JEWELLERY & WATCHES 77 in its workshops . In keeping with this tradition , the dial of this new model is graced with straw marquetry . Created by a decoration Artisan from the Manufacture specially trained in this 17th-century technique , this masterpiece is a first for Chopard , which has never before presented a dial of this kind on its watches . The choice of straw and its link with the agricultural environment recall the deep inspiration that the Alpine Eagle collection draws from Nature and the alpine environment that Chopard is committed to preserving .
It all starts with the selection of the material : rye straw grown in Burgundy , France . Each strand is split individually with the fingernail , before being flattened with a dedicated tool called a plioir ( bone folder ). Using a scalpel , the straw is then cut and subsequently glued to the dial in an intricate pattern owing everything to the Artisan ’ s dexterity . The composition combines strands of different sizes , thicknesses and shades , while its graphic lines evoke an eagle ’ s eye view in full flight over the skyscrapers of New York – the city where the TimeForArt auction is to be held . Once assembled , the dial is coated with wood wax in order to reveal its full shine and brilliance . During all these stages , the light , thin nature of straw demands extremely meticulous care and patience , justifying 60 hours of work – at the end of which the hour-markers and inner bezel ring are applied by hand , followed by the gold hours and minutes hands .
Alpine Eagle : sophisticated aesthetics The Alpine Eagle collection reflects Chopard ’ s creative richness and visionary spirit in equal measure , along with inspiration drawn from the power of Nature . The one-of-akind Alpine Eagle 41 XP Time For Art remains true to this approach : a round case with stylised sides , a crown engraved with a compass rose , a bezel with eight functional indexed screws , luminescent indications and a comfortable metal bracelet – and above all , a state-of-the-art material : Lucent Steel™ . This innovative steel alloy made with an 80 % recycling rate was developed by Chopard for its anti-allergenic virtues , robustness and incomparable brilliance obtained through a meticulous remelting process . The Alpine Eagle 41 XP model is endowed with pure , sleek lines and harmonious proportions . Measuring 41 millimetres in diameter and just eight millimetres thick , its case , featuring a slimmed-down bezel and sides , provides a wide opening onto the unprecedented dial .
ISSUE 67 2024 THE ART OF LUXURY