Chopard extends their Alpine Eagle lineup with not only the first tourbillon, but also the first in the collection to achieve the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark.

Press release information with commentary in italics.

Chopard Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon in Lucent A223 Steel

Editorial Commentary

We have seen Chopard invest in their Alpine Eagle lineup since its launch in 2019 with the launch collection which comprise of 10 references in 2 sizes. Off to a good start even then, it premiered the ethically sourced, proprietary steel which they name A223. The collection was fortified with the addition of the Chronograph in 2020, and the Cadence 8F, high frequency movement in 2021. In late 2021, they extended the Chronograph with two more models – in rose gold and ceramicised titanium. And for 2022, Chopard adds haute horologerie to the collection with this new Flying Tourbillon in Lucent A223 steel.

The same eagle eye motif, now in a blue hue which Chopard calls Aletsch Blue is present on the dial, and now highlights the flying tourbillon, which is impressive. The case in a very wearable 41mm and only 8mm thick, with integrated bracelet.

The Alpine Eagle collection has turned out to be a stunning series, and with the addition of this tourbillon. As always, we look forward to handling and photographing the watch soon, and have already secured our appointment to do so. We will then report back with our comprehensive report.

Press Release information

With Alpine Eagle, Chopard has created a contemporary sporty-chic collection featuring a pure design and sophisticated mechanics. After a flyback chronograph movement and a high-frequency calibre, Alpine Eagle extends its range of complications with a model equipped with a flying tourbillon. At just 3.30 mm thick, the L.U.C 96.24-L movement stems from developments by Chopard Manufacture. Its advanced characteristics make the Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon one of the very few flying tourbillon watches to bear double Chronometer and Poinçon de Genève certification. Featuring a case measuring 41 mm in diameter and an integrated bracelet, it is made entirely in the Maison’s workshops from Lucent Steel A223, an exclusive, ultra-resistant and remarkably brilliant alloy. A 6 o’clock opening on its textured Aletsch Blue dial reveals a transparent and light tourbillon mechanism that endows the entire creation with its elegantly sophisticated character.

Inspired by a historical Chopard model reinterpreted by three generations of men from the Scheufele family, the Alpine Eagle collection has been constantly enriched since its launch by new innovations. The latest is a flying tourbillon movement developed thanks to the watchmaking expertise of Chopard Manufacture, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2021. The introduction of an innovative movement such as L.U.C Calibre 96.24-L within a watch from the Alpine Eagle collection now bears witness to the maturity attained by the Manufacture. The Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon model is the first complication watch in the Alpine Eagle collection acknowledged by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark.

An innovative, certified tourbillon in free flight

A flying tourbillon is characterised by the absence of an upper bridge. Since the tourbillon carriage is held only by the lower bridge, it appears to fly, creating an effect of transparency throughout the movement. L.U.C 96.24-L is based on the development of Chopard Manufacture’s first calibre (L.U.C 96.01-L presented in 1997) and is similarly slim, at only 3.30 mm.

This ultra-thin movement made it possible to optimise the size of the Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon watch: the case has been reduced to just 8 mm thick, and the flanks and bezel have been trimmed down compared to a classic Alpine Eagle Large model, offering a wider dial aperture. These well-balanced proportions, a signature feature of the collection, endow the timepiece with an elegant and graceful appearance entirely suited to the lightness of the complication.

The L.U.C 96.24-L movement is equipped with a stop-seconds function enabling precise time setting. This precision is certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, evidenced by the “Chronometer” inscription on the dial below the logo.

Among the flying tourbillon watches on the market, those by Chopard are the only ones to receive both Chronometer certification and the prestigious Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. The latter guarantees the fine craftsmanship and smooth operation of the timepieces assembled within the Canton. Stamped on the case-back of the watch, it depicts the city of Geneva’s coat-of-arms composed of a golden key and above all of an eagle: a symbol reminiscent of the original inspiration behind the Alpine Eagle collection.

Thanks to its two stacked barrels based on Chopard Twin technology, the movement guarantees a 65-hour power reserve, and its automatic winding is driven by a 22-carat gold micro-rotor whose density contributes to the slenderness of the movement. Finely crafted by the artisans of the Maison, each of its components is adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif recalling the attention to detail cultivated by Chopard Manufacture.

Aesthetics with a twist

With its pure and assertive design, the Alpine Eagle collection reflects Chopard’s creative richness and visionary spirit as well as drawing inspiration from the power of Nature. The Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon model is faithful to this aesthetic: a round case with stylised sides, a crown engraved with the compass rose, a bezel with eight functional screws set at a tangent, a stamped dial featuring deep colours, luminescent indications, and finally a metal bracelet that is particularly comfortable on the wrist.

The Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon is made from Lucent Steel A223, an innovative steel alloy developed by Chopard for its anti-allergenic properties, its robustness and its incomparable brilliance obtained through a meticulous re-smelting process.

Its Aletsch Blue dial is finely textured on a solid gold base according to a pattern inspired by the eagle’s iris. Centred on the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, this radiant design highlights the mechanism by emphasising its perfect transparency. The collection’s aesthetic codes are also picked up on the arms of the tourbillon carriage, specially redesigned in the same shape as the gold hands on the dial. Equally, the tourbillon carriage bears the small seconds hand, which has been meticulously coated with SLN X1 by the artisans of the Manufacture.

Chopard’s entire production process is vertically integrated, thus enabling it to make and assemble all the components of its Alpine Eagle collection in-house, from movement through to case and bracelet.

Chopard Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillonin Lucent Steel A223 Technical details

Case :
Lucent Steel A223
Total diameter 41.00 mm
Thickness 8 mm
Water resistance 100 metres
Lucent Steel A223 crown
with compass rose 665 mm
Vertical satin-brushed case middle with polished bevels
Lucent Steel A223 bezel with eight screws set at a tangent
Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Exhibition case-back with glare-proofed sapphire crystal

Movement:
Mechanical with automatic winding L.U.C 96.24-L
via an engraved 22-carat gold micro-rotor
Number of components 189
Total diameter 27.40 mm
Thickness 3.30 mm
Number of jewels 25
Frequency 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz)
Power reserve 65 hours
Two stacked barrels – Chopard Twin technology
Flying tourbillon rotating at a rate of once minute
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
Variable-inertia balance
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark

Dial and hands :
Dial featuring an Aletsch Blue colour obtained by galvanic treatment, crafted in gold stamped with a radiating pattern centred on the tourbillon
Applied white gold hour-markers and numerals enhanced with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova®