Vorstellung » Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XP CS Platinum

Introducing the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XP CS Platinum



For the first time, Chopard is introducing platinum to the Alpine Eagle collection. No doubt influenced by the success of the ultra-thin salmon-dial Alpine Eagle XPS from 2023, the LUC movement is back. This watch is made of very bright 950/1000 platinum with a cool "ice" smoked blue dial.

The brass dial continues the iconic eagle iris pattern on the dial, radiating outward from the central column. The applique brass hour markers are filled with X1 Super-LumiNova, and the baton hands are made from the brand's ethically sourced white gold.

The hour markers are the same as we saw on the titanium 8HF, with only the twelve o'clock marker retaining a Roman numeral. In contrast, the other markers are simple batons. This platinum version also does away with the date window like the XPS, but this time it has a central seconds hand instead of the small seconds subdial of the salmon dial model.

The case measures 41mm in diameter and 8mm thick, with a transparent caseback that shows off the Calibre 96.42-L LUC movement inside, while still offering a 100m water resistance befitting a sports watch. The 950 platinum micro-rotor takes centre stage, providing the Alpine Eagle with a 65-hour power reserve stored in a double-stacked barrel on the side. A big step up from the standard Chopard movements used in other Alpine Eagles, this LUC movement is more richly decorated. The bridges are decorated with Côtes de Genève and feature a multitude of chamfers. The swan-neck hand assembly above the balance wheel is also visible. The movement is COSC-certified, and this watch is the third Alpine Eagle to receive the Poinçon de Genève seal.

The platinum case also comes with a fully integrated platinum bracelet, and the brand says this is the first model to feature a redesigned bracelet with an increased taper on the bracelet. While one could argue that this is an effort to reduce the amount of platinum needed for the watch, it could also be an effort to make the bracelet slightly more elegant than past models. Curiously, the release trigger for the clasp is platinum, but the blade is white gold.

I’m a big fan of the Alpine Eagle. Two years ago, I added the titanium 8HF to the collection, and James Stacey agreed with me that it was the best model in the collection. But this new platinum Alpine Eagle XP CS is something else entirely, and represents an entirely different niche for the Alpine Eagle.

In fact, I’m surprised that we haven’t actually seen a platinum Alpine Eagle since the collection launched in 2019. It seems like a natural fit for the brand, even though “Lucent Steel” and “Ethical Gold” are certainly more storytelling materials for the brand. But for its customer base, many of whom come from the jewelry industry, the dazzling sheen of platinum is sure to appeal to many.

I’d love to see this watch in person, not just to get a feel for the heft of the watch, but also the redesigned bracelet. If the added taper is presented more elegantly, I’d like to see it applied to the entire line in the future.

The Basics
Brand: Chopard
Model: Alpine Eagle 41 XP CS
Ref: 295396-9001
Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 8mm
Case Material: 950 Platinum
Dial Color: Ice Blue Hour Markers: Luminous
Material: Yes
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Redesigned Platinum Bracelet
Movement
Caliber: LUC 96.42-L
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
Diameter: 27.4mm
Thickness: 3.3mm
Power Reserve: 65 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 VpH
Jewel: 29
Chronometer Certification: Yes, COSC Certified