Every two years, Chopard showcases its artistic prowess through a timepiece for the prestigious TimeForArt event. This year, the Maison presents the Alpine Eagle 41 XP, a one-of-a-kind watch that embodies the fusion of timeless aesthetics and cutting-edge craftsmanship. This latest creation brings together the elegant lines of the iconic Alpine Eagle collection and a rare artisanal technique—straw marquetry, a first for Chopard.
A Marquetry Masterpiece
The Alpine Eagle 41 XP’s dial is a visual marvel, intricately crafted using the 17th-century technique of straw marquetry. This art, which has never before graced a Chopard watch, involves meticulous handcrafting by an artisan trained in the craft. The rye straw, sourced from Burgundy, France, is split, flattened, and cut with precision before being applied in a complex geometric pattern. Each dial takes approximately 60 hours to complete, and its delicate arrangement evokes the soaring vision of an eagle flying above New York’s skyscrapers, where the TimeForArt auction is held.
Sleek Design with Precision Engineering
Chopard’s commitment to innovation is embodied in the Alpine Eagle’s use of Lucent Steel™, an exclusive alloy with 80% recycled material content. The 41 mm case is a testament to modern luxury, boasting a bezel secured by eight functional screws and a slim profile just 8 mm thick. The watch is powered by Chopard’s in-house L.U.C 96.17-L movement, a marvel of engineering. Despite its slim 3.30 mm thickness, this self-winding movement features a 22-carat off-center micro-rotor and twin stacked barrels, ensuring a power reserve of 65 hours.
A Testament to Chopard’s Visionary Spirit
The Alpine Eagle 41 XP continues Chopard’s tradition of blending natural inspiration with mechanical mastery. Its straw marquetry dial reflects the collection’s roots in nature, specifically the alpine environments that the Maison is committed to preserving. Meanwhile, the movement’s precision and the advanced properties of Lucent Steel™ highlight Chopard’s forward-thinking approach to luxury watchmaking.
As this unique creation takes its place in the TimeForArt auction, it also serves as a tribute to Chopard’s artisans, whose skills and dedication allow the brand to continually push the boundaries of both art and innovation in the world of haute horology.
