Chopard (Instagram), the epitome of luxury craftsmanship, introduces a new Zinal Blue addition to the Alpine Eagle Summit series with an ethically crafted piece that pays homage to the majestic Zinal Glacier. This exquisite timepiece, adorned with its incredible dial, is more than a watch; it’s a testament to Chopard’s commitment to precision, sustainability, and the art of horology.
The Zinal Blue dial, inspired by the splendour of the Alpine landscape, takes centre stage in The Alpine Eagle Summit collection. Drawing its name from the Zinal Glacier in the heart of the Swiss Alps, this dial captures the shimmering reflections of blue and purple, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Featuring a radiating pattern reminiscent of an eagle’s iris, the textured dial showcases the purity of ice in blue hues and the translucent crystals of the glacier. This visual masterpiece is achieved through an innovative PVD treatment, creating unique variations between blue and purple, complemented by the eagle-eye structure which leads to gorgeous interplays of light and reflections.
The rhodium-plated hands, enhanced with Super-LumiNova Grade X1, gracefully traverse the dial, marking the imperceptible passage of time that shapes these Alpine treasures.
Since its inception in 2019, the Alpine Eagle Summit has been a beacon of sustainable luxury. The 41mm case and integrated bracelet of the Alpine Eagle Summit are meticulously crafted in ethically-sourced 18-carat white gold. Chopard’s commitment to ethical sourcing, dating back to July 2018, ensures that every creation aligns with a more responsible approach to the Earth’s stewardship. Devised by three generations of the Scheufele family, the Alpine Eagle collection pays homage to the St. Moritz—the first watch was created by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in the late 1970s. Alpine Eagle, with its assertive design and natural inspiration, stands as a token of contemporary elegance.
Chopard is also showcasing the limited edition L.U.C Strike One, a 25-piece creation in ethical 18-carat white gold with a unique “crystalline sound”. The L.U.C Strike One, an extension of the L.U.C XPS 1860 model, boasts a solid gold grey-green dial with a snailed rim and a hand-guillochéd centre adorned with a honeycomb pattern. This intricate design pays homage to one of Louis-Ulysse Chopard’s chosen emblems—the beehive, which represented his workshops.
At 1 o’clock, a cut-out reveals the mirror-polished steel hammer, a precursor to the chime that resonates through a monobloc sapphire gong—a distinctive feature setting the L.U.C Strike One apart. This exclusive mechanism chimes in passing, sounding once every hour with exceptional intensity, clarity, and length. The heart of the L.U.C Strike One lies in the new L.U.C Calibre 96.32-L, featuring the typical architecture of L.U.C calibers. The automatic winding via a micro-rotor in engraved ethical 22-carat gold ensures a 65-hour power reserve, even in chiming mode, thanks to the Chopard Twin technology with its double barrel. Noteworthy innovations include integrating the chime control pusher into the crown, allowing wearers to effortlessly switch between silent and striking modes. This layout, unique to Chopard, enhances comfort and remains a testament to the Maison’s commitment to innovation.
The L.U.C Strike One is not merely a watch; it’s a musical instrument curated by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. The monobloc sapphire crystal/gong system, derived from the L.U.C Full Strike, creates a unique sound intensity without soldering, screws, or glue. This construction, recognized with a patent, earned Chopard the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2017.
For over 25 years, Chopard Manufacture, guided Scheufele, has seamlessly blended heritage and modernity in the L.U.C collection. From movement development to quality control, each timepiece is a result of in-house craftsmanship. The workshops in Geneva and Fleurier master every aspect, from gold casting to hand-crafted finishes, expressing a high degree of mechanical sophistication.
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