Reply With QuoteI’ve spent a fortune on their jewellery over the years, but I’m not a fan of the look of the bracelet on the Alpine Eagle.
I really like the new Alpine Eagle and have been offered a decent deal (RRP is £11200 and offer price is £7600). However even at that discount I can't shake the notion that it is a lot of money to pay for what may be perceived as a fashion/jewellery brand. What say you?
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
I’ve spent a fortune on their jewellery over the years, but I’m not a fan of the look of the bracelet on the Alpine Eagle.
It's just a matter of time...
Some of the jewellery brand watches are really attractive (as in 'dressy') watches - unfortunately the exit route is normally 50% rrp? (At best,)
I don't consider Chopard a fashion brand and the Chopard L.U.C range definitely isn't. Although I don't think the Alpine Eagle is part of the L.U.C range. I frequently check Chrono24 to see if any second hand Alpine Eagles come up for sale to get an idea of how much I could potentially loose if I purchased and needed to sell. I haven't seen any pre-owned ones come up for sale yet and I've been looking since September.
As an aside I'm really not a fan of the Chpoard watches with 'floating' diamonds in the dial. They look very gimmicky to me and do take a bit away from the brand for me. Not enough to stop me buying an Apline Eagle at that price though!
The blue dial on the alpine eagle is stunning. Initially was not a fan until I tried it on. Its def on the want list now!
Last edited by Gerald Genta; 6th February 2020 at 23:28.
They have some decent models in the range - the one you mention is not for me.
All high end stuff is statement 'jewellery' in reality, it's more about accepting the spend against your taste.
Last edited by Chris_in_the_UK; 6th February 2020 at 23:27. Reason: Double post thing.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
I don't think the earlier comment about the Happy diamond and happy sport ranges is fair.
I admit to initially seeing Chopard as jewellery but when my wife asked to try on a happy sport just before Xmas l was very pleasantly surprised at the overall feel of quality and finish.
I was also not aware that, rather than just rattling around the face of the watch, the diamonds in fact spin as they move. The facets of the diamonds are such that this motion really makes the watch something special.
My wife now wants one for our anniversary...
...despite not being "into" watches...
There’s your answer. It’s a lovely looking watch with an in house movement at a decent discount. You probably won’t get your money back of you move it on but then it’s not a Rolex. In my opinion a lot of the established brands have become lazy in recent times and it’s great to see the so called fashion brands developing their own movements and production facilities and really making an effort.Originally Posted by ryanb741
I’m also not sure what constitutes a fashion brand, watches are all essentially jewellery these days and all rely on being fashionable to an extent to survive. The likes of Chopard and Cartier are no lesser watchmakers than the likes of Rolex and Omega etc. In my opinion, especially with Chopard, they’re probably better.
You’re a flipper Ryan, and you’d most likely take a bath even at the discounted price on selling.
It's just a matter of time...
Aren’t Bulgari a proper watchmaking house?
Yes there’s a lot that they produce that could be termed fashion tat,
but with recent releases from them (Octo Finisimo range), I think they can be called a proper watchmaker.
I think Chopard is in the same category, their LUC range is close to if not exactly haute horology standard.
Re. Bulgari, these are my thoughts exactly. Given the blend of design, innovative engineering and in house movement I think I would consider them a real horological powerhouse.
Tried them on, stunning dial, wears really well and feels very high quality. But I cannot get over the obvious genta design cues I.e Nautilus/Royal Oak etc.
There has been two other new sports watches recently that did not follow the genta designs as closely, namely the A Lange Sohne and the H Moser, both of which were butt ugly!
It's nothing to do with Genta, google Chopard St Moritz, an original design from 1980.
At 7600 its a no brainer, they only produce a limited amount and it wont drop that much, though it might take longer to sell than a Rolex, but that's true for most brands.
Looks a bit like an RO / Nautilus wannabe. Not a brand I would have associated with watches, but from the sounds of it that’s more likely just me.
RO/Nautilus predate beings 70s though. To my eyes it has case shape of a nautilus, lugs and bracelet integration of a RO, bezel of a hublot classic fusion. The dial is however unique and a standout which I have seen in person and tried on. Yes price is very nice at 7600 given what the others are selling for (aside hublot) even if you could get them. So that is a big compensating factor.
I certainly don’t see them as a fashion brand, the Mille Miglia was one of the first watches I coveted after reading about Chopard’s history. Their business started with watches and jewellery came much later.
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
I say if you like it and can get it at £7,600 then go for it. It’s not as if you are someone who thinks that the answer to every question is “get a Rolex” and you strike me as someone who wouldn’t be bothered if someone thought it was a fashion brand. You could then explain why it isn’t.
I really liked it when I tried one on.
When I think of Chopard I automatically think really high end.
High end jewellery though, more so than watches, but that particular watch looks really nice.
I certainly wouldn't look at it and think 'cheap Armani watch' if that makes sense?
Decent deal too.
If you’r’e on the fence between this and the Octo Finissimo, I’’d choose the Bvlgari. But I do like the Alpine Eagle, it just doesn’t’’ stand out enough in a sea of similar looking new sports watches.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited by Matt.D; 7th February 2020 at 11:58.
You don't strike me as someone who cares about other peoples' perceptions. I can say from experience that Chopard in no way looks or feels like what I consider to be a fashion watch. If you're buying it to enjoy and admire, I'd say go ahead. If resale value and ease of sale are important, I'd reconsider.
I love mine:
I don't think they're a fashion/jewellery brand.
I think people THINK they are in the same way that they consider Cartier.
I bloody love the alpine eagle.
Chopard are for sure proper watches. Price seems good, definitely worth a shout. I do prefer the blue dial over the grey, offers better contrast.
For me, fantastic watches best bought used or new as keepers
Been looking for a mint mille miglia “ski club Arlberg “ for a long time
It’ll probably be a bit longer as there are only 103!
Jacky ickx editions one of the coolest chronos about imho
I helped a close friend buy a competitor edition from Sc a few years back, definitely one of the best made watches I’ve ever handled
Last edited by GOAT; 7th February 2020 at 11:34.
I think this is going to far. They have a history around quality watches and specialist dealers will trade the brand.
Gorgeous. Simple, but has charisma. A quality watch should be emotive and I like that.
i like some of the LUC watches and they are a proper brand but i think the alpine eagle is a bit of a dogs dinner, even at that price its not an easy sell.
I think the comparison with Cartier is quite appropriate. People tend to forget that Cartier "created" the first wrist watch for Santos Dumont. They are both proper watchmakers as well as quality jewellers.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
I love the look of the Alpine Eagle, and would be all over the grey dial if i had the funds.
I’ve never considered Chopard to be a fashion brand. In fact, I’ve always thought of them as high end horology. I’ve lusted after a Mille Miglia of some kind for a very long time.
However, I’m personally not all that keen on the Alpine Eagle. I’ve only seen pictures of them though and actually handling one may change my view. Not that this is of any relevance anyway! If you like it and especially at the price you’ve mentioned, I’d be sorely tempted.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
If you really like it, go for it. If you get it for £7600 sure you're not going to make any money should you flip it, but I don't think you'll lose a huge amount either. I think it's a beautiful watch with some exquisite details when you look at the macro shots, slightly reminds me of the VC Overseas with the older style bracelet.
You're all over the place. The St Moritz predates Hublot etc. It looks nothing like the aforementioned watches IRL, unlike the Piaget Polo which is a more obvious design copy.
If you have DNA from 1980 when noone cared much about these things then it's pretty fair to say Chopard are very much using a proprietary design.
They’re far from standard fare for TZ, but we’re a parochial little lot and there are some wonderful watchmakers of whom we hear little here. Chopard would certainly be one... looking at the 1.96 and 3.96 movements etc. Superb.
Last edited by ac11111; 7th February 2020 at 22:48.
The chopard alpine eagle is a nice watch but not really original in any way, the 80s chopard st moritz is a forgettable genta homage in itself.
But I agree the LUC is good bang per buck was close to buying a LUC 1.96 myself. High horology finishing at a fraction of the cost.
Tell me this is a fashion brand
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/so...luc-1997-found
One of the finest watches I’ve had the pleasure to own,
Oh I like that ! - the new versions with that date are lovely too... another watch to look out for the future !You don't strike me as someone who cares about other peoples' perceptions. I can say from experience that Chopard in no way looks or feels like what I consider to be a fashion watch. If you're buying it to enjoy and admire, I'd say go ahead. If resale value and ease of sale are important, I'd reconsider.
I love mine:
Cheers
Matt
Chopard are a proper watchmaker, and if the watch appeals to you Ryan then go for it.
Being honest about it, all luxury watches are man-jewellery, and have a strong fashion element about them. Thinking they are some kind of “tool” is a delusion.
There has been a lot of convergence with fashion, jewellery and horology. Cartier and Bulgari have now developed great in house capability and are unmistakably watchmakers. Chanel owns a case maker / assembler and has invested in Tudor’s movement arm. The lines are increasingly blurred.
But Chopard are a proper watchmaker, and jeweller too.
D
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have a Mille Miglia and have for about 10 years now it's a very nice watch, well finished and a keeper too. I always like the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique chrono which I don't see on their website now but the newer Mil Mig looks just like it.
Chopard like a lot of another makers never really seem to hold their own in the resale market I blame their lack of marketing for that. They do command a good price when new which probably is all that matters for them since no one gives them a kickback on resale.
Saw an Older chap wearing one of these in San Francisco recently. Looked superbly understated... & I like that.
z
I agree with this, both Cartier and Chopard make some lovely watches.
My wife has a Cartier Tank for a dress watch and has always liked the look of the Happy Diamonds range.
Both manufacturers also make some stunning jewellery but I don’t think this, in any way, detracts from their watch making credentials.
Just my point of view , but Chopard at there best are absolutely top self material . Most people would associate them with the Jewellery they are famed for , and it's true they like many others use various generic movements in there lower end watches, 7750 derivatives for there Mille Miglia and Monaco De historic ranges etc , but step up to LUC products and your getting something totally different . And remember this is one of only a few companies out there that is still Family owned, which means that customer service is wonderful. From a personal experience I had a Jackie Ickx that sustained water ingress and had to go back to Switerland to be sorted, submitted through a UK dealer it came back in three weeks fully serviced with a new dial , all under warranty even though it was over two years old ! .
I also have to mention the attention to detail on there watches at all levels , silly things like cut outs behind the crown to help a fingernail getting in to pull the crown out , a deployant that has push button release rather than friction ( they did try friction for a while then reverted back to push button ) straps on there watcherproof watches that are either rubber or waterproof treated . Dial detail that shows the skills they have in the jewellery department, no I'm not talking about diamonds in the dial, I'm talking about engine turning on the dial, applied markers that catch the light, details that help bring at dial to life with depth and clarity making them easy to read . And let's not forget that Chopard are one of the only manufacturers out there that regularly submit watches for the coverted Geneva Seal . And are regularly granted this horological honour for the quality of there products .........Chopard a fashion brand , sorry but absolutely not . They are proper watch manufacturers of the highest highest standard .
Last edited by BryanEbru1512; 8th February 2020 at 11:44.
Fashion Brand no way! Don't worry about people thinking that it's a jewellery brand. Chopard are high end watch brand with a high end jewellery department. (Even if it was the other way around, Cartier have shown high end jewellery companies can produce watches)
For me Chopard watches have two parts, those that are L.U Chopard & the rest. (Buy the former, pass on the latter)
One of my biggest auction regrets was not purchasing a L.U.C dress watch, it went for a 1/4 retail due to the perception that it was just a jewellery brand.
The main thing I dislike about the Alpine is the bracelet reminds me of the Vacheron Gen 1. The Gen 1 bracelet always looked odd to me.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not sure about this new line, but love mine. Will never part with it
One of the finest watches I’ve had the pleasure to own,
Always liked those - is that the Cadence LE?
Define fashion brand. I imagine that to Joe Bloggs, all watch makers are fashion brands. Be it rolex and their submariner or casio and the 91f
Fashion brand would be Armani or Burberry a true watch maker like Rolex, Casio or Chopard could hardly be looked at as a fashion brand. Just because a watch manufacturer keeps up with design doesn't make it a fashion brand just makes it a smart business so they don't lose business. Imagine if all they made today were trench watches.
My pokt was that to the vast majority, rolex is nothing but a fashion brand. They're bought for no reason but fashion and status, not horological achievement etc. I'd consider rolex or omega to be quintessential fashion brands.
Admittedly it was 10 years ago, but I still don't quite understand why I turned down a steel one of these for £2500 new:
You are making no sense here.
Of course they are bought for a reason - you are a member of a watch forum!.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Posting Permissions
