Is the Chopard Alpine Eagle the Natural Predator to the IWC Ingenieur?
Would be curious to hear people's thoughts on the comparison between these two models - they share a lot of similarities in terms of design (either Genta-designed or Genta-inspired) and specs, and reside in the same price tier (although, I do recognize the large gap in annual production volume between the two brands). The Alpine Eagle has always been a grail of mine, and for my money it simply "looks the part" of a $10k+ watch better than the Ingenieur does.
What it comes down to for me is the Alpine Eagle has more detailed finishing on the case, bracelet, and dial that lend it an elegant, luxurious look, while the Ingenieur has an attractive yet somewhat "brutalist" design and finish that makes it look less luxury, if that makes sense. Here is a close up photo of each, you be the judge!
EDIT: I realize these are both pricey, many would say "overpriced" and are out of reach for most, myself included. I was hoping the discussion would center more around the merits of each watch rather than only the cost.
Dial Lover. Bracelet Fanatic. Seikoholic.
both overpriced af thats all that needs to be said
To add to my post, for anyone intrigued by the Alpine Eagle, Time+Tide put out a great review on it that details the special touches and techniques that go into making it.
https://youtu.be/EK2rdLe3zBc
I don't particularly like either, but between the two I'd choose the IWC. The Chopard looks too "fussy" for my tastes.
It's great that both exist though, that way there are options for all tastes.
I think the Ingenieur just nicks it but both are ridiculously priced. However, yeah I agree, they're competing against each other and I can't see anyone in the same price bracket beating them. Just can't get over those price tags...
I prefer the Chopard but not going to investigate either. I have the Baume & Mercier Riviera perpetual calendar on my list if one arrives in Canada. My ad feels that due to the low numbers he will not see any and may be also beyond my budget.
I do not like IWC in general - probably not a fan of pilot watches overall and idk, brand is just not for me. Would prefer Chopard as to me this brand represents a luxury in a true sense - high end jewelry and watches. On par with Cartier or Piaget, but way behind Van Cleef & Arpels. I would buy none of those out of my own money - but if I was rich or offered a choice - Chopard would be my choice 😅
I think the GP Laureato is a more natural comparison to the IWC than the Chopard.
Hands, indexes, bracelet...
The Chopard might be the best watch out of those three.
Sorry to say it, but after a YouTuber called the alpine eagle the butthole watch, I can't look at it anymore 🤣
Have seen the Chopard in person and tried it on. My brain keeps calling it the Iron Eagle and I have to correct myself each time!
Anyway, very nicely finished watch. Both watch head and bracelet look and feel premium, tight tolerances and nice polishing. However I wish they went with a solid case back as the view of the movement through the case back really is underwhelming. Look and finish of the movement is very ordinary.
There are some models of the watch that have a L.U.C. micro rotor movement which is a thing of beauty and deserve a clear caseback, just not the regular model.
I think the GP Laureato is a more natural comparison to the IWC than the Chopard.
Hands, indexes, bracelet...
The Chopard might be the best watch out of those three.
Good call, that GP does resemble the case geometry of the IWC a lot more closely. Chopard is definitely my pick of the bunch.
Sorry to say it, but after a YouTuber called the alpine eagle the butthole watch, I can't look at it anymore 🤣
😂 I'm choosing to believe Chopard's explanation that it resembles the iris of an eagle's eye
Have seen the Chopard in person and tried it on. My brain keeps calling it the Iron Eagle and I have to correct myself each time!
Anyway, very nicely finished watch. Both watch head and bracelet look and feel premium, tight tolerances and nice polishing. However I wish they went with a solid case back as the view of the movement through the case back really is underwhelming. Look and finish of the movement is very ordinary.
There are some models of the watch that have a L.U.C. micro rotor movement which is a thing of beauty and deserve a clear caseback, just not the regular model.
I have not but would love to someday. From the reviews I've seen it sounds like part of that premium look and feel comes from the custom stainless steel they developed...pretty cool.
😂 I'm choosing to believe Chopard's explanation that it resembles the iris of an eagle's eye
Haha, yes that's the more mature interpretation.
Haha, yes that's the more mature interpretation.
Also the less fun interpretation haha
Never thought about this model much but it caught my eye recently and looks good in person.
If I may say that the polished centre link looks odd for me, as I find it’s too narrow.
Wondering how cool it would look with a brushed finished center link.
Thanks for posting.
I think the GP Laureato is a more natural comparison to the IWC than the Chopard.
Hands, indexes, bracelet...
The Chopard might be the best watch out of those three.
The GP Laureto blows the doors off these other two IMHO.
Sorry to say it, but after a YouTuber called the alpine eagle the butthole watch, I can't look at it anymore 🤣
who?
Watch-wise, I like both. Two different propositions.
Price-wise, I prefer the Chopard. Better value proposition, in my opinion (disclaimer: I own an Alpine Eagle 41mm)
who?
The time teller jory Goodman I think is his name
The time teller jory Goodman I think is his name
Thanks. I actually enjoyed his video; that's a respectful opinion. I think he's only missing the point of Chopard DNA that includes the St Moritz. I still think we can appreciate the beauty and finishing of the Alpine Eagle for what it is, without any comparison with a Royal Oak or Nautilus (or Ingenieur).
I really like them both. I think the Chopard is finished a touch better than the IWC but the Ingenieur has better claim to its design. All that said I'm an IWC fan and plan to buy the even more overpriced titanium Ingenieur in the coming year so don't mind me.