Chopard Alpine Eagle: Positive Experience.

I had the opportunity yesterday to try on a Chopard Alpine Eagle with the blue dial. I have been curious about this brand for a while, but they seem harder to find then some other brands so I have never tried one on. Luckily for me, we made a quick stop into Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue in Chicago and they had an Alpine Eagle in the case (I have stopped by before and found only a limited selection of mainly diamond encrusted ladies watches). I was actually hoping to try on one of the L.U.C. dress watches, but never look a gift horse in the mouth.

First impressions: This is definitely a luxury watch. A huge step up in finishing and comfort from entry-level luxury brands like Tudor. The blue dial was incredible. An amazing deep blue color with an interesting radiating pattern that did not detract in any way from legibility (unlike the ubiquitous sunray dial watches that I dislike so much). The watch has a see through caseback so I could see the movement, which was quite striking for what it is (we're not talking a luxury dress watch here). 41mm can be a bit large for my 6.75 inch wrist with the wrong execution, but this watch felt beautiful on the wrist. Not too large at all. The watch is very slim (under 10mm), which helps the comfort level. I was unable to size the bracelet to my wrist, but it was very beautiful and felt great on the wrist. No sharp edges. The bracelet has a butterfly clasp that looks seamless once closed. I unscrewed the crown and adjusted the hands. Everything felt buttery smooth.

What I didn't like: I wish there was either no date or a different date window execution. I did not like the date at 4:30. I thought it distracted from the otherwise beautiful dial. My other peeve: no microadjust on the bracelet. The bracelet was extremely beautiful and comfortable, but my wrist size fluctuates greatly depending on the weather. For $14,400, I'd like some type of microadjust.

This watch is out of my budget, but it was a pleasure to try on. Anyone who has the money and wants an integrated bracelet watch should definitely try this one. It was a real luxury piece and way nicer than many of the other steel luxury sports watches I have tried on before (Omega, Zenith, etc). I have frequently been disappointed when I have tried on a luxury watch that I have read about on forums or in the watch press. Maybe I am picky, but most watches disappoint me once I finally get hands on (Grand Seiko was particularly a let down for me). This Alpine Eagle was the opposite. I was utterly impressed by it in person. I know the design is not for everyone, but bravo Chopard for making such a beautiful timepiece.