Hands-on: Chopard Alpine Eagle 33mm

Text/image: Mia Litström

Just as yellow gold is trendy, the classic style with steel is holding up. Buying a really good model in steel can even be a good investment depending on which model you choose. This particular one is not quite at that level yet as, for example, the Royal Oak, but just Chopard's Alpine Eagle has in a short time become a very popular model with its typical character and design. Eqotime's Mia Litström takes a closer look at the new release! 

Perfect for the female wrist

The news for the model series is that it now comes in a smaller size than before, which makes many with slim wrists rejoice. Because it is a sturdy model with distinct lines and if the size is a bit too big for the wrist it becomes neither comfortable to wear nor particularly flattering in appearance, and instead risks looking clumsy. The watch is perfect for anyone who wants a sporty, gorgeous watch in this style but wishes for something other than, for example, the AP Royal Oak or Hublot Big Bang, which also come in 33 mm. The earlier sizes the Alpine Eagle comes in are 44, 42 and 36 mm, which are now balanced out with the new one in 33 mm. 

Case and design

In total there are six versions in the size and I fell for the one in steel that can be seen at Nymans Ur. Case and bracelet are in Chopard's own quality of steel, Lucent Steel A223, which they developed in collaboration with Voestalpine Böhler, who manufacture steel components in Austria. Lucent steel is not new for just this size but was launched for the Alpine Eagle collection from the very beginning. What distinguishes the material from other steel is that, according to Chopard, it is 50% harder and anti-allergic just like surgical steel. It is made from 70% recycled material and in addition it has a really nice lustre that comes out above all on the polished surfaces. 

The steel version comes in two versions, one with diamonds on the bezel and one without. Both have a dark blue dial with a really nice pattern that is typical for the model series. The pattern is meant to recall the iris of the eagle's eye. The earlier models come in several different materials and colours, without diamonds or with diamonds in a more restrained form, but there are also models that are completely covered with diamonds and coloured stones. The one with the dark blue dial also comes in 36 mm and the deep blue colour combined with steel is strikingly timeless and very unisex. In addition, the combination of the brushed and polished steel on both case and bracelet makes the whole thing really nice. On the bezel there are also the eight screws that clearly show that it is an Alpine Eagle. The reason I chose the one with diamonds is precisely the simplicity and the distinct lines that make the sparkling stones a pleasant contrast to the more robust design with the visible screws. 

The integrated bracelet has a folding clasp in Lucent Steel, it is a really good fastening but it takes a little while before you get the right grip, but once it sits you open and close the bracelet very smoothly. At the opening there is a polished part where the text Chopard is engraved, the same on the inside of the folding clasp. These are details you don't think about at first glance but that make the whole thing even better. On the crown there is also the star that shows that it is an Alpine Eagle. 

The movement is the same one that sits in the 36 mm, an in-house movement Chopard: 09.01-C automatic. The watch shows hour, minute and seconds, not date. The power reserve is 42 hours and the movement is COSC-certified. What I really also think they have succeeded with, or perhaps it is that they stand firm on it, is that even though it is a smaller model it doesn't automatically have to mean that it is a watch with a quartz movement, but that it also has an automatic movement just like its bigger siblings. And for those who feel as I do, being able to see the movement through the back, the 33mm also has an open back. What does distinguish it from the others, however, is that it is water resistant to 50 m and not 100 m like the others. But that is not the end of the world – this is after all not primarily a diver's watch but a good-looking watch that is both durable and that fits in every context. 

On the wrist and closing thoughts

The watch sits well and comfortably on the wrist and despite its smaller size it does not look as petite as you might think, instead it asserts itself thanks to its design. One detail that is also advantageous and that suits this model is the Roman numerals that are typical for the Alpine Eagle, they are good-looking even in a smaller format. The screws are something of the model's identity and are a really gorgeous detail. You see them clearly on the bezel but they are also visible on the case back and on the inside of the bracelet. 

If you have looked at the model before but found it a bit too big, this is a winner. And should you want a warmer tone it comes in gold and in bicolour with or without stones. 

The Chopard Alpine Eagle 33 mm in Lucent Steel A223 with diamonds is available at Nymans Ur on Biblioteksgatan in Stockholm. Price 154,000 kr.  

Technical specifications

Brand: Chopard
Model: Alpine Eagle
Reference number: 298617-3

Diameter: 33mm
Thickness: 7,95mm
Case material: Stainless steel

Dial: Blue
Bracelet:  Integrated bracelet Lucent steel A223 with folding clasp in the same material

Movement: Chopard 09.01-C C2 (in-house)
Complications: –
Power reserve: 42h
Winding: Automatic
Water resistance: 50m

Price: 154,000kr