Heading to NYC next week and will pop into the boutique to see what's the wait like

Just realized the Pine green model carries a $1500 premium over the blue dial. Nothing different, just the color. Grrrrrr

[rockysw]

I am seriously thinking about getting the alpine eagle (blue dial). I tried it yesterday at an AD and loved it. I think the watch gets unnecessary criticism (it doesnt feel like AP or Patek and felt its own watch). The dial, bracelet and case is all top notch. Feels luxurious yet sporty and bit toolish (not as blingy as I thought it would).

Didnt want to take it off. Very impressed. I will highly recommend to try it in person.

Interestingly, the other watch I am thinking about for daily wear is 16600 but I am leaning more towards the alpine eagle. More unique, much better quality, more interesting, harder steel and so on and so forth and almost the same price in secondary market.

[Ross E.!]

Is on par with some of the best. Highly recommend.

[Timetaker34]

Incredibly underrated brand. Love the in house movements and one of the few Geneva Seal ones out there too.

Had this one for a while and really enjoyed my time with it

[CNY]

Anyone rocking the Alpine Eagle XPS?

[rockysw]

I have very recently gotten a chopard watch (Alpine Eagle - I have a thread on it). It is an amazing watch. Very impresssed.

So I have no doubt that the watch you have must be of very high quality as well.

[CNY]

Originally Posted by rockysw

I have very recently gotten a chopard watch (Alpine Eagle - I have a thread on it). It is an amazing watch. Very impresssed.

So I have no doubt that the watch you have must be of very high quality as well.

Thank you! Grabbed a few quick photos at an event – the XPS is a stunner indeed. The slimmed bezel, sub seconds, no date, and thin case come together for a very different feel on the wrist. Also bonus points for the boutique having fantastic salesmen.

Deciding between one of these in the near future or an Odysseys in the far, far, future. Or maybe a Santos.

[Ichiran]

This watch is so cool and the watch box sexy.



Limited to 50 pcs and USD 25,200 excl. taxes.

[doctoryellow]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

This watch is so cool and the watch box sexy.



Limited to 50 pcs and USD 25,200 excl. taxes.

Surprised it’s not sold out yet

[kunlun]

The salmon dial version is so nice.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by kunlun

The salmon dial version is so nice.

Yup, this is the one. I don't care for the Revolution limited edition.

[FrugalGreubel]

Originally Posted by ts3

Yup, this is the one. I don't care for the Revolution limited edition.

Really? I like both minus the “revolution” branding.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by FrugalGreubel

Really? I like both minus the “revolution” branding.

Just not my colors.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by doctoryellow

Surprised it’s not sold out yet

All the 50 pieces have been sold as of today. All gone.

[ChetBaker]

Well done to Chopard and Revolution. It took a while but they did it.

[991C4S]

Here are my thoughts regarding Chopard. I posted this in the other recent Chopard thread:

Originally Posted by 991C4S

I have two LUC's. A 1860 micro rotor and Quattro, and plan on getting a third soon. LUC is my favorite line. Many years ago I scrapped my collection and started over. Emphasizing only purchasing what I felt comfortable wearing and which brand I wanted to be associated with. Aside from the watches I have, Chopard is the brand I am most adamant about adding to and the only brand I have more then one of.

I'd love to get into an Alpine Eagle XPS soon.

I highly recommend. Value x finishing, heritage and prestige is tough to beat.