Words: Jonathan Wells
In association with:
We’ve got a real problem with luxury watchmakers. From Basel to Bern, these manufactures and maisons sit high and mighty up in alpine Switzerland — creating some of the most perfect, precise timepieces to ever tick to life. There are dress watches; elegant and extraordinarily put-together. There are chronographs and chronometers, poised to keep time to the millisecond. There are perpetual calendars, dual times, tourbillons and Métiers d’art.
But we’ll tell you what there isn’t; any regard for us watch aficionados. Because, with such glorious, grandly assembled models, how are we expected to choose which single watch to buy? Chopard — the historic Scheufele family-owned manufacture — makes things especially difficult, with collections from the exceptional L.U.C to vintage-tinged Classic Racing turning our heads (and wrists) in every direction.
Thankfully, MR PORTER is here to help. The award-winning destination for men’s style has, this month, added Chopard to the rarefied roster of brands available to buy online. And, what’s more, it’s a curated collection on offer.
That means, suddenly, your choices are whittled down to a tight 16 — a considerably more manageable number from which to make your decision. Highlights include the L.U.C Perpetual Twin Automatic Perpetual Calendar and the Mille Miglia Classic Automatic Chronograph — but we’re most taken with the Alpine Eagle collection. Contemporary, streamlined and assertive, here’s how to pick the right Chopard watch for you…
For the all-round adventurer, Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono Automatic 44mm
Who is this watch for? Those without fear. This hardy steel chronograph is the COSC-certified, water-resistant, hard-as-nails cornerstone of the Alpine Eagle collection — ideal for sportsmen, explorers, record-breakers and limit-pushers.
What does this watch do? In addition to the hours, minutes, seconds and date window, the super-sized XL Chrono also features a tachymeter scale and flyback chronograph with small seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour counters.
Why is this watch worth it? Aside from that beautiful galvanised blue sunburst dial? Probably the exhibition caseback, the durable Lucent steel bracelet and incredibly legible rhodium-plated indices, coated in Super-LumiNova. This is a tool watch at its most useful; kitted-out and ready for anything.
For the debonair dresser, Chopard Alpine Eagle Large Automatic 41mm 18-Karat Rose Gold
Who is this watch for? Men who makes statements. Cast in 18-karat rose gold — ethically sourced and subtly brushed — this is the ideal accessory for those who enjoy dressing to the nines and leaving an impression.
What does this watch do? It may not have the chronograph movement of the XL Chrono above, but this Large Automatic boasts Chopard’s inimitable Swiss-made 01.01-C automatic movement with 60-hour power reserve and date function.
Why is this watch worth it? Because we’re all looking for that signature, statement timepiece. And, with its beautiful case (complete with a clasp-fastening 18-karat pink gold bracelet) and the galvanised ‘Aletsch’ blue sunburst dial, watches don’t get more distinctive than this.
For the first-time buyer, Chopard Alpine Eagle Large Automatic 41mm Lucent Steel
Who is this watch for? Aspiring collectors looking to make that all-important purchase; their first luxury Swiss watch worth over £10,000. The Alpine Eagle Large Automatic, with its versatile styling and unrivalled reliability, is really the only choice.
What does this watch do? Everything you need it to. Fitted with a COSC-certified chronometer movement, there’s also a date window to track your weekdays in the office and 10 bar water-resistance and Lucent steel case for your weekends spent exploring the great outdoors.
Why is this watch worth it? Because of that innate versatility. There’s a functionality built into the fashion of this watch — from the easy-fastening steel bracelet to the Galvanised ‘Bernina’ grey sunburst dial; a design to span dress codes.
For the as-yet undecided, Chopard’s L.U.C and Classic Racing ranges
Of course, that’s not to say you have to opt for an Alpine Eagle. MR PORTER has also included several of Chopard’s other timeless timepieces in its curated range of watches. There’s the L.U.C Perpetual Twin Automatic Perpetual Calendar, for example, with its satin-brushed dial and nubuck strap in shades of complementary blue.
There’s the L.U.C XPS Automatic, crafted from 18-karat rose gold and featuring a commendably capable with 65-hour power reserve. Or, for motoring enthusiasts, why not take the Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Chrono Automatic for a spin? With its technical tachymeter scale and bright red references to racing history, it too makes for an appealing, alluring option. And, just like that, we’re back to the problem of choosing — because when a watchmaker is as celebrated as Chopard, it’ll always be difficult to choose…
Want more on Chopard’s Alpine Eagle? Here’s how the design took inspiration from the classic St Moritz…
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