Watch Paparazzi

Writer Giorgia Mondani spotted wearing Chopard

Giorgia Mondani, the Milan-based horological author behind several authoritative volumes on Rolex and vintage watches, was recently spotted wearing a Chopard Alpine Eagle Large on her wrist — a sighting that carries real credibility given her standing as one of the most knowledgeable watch personalities in Italy and beyond. The pairing of a serious collector with a watch that has genuine engineering ambition behind it is entirely fitting.

The Alpine Eagle Large measures 41mm in diameter and is crafted from Chopard's proprietary Lucent Steel A223, a steel alloy developed in-house that undergoes a specific heat-treatment process to achieve a Vickers hardness significantly above standard surgical steel. The result is a case and integrated bracelet that hold their brushed and polished finishing unusually well over time. The blue sunburst dial is produced via galvanic treatment, giving it a deep, layered depth rather than the flat appearance of a printed surface. Rhodium-plated Roman numerals — applied, not printed — carry Super-LumiNova charges for low-light legibility. The bezel features the distinctive eight-screw motif that nods directly to the original St. Moritz.

Powering the watch is the Chopard Calibre 01.01-C, a manufacture movement certified as a COSC chronometer, beating at 28,800 vph with a 60-hour power reserve. The movement was developed entirely within Chopard's Fleurier manufacture, a detail that meaningfully separates the Alpine Eagle from sport-luxury competitors relying on third-party ebauches.

For collectors, the Alpine Eagle occupies an interesting position: it is a genuine in-house manufacture piece from a maison with serious watchmaking credentials, yet it has not commanded the same grey-market premiums as comparable offerings from Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet. This keeps it accessible at retail — and available — which is increasingly rare in the integrated-bracelet sport-luxury segment. Mondani's choice signals the model's respect among those who evaluate watches on technical merit first.

At a retail price of $13,900, the Alpine Eagle Large in steel with blue dial represents strong value for a COSC-certified in-house movement in a proprietary alloy case. The grey market currently reflects pricing close to retail, suggesting healthy but not frenzied demand — a sound long-term indicator.