For 2024, Chopard is finally releasing a version of its larger-sized “XL” (44mm wide) Alpine Eagle chronograph case with a full gold bracelet to match the 18k “ethical” rose-gold case. Until now, only the smaller time-only 41mm-wide version of the Alpine Eagle came with a matching bracelet option. The result is lovely and massive in both size and weight, with a hefty price to match. However, those who lust for gold and feel that 41mm is perhaps too petite on their wrist (or they like the sportiness of a chronograph) will appreciate this addition to the “big gold Swiss watch family.” This Alpine Eagle XL in gold with the bracelet is a sort of alternative to an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and the like, but with its own personality and appeal.
This Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono reference 295393-5002 begins with the brand’s in-house caliber 03.05-C automatic COSC Chronometer-certified chronograph movement. It features the time, date, and 12-hour flyback chronograph, and it operates at 4Hz with 60 hours of power reserve. It isn’t quite at Chopard L.U.C level of finishing, but it is a very attractive mechanism designed for robust operation and reliability, as opposed to sheer sleekness and elegance. It is also a larger movement at 7.6mm thick and comprised of 310 parts. You can view the movement and its matching gold automatic rotor through the sapphire crystal on the rear of the case.
The dial of Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono is a sort of amalgamation between Chopard’s own brand DNA and the Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona. For this reference 295393-5002 model, Chopard decided on a gray “Bernina” dial color applied via a galvanic treatment to the textured face. Chopard claims the color of the dial is inspired by the tone of Swiss alpine rock facades. It is a nice combination of colors, overall, but my favorite gold Alpine Eagle models have had a matching gold case and dial color (for example, see my hands-on article of this 18k yellow gold 41mm Chopard Alpine Eagle watch). The gray face on this model is accented with some rose gold tones and red, making it legible and compelling to look at.
The 44mm-wide Alpine Eagle XL Chrono case is also 13.15mm thick and has a decent water resistance rating of 100 meters. The design keeps growing on me, as the Alpine Eagle blends a sort of industrial style with luxurious finishes and symmetry. If you were to wear a hefty solid gold sports watch today, I can’t see why the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono would not be high on your list. One downside is that as far as I can tell, the bracelet does not have a quick-release system or an accompanying strap. That would offer owners the ability to swap out the beautiful but heavy and fragile (you don’t want to expose gold to situations that could scratch it too much) bracelet for a sportier strap. Perhaps Chopard thinks that Alpine Eagle 18k gold watch owners will simply choose a different watch for sports activities — and they probably will. As I mentioned above, all previous versions of the Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono watch (no matter the case material) have been paired with a strap.
There will almost certainly be future versions of the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono in gold on a matching bracelet; 18K yellow gold is probably on the horizon, but Chopard might also come out with a titanium bracelet. Prior to this 18k rose-gold bracelet, the 44mm-wide Alpine Eagle XL Chrono family only has a Lucent steel bracelet option. How much of a price premium does the gold bracelet cost? About $30,000 USD more than an 18k gold model on a strap, which makes sense given that the bracelet is chunky and requires a lot of metal. Price for the fun-to-wear and pretty-to-behold Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono in rose gold (Ref. 295393-5002) is $73,400 USD. Learn more at the Chopard website.
