Watches & Wonders 2026: Chopard has added to the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS with a new dial that echoes the snow at sunrise, and an L.U.C movement.
Chopard’s Alpine Eagle is slowly carving out a name for itself in the industry, especially when it comes to integrated sports watches. Launched in 2019, it was a re-interpretation of the St Moritz line from 1980, it was an instant hit upon release. The dial was most notably the most eye-catching part of the watch, with an “Iris of the eagle” dial that mimics, yes, an eagle’s eye made from galvanic-treated and stamped brass.
Then, in 2023, Chopard went a step further with the Alpine Eagle, releasing a new 41 mm version – the XPS. This time, the date was deleted from the dial and a small seconds sub dial added, with the high-level L.U.C 96.40-L movement that assisted in making the watch just 8 mm thick. And this year, Choard has now added to this line with the newest member. Introducing the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS with a Mountain Glow dial.
Snow-Covered Mountains
As the name may suggest, Chopard has crafted the dial to evoke the “warm reflections cast by the rising sun as it sweeps across freshly fallen snow covering the high peaks“. This effect gives the Iris of the Eagle dial a warmer tone that isn’t white, but more champagne in colour.
The dial pattern is achieved by stamping the brass and using a galvanic treatment to give it the swirling, radiating effect. The Roman numerals and hour markers are crafted in 18k ethical white gold and applied to the dial, and to ensure visibility in low light, these and the hands contain generous amounts of X1 super-LumiNova.
The L.U.C. Powering The Alpine Eagle
At the heart of the watch is the L.U.C Calibre 96.40-L, an evolution of the very first movement developed by the Manufacture back in 1996. Measuring just 3.30mm thick, this ultra-thin automatic calibre features a small seconds display and an off-centre 22-carat gold micro-rotor. Thanks to its greater inertia, the micro-rotor efficiently winds the twin-stacked barrels using Chopard’s Twin technology, delivering a solid 65-hour power reserve while keeping the overall profile impressively slim.
The L.U.C. calibre 96.40-L performs as well as it is beautiful to look at.
In terms of performance, the movement is chronometer-certified and includes a stop-seconds function for precise time setting, along with a swan’s-neck regulator for fine adjustment. And given this is an L.U.C. movement, it is finished to the highest standard, with all visible components carefully polished, bevelled and decorated using traditional techniques. The bridges feature Côtes de Genève, while the mainplate is circular-grained, all executed in line with Poinçon de Genève standards.
Poinçon de Genève Standards
What sets the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS apart from its brothers and sisters across the range is the Hallmark of Geneva certification, or the Poinçon de Genève on both the movement and the watch itself. This puts the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS in the same realm as Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. This means the watch is manufactured and finished to the standards and passes all the tests set out by the certification.
It’s not very common to see this certification on a steel watch, as the level of polishing and bevelling required is far more difficult to achieve compared to precious metals. Here, the use of Lucent Steel™ helps, with its unique structure giving the case and bracelet a brighter, more refined sheen.
More broadly, Chopard’s decision to submit pieces like this to the Poinçon de Genève speaks to its focus on traditional watchmaking standards, while still keeping the design and execution modern. The hallmark itself, stamped on the caseback and movement, features Geneva’s coat of arms – including the eagle, a subtle nod to the Alpine Eagle collection.
On the wrist, the bracelet has been reworked to better match the watch’s slimmer profile. The signature design of the bracelet is still present, but now with more pronounced tapering through the first few links and a thinner construction around the clasp, which helps it sit more naturally.
Chopard has also added a built-in extension system within the triple folding clasp, allowing for quick micro-adjustments of between 2.5mm and 5mm. It’s a simple push-pull mechanism that makes it easy to adapt on the fly, if your wrists, like mine, fluctuate with the weather. It’s the kind of detail that shows Chopard isn’t just focused on finishing and mechanics, but also how the watch actually wears day to day, which is a big tick from me.
Initial Thoughts
The Alpine Eagle keeps getting better and better. Chopard is increasing the quality of the collection, and even though the core collection is still very much present, the brand is now delivering a higher level of watch for those who want exceptional finishing and a robust, accurate and reliable movement, not to mention an integrated sport watch that is slim and wears very well.
For me to make a judgment on the aesthetics of this watch, I’ll wait to see it in person over the course of Watches & Wonders. Champagne coloured dials can be a bit hit and miss, but with Chopard and the Alpine Eagle, the dials are normally a hit for me. The textured pattern works, the blocky applied numerals and hour markers give the dial even more depth and now with a micro-adjust, the bracelet is also a win. All up, this creates a very well-made and good-looking piece.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | 298623-3003 |
| Dimensions | 41 mm x 8 mm thick |
| Case Material | Brushed and polished Lucent Steel™ – Vertical satin-brushed case middle with polished bevels |
| Case Back | Sapphire crystal |
| Dial | ‘Mountain Glow’ champagne colour, galvanic treated, with a radiating iris of an eagle pattern, applied ethical white gold hour-markers and numerals enhanced with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova® |
| Crystal | Sapphire, with anti-reflective coating |
| Movement | Mechanical with automatic winding L.U.C 96.40-L. 22K gold micro-rotor. Beating at 4Hz/28,800VpH |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (10 bar) |
| Bracelet | Lucent Steel™ tapering bracelet with satin-brushed wide link and sides, polished central cap & a triple folding clasp with safety pushers and comfort-fit extension system |