The Collector’s Series – Tom’s Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono

It is 2023, and we’re back with a new instalment of the Collector’s Series, a column wherever we allow observe aficionados speak about their enthusiasm for a distinct look at. Now we’re talking to Tom, also identified as Wtt1975 on Instagram. He is a 47-yr-aged Dutch enterprise operator with a extensive vary of pursuits, such as a passion for wonderful watches, but not only. The impressive tale of his organization may well just have to have a independent interview – and we just could possibly do that for some scorching Petrolhead Corner stuff – however, now, we’ll speak watches. Wtt1975 acquired himself the Alpine Eagle Chrono XL with that lovely blue dial. And he’ll clarify what’s so special about it.

Chopard is a nicely-recognized manufacturer how did you get to know it?

I understood Chopard as the principal sponsor of the typical car rally Mille Miglia and their particular editions for that race. And, of study course, I realized it as a jewellery property.

What’s your impression of Chopard as a watch brand?

Its link with (common) automobiles matches mine. Their top quality is significant, and they make exceptional watches. It may not be a house title like Rolex or Omega in that large segment. Chopard’s owner is also a auto fanatic and participated in the Mille Miglia, a wonderful function. What I take into account to be a major attraction, as well, is that Chopard develops their possess movements.

You’re a car or truck enthusiast how does this show? What do you like about vehicles? 

Enthusiasm for (racing) autos, in particular Ferraris (traditional and modern day) and watches, usually go alongside one another. About the course of several yrs, I got to know much more about traditional Ferraris, I obtained to know the individuals, acquired to be exposed to the enthusiasm, and that did it. The great mechanics functioning together in great harmony to make this kind of a racing machine operate resembles how mechanical watches function. 

Why did you pick out the Alpine Eagle, due to the fact it is unrelated to the Mille Miglia?

I fell for the seem it’s a modern edition of the wonderful St Moritz. And while it has a somewhat retro vibe, it’s even now quite modern. 44mm is a excellent sizing for me, and the sapphire back again provides a glimpse of the terrific in-home “engine” of this pretty contemporary watch. The swirling sample on the dial in a attractive blue colour resembles the iris of an eagle’s eye. I love it. Then, there is a beautiful lunette with tiny screws that seems to be a little bit like a ship’s porthole. It has a modern style and design, just like the drive buttons for operating the flyback chronograph.

The metal applied is distinctive too, is not it?

The scenario, bracelet and bezel are built of Lucent Steel A223, an alloy specially created for Chopard and this Alpine Eagle line. A metal as important as gold. This one of a kind content with outstanding performance is equivalent to surgical steel it has a pretty superior hardness and is very dazzling in color with a particularly superior glow. All these points definitely appeal to me.

Given that when has it been a view you ideal to possess?

I have required it because I listened to of it at the close of 2019 (the product without chronograph,) and in 2020, this chronograph model arrived out. I watched a good deal of videos on YouTube and browse reviews/posts on check out discussion boards/websites like MONOCHROME (we reviewed the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono here). Then, I bought the check out at the commencing of January at Wempe in Düsseldorf, Germany.

So it’s a very latest acquisition. Do you put on it a good deal?

I put on the watch on a regular basis it alternates with my other watches. I have on the watch far more normally on weekends than on weekdays. 

Do you at any time get reactions to it?

Of course, a lot! It is a very particular view that you really don’t see generally. The wonderful steel (bracelet) strap with brushed and polished parts is so dazzling and shiny that it stands out to individuals. They generally believe it is extremely lovely and anything unique from a common effectively-acknowledged manufacturer from Geneva that generates practically a million watches a calendar year. With her Alpine Eagle selection, Chopard will not make tens of thousands a 12 months of this design!

Do you know the existing market worth of the enjoy?

I never know the recent price. I compensated EUR 19,000, but it was new. I obtain watches since I imagine they are stunning and unique, not to sell them.

How would you describe your observe assortment so considerably?

I begun a assortment not also long ago. Immediately after the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Maritime Diver in 2006, I hadn’t ordered a new view in a lengthy time. Moments have adjusted! The selection now consists of 5 eyes of distinct variations.

Are there any extra watches you would like to buy?

I have a couple of on get: a Tudor Black Bay Chronograph (inverted Panda version), a Grand Seiko Evolution 9 ref. SBGE285 Mist Flake, and a Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Day Blue. On my desire record is an A. Lange & Söhne, but the model is however underneath thought simply because so lots of gorgeous watches can be discovered there.

Which manufacturers do you think are executing attention-grabbing operate out there? 

Really a listing! A. Lange & Söhne, IWC, Ulysse Nardin, Cyrus, Girard-Perregaux and a lot of Swiss and German microbrands, these as D. Dornblüth & Sohn, Laco, Lehmann, Nomos, DeBethune, Moser & Cie, and of program, the Dutch brand name of Grönefeld from Oldenzaal!

Can you give strategies to other collectors who want the watch you possess? 

1st, immerse on your own in the “smaller” Swiss or German manufacturers. Seek advice from good friends/acquaintances who have watches and set just one on. If not, wander into a jewellery store and ask if you can set on a watch. Pictures on sites do not always present how the observe definitely is. I am watchful with my watches, but they are consumables…. Adhere to the manufacturer’s routine maintenance interval, and you will appreciate your buy for many years.

Do you have general strategies for people today who want to get started accumulating watches?

Invest in what you like. I invest in low cost watches from Steinhart, for illustration, and watches from a much more high-priced segment. You ought to truly feel fantastic about it. Bear in mind: there’s no arguing about taste! There is a ideal watch – or suited enjoy if you want more than one particular – for just about every personality. I like to have diverse styles of watches. From time to time a sporty enjoy, often a pilot’s view or a divers’ enjoy.