Chopard Alpine Eagle 36 Summit

The Alpine Eagle collection has steadily established itself as a cornerstone of modern luxury sports watch design, balancing a distinct 1970s heritage with contemporary manufacturing techniques. While the initial introduction focused on Lucent Steel and understated aesthetics, the line has expanded to include more opulent interpretations that bridge the gap between robust utility and high jewelry. The latest addition to this evolving narrative is the Alpine Eagle 36 Summit in yellow gold, a model that introduces a vibrant, gem-set aesthetic to the mid-sized range. This specific reference moves beyond the standard monochromatic palette found in the core collection, offering a distinct visual personality driven by warm tones and precious materials.

At the heart of this new release is the 36mm case, crafted entirely from 18-carat ethical yellow gold. The choice of yellow gold marks a return to a classic, warmer luster that contrasts sharply with the cooler tones of rose gold or steel often seen in the market today. The metal is sourced through ethical supply chains, a standard operating procedure for the brand that emphasizes sustainability alongside luxury. The case measures 8.40mm in thickness, maintaining a slender profile that allows the watch to slip easily under a shirt cuff while retaining enough presence to be noticed. The architecture of the case features the collection's signature protrusions on the flanks, recalling the protective ears of the historic St. Moritz model, yet refined for a modern silhouette.



Visually, the case finishing plays a significant role in the watch's interaction with light. The vertical satin-brushed surfaces on the case middle and bracelet dampen the intensity of the yellow gold, preventing it from appearing overly flashy or ostentatious. This matte texture is intersected by polished bevels that catch the light, creating a dynamic interplay between shadow and brilliance. The construction feels architectural, with sharp angles and defined lines that give the watch a sense of solidity despite its precious composition. The bezel is secured by eight functional screws, their slots aligned at a tangent to the dial, a technical detail that reinforces the industrial inspiration behind the design while serving a practical purpose in water resistance sealing.

The most striking feature of this Summit edition is undoubtedly the gem-set bezel. Instead of a standard brushed metal finish, the bezel is adorned with a gradient of pink sapphires. These stones are baguette-cut to fit the flat geometry of the bezel, ensuring a seamless integration that does not disrupt the watch's sporty profile. The setting displays a meticulous transition of color, moving from softer, paler pinks to intense, saturated fuchsia tones. This gradient effect mimics the shifting light of an alpine sunrise or the blooming of high-altitude flora, adding a layer of organic complexity to the rigid metal structure. The use of trapeze-cut stones allows them to follow the curvature of the bezel perfectly, creating a continuous ring of light around the dial.

The dial itself continues the botanical theme with a color and texture dubbed "Rock Jasmine." This hue is inspired by the Androsace alpina, a resilient flower found in the rocky crevices of the Alps. The pink tone of the dial is not flat; it is applied over a stamped brass base that features a radiating pattern. This texture, intended to evoke the iris of an eagle, radiates outward from the center, creating deep grooves and high points that play with shadows. The result is a surface that changes appearance depending on the angle of observation, sometimes appearing as a soft blush and other times as a vibrant, metallic rose.



Legibility remains a priority despite the decorative nature of the dial. The hours are marked by a combination of applied Roman numerals and gem-set indices. The numerals at the cardinal points—12, 3, 6, and 9—are gilded to match the case and filled with Super-LumiNova Grade X1. This ensures that the watch remains readable in low-light conditions, a feature often omitted in jewelry-forward timepieces. The remaining hour markers are set with baguette-cut diamonds, adding a piercing white brilliance that contrasts with the warm pink of the dial and the yellow gold of the hands. The baton-style hands are also gilded and luminescent, maintaining the sporty utility that defines the Alpine Eagle ethos.

The integration of the bracelet into the case is seamless, creating a unified object rather than a watch head with an attached strap. The bracelet is formed of ingot-shaped links, a design cue that emphasizes the value and solidity of the material. Each link features a satin-brushed finish on the wide surfaces, while the central cap is polished to a high shine. This central polished element creates a vertical line that draws the eye down the length of the bracelet, elongating the visual profile of the watch. The tapering of the bracelet as it moves toward the clasp ensures comfort, reducing bulk on the underside of the wrist and allowing for a more ergonomic fit.

Securing the watch is a triple folding clasp, also crafted from ethical yellow gold. The mechanism is designed to be hidden when closed, maintaining the continuity of the bracelet design. The operation of the clasp is robust, providing a reassuring click when engaged, which speaks to the tight tolerances of the manufacturing process. The weight of the gold bracelet provides a substantial tactile experience, reminding the wearer of the material's density and value without becoming burdensome during daily wear.

Turning the watch over reveals the mechanical heart of the timepiece through a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. The movement powering this model is the Chopard Calibre 09.01-C, a self-winding mechanical engine developed specifically for the brand's smaller case sizes. Despite its diminutive 20.40mm diameter and 3.65mm thickness, the movement is robust and fully capable of handling the rigors of daily use. It is constructed from 159 components, each finished to high standards that justify the exhibition back.



The decorative finishes on the movement include Côtes de Genève on the bridges and circular graining on the mainplate. These traditional Swiss finishing techniques serve not only an aesthetic purpose but also help in dust management and lubricant retention over time. The rotor, which winds the mainspring as the wearer moves, is skeletonized to allow a better view of the movement beneath. The dark grey galvanic treatment of the rotor provides a modern contrast to the brass and steel tones of the movement architecture, aligning with the contemporary exterior design.

Performance is a key differentiator for this model in the segment of jewelry watches. The Calibre 09.01-C operates at a frequency of 3.5 Hz, or 25,200 vibrations per hour. This frequency strikes a balance between precision and service intervals. Most notably, the movement is a certified chronometer by the COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). This certification guarantees that the watch has passed rigorous testing for accuracy in various positions and temperatures, ensuring that the timekeeping performance is on par with the brand's strictly utilitarian tool watches.

The power reserve of the movement is approximately 42 hours when fully wound. While this is a standard figure for movements of this size, it is sufficient for daily wear. The inclusion of a stop-seconds function allows for precise time setting, enabling the user to synchronize the watch to a reference time with second-level accuracy. This feature highlights the brand's refusal to compromise on horological substance, even when the primary appeal of the specific reference is aesthetic.

The crown, located at the 3 o'clock position, is screw-down, contributing to the watch's 100-meter water resistance rating. This is a significant specification, as it categorizes the Alpine Eagle 36 Summit as a true sports watch capable of swimming and surface water sports. The crown is engraved with a compass rose, a motif that reinforces the adventure-ready spirit of the collection. The ability to take a gold, diamond, and sapphire-set watch into the water is a testament to the modern definition of luxury, where versatility is paramount.



The origin story of the Alpine Eagle is deeply rooted in family history. It is a modern reinterpretation of the St. Moritz, the first watch created by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in 1980. The revival of this design was driven by the third generation of the family, Karl-Fritz, creating a bridge between the past and the future of the manufacture. This narrative of intergenerational collaboration is reflected in the design's blend of retro 1970s shapes with modern manufacturing precision. The "Summit" designation specifically refers to these higher-end, gem-set iterations that sit at the peak of the collection's offering.

The sapphire crystals used on both the front and back are glare-proofed, ensuring that the dial texture and movement details are visible without distracting reflections. The front crystal is flat, sitting flush with the bezel screws, which helps protect the sapphire setting from accidental knocks. The clarity of the glass is essential for appreciating the intricate "Rock Jasmine" texture, which relies on the interaction of light and shadow to create its depth. Without high-quality anti-reflective coating, much of this subtle detail would be lost to surface glare.

The gem-setting expertise demonstrated in the bezel is a product of the brand's dual identity as both a watchmaker and a jeweler. The selection of the pink sapphires requires a discerning eye to match hues and create a smooth gradient. Each stone is individually cut to fit its specific slot in the bezel, a process that minimizes gaps and maximizes the amount of color visible. The seamless transition from light to dark pink creates a sense of motion and vitality that static, single-color gem settings often lack.

The use of ethical gold is a critical talking point for the hardware. The brand has committed to sourcing 100% ethical gold for its watch and jewelry production. This means the gold is mined from small-scale mines participating in the Swiss Better Gold Association or certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. For the collector, this adds a layer of reassurance that the luxury object on their wrist does not come at an unacceptable human or environmental cost. The yellow gold alloy itself is rich and deep, offering a classic aesthetic that has seen a resurgence in popularity after years of rose gold dominance.



The Alpine Eagle 36 Summit occupies a unique space in the market, appealing to those who want the durability of a steel sports watch but the finish and material quality of a dress watch. The 36mm size is historically classic but currently unisex, suitable for a wide variety of wrist sizes. It avoids the oversized trend of the past decade, settling into a proportion that feels purposeful and refined. The integrated bracelet design means the lug-to-lug distance is effectively determined by the first few links, allowing it to wrap comfortably around smaller wrists while still looking substantial.

Finally, regarding the acquisition of this piece, the Chopard Alpine Eagle 36 Summit in yellow gold with pink sapphires is priced at $104,500. It is positioned as an exclusive offering, available solely through Chopard boutiques. This exclusivity ensures that the client experience matches the premium nature of the product, offering a level of personalized service befitting a six-figure timepiece. The limited retail availability also suggests that production numbers will be naturally constrained by the time-intensive nature of the gem sorting and setting process.

Case: 18-carat ethical yellow gold construction, 36mm diameter, 8.45mm thickness. Bezel adorned with gradient of trapeze-cut pink sapphires secured by eight screws. Screw-down crown with compass rose motif. Glare-proofed sapphire crystal front, exhibition sapphire crystal case-back. Water-resistant to 100 meters.

Movement: Chopard Calibre 09.01-C self-winding mechanical movement, COSC-certified chronometer. 20.40mm diameter, 3.65mm thickness. 159 components, 27 jewels. Frequency of 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz). Approximately 42-hour power reserve. Stop-seconds function.

Dial: "Rock Jasmine" pink brass dial with stamped radiating eagle iris pattern. Hour markers set with baguette-cut diamonds. Applied gilded Roman numerals and hands treated with Super-LumiNova Grade X1. Gilded seconds hand with eagle feather counterweight.

Strap: Integrated 18-carat ethical yellow gold tapering bracelet. Satin-brushed wide links and sides with polished central cap. 18-carat ethical yellow gold triple folding clasp.

Price: $104,500

Reference Number: 295370-0002

Notes: Part of the "Summit" series featuring high-jewelry gem-setting. Exclusive to Chopard Boutiques. Uses 100% ethical gold consistent with Chopard's sustainable luxury commitment.