WATCHES & JEWELLERY 93
L . U . C 96.41-L movement : Chopard Manufacture ’ s watchmaking expertise at the service of the Alpine Eagle collection
Above and beyond its sophisticated design , the Alpine Eagle 41 XP Frozen Summit model beats to the rhythm of the technical excellence cultivated within Chopard Manufacture ’ s watchmaking workshops . An evolved version of the first calibre presented by the Manufacture in 1996 , the new ultra-thin L . U . C 96.41-L movement features an off-centred micro-rotor in 22-carat gold , whose high inertia ensures efficient winding of two barrels . Stacked in accordance with Chopard Twin technology , while preserving the movement ’ s overall 3.30 mm thickness , they store the energy required to guarantee a total 65-hour power reserve .
Respectful of watchmaking traditions and skills handed down from generation to generation , the Manufacture ’ s artisans have lavished the highest degree of refined finishing on this movement . All the bridges have been carefully chamfered and adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif : a wealth of details that can be admired through the transparent case-back and which have met the demanding standards laid down by the authorities responsible for granting the prestigious Poinçon de Genève .
Poinçon de Genève : the hallmark of fine craftsmanship
Throughout its vertically integrated production process , Chopard makes and assembles all the components of its Alpine Eagle collection inhouse , from movement to case to bracelet . The entire timepiece is certified by the Poinçon de Genève hallmark guaranteeing the quality and smooth functioning of the watches assembled in the Canton . Stamped on the back of the watch and on the movement ’ s main bridge , it represents the city of Geneva ’ s coat-of-arms consisting of a gold key and , above all , an eagle : a symbol not unlike the original inspiration for the Alpine Eagle collection . Appearing in the wake of the Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon and Alpine Eagle 41 XPS models , this Alpine Eagle 41 XP Frozen Summit is the third watch in the collection to be awarded this prestigious label of excellence .
Optimal proportions
The proportions of the Alpine Eagle 41 XP Frozen Summit have been optimised thanks to its thin movement : maintaining a total 41-millimetre diameter , the gemset case is just 9 mm thick , while the flanks and bezel have been trimmed down compared with a classic Alpine Eagle 41 model and thus provide a wider opening onto the diamond-paved dial . These exquisitely pleasing proportions , which Chopard reserves for exceptional models , endow the timepiece with an aura of graceful elegance .
Alpine Eagle : reinterpreting an icon
Envisioned by three generations of gentlemen in the Scheufele family , the Alpine Eagle collection is a modern reinterpretation of the St . Moritz watch , the first horological creation designed by Chopard ’ s now Co-President , Karl-Friedrich Scheufele , in the late 1970s . With its pure , assertive design , Alpine Eagle enriches this heritage with powerful inspiration drawn from Nature . A round case with raised stylised flanks , a crown engraved with a compass rose , a bezel with eight functional indexed screws : Alpine Eagle is a token of refined and resolutely contemporary elegance .
ISSUE 64 2024 THE ART OF LUXURY