[f]IWCINGENIEUR Automatic 40 Vs. Chopard Alpine Eagle 41

good morning. Welcome to another Sunday morning showdown. Last week we had an incredible matchup between two titanium high-beat chronographs. This week, I’d like to know what happens when we oppose each other’s reinterpretation of two stainless steel integrated bracelets. In 2023, IWC revived Ingenuel, based on the design of Gerald Genta in the 70s. In 1999, Chopard did the same thing as St. Moritz in the 1980s, calling it the Alpine Eagle. Both are high-end integrated bracelet sports watches with a history, so let’s see what happens when they fight together.

The IWC Ingenieur is sold for 12,900 euros, while the Chopard Alpine Eagle costs 15,900 euros. It’s a pretty chunk of money, but Dern and Thomas protect the clocks in each corner and make sure they understand all the differences between them. Before doing so, however, let’s take a look at what happened with last week’s installment payments.

Last week, Sunday morning showdown…

Last week, in a Sunday morning showdown, we opposed each other two titanium high-beat chronographs. First, there was the Zenith Chrono Master Sport, and in the other corner there was a Grand Seiko folding system. Both were just as impressive as technological advances, and it was difficult to choose a winner based on the results of the vote. In the end, both watches won 50% of the vote. Some preferred Zenith’s more streamlined designs than the stiff Grand Seiko. Others thought Grand Seiko had better finishes for the two, and they didn’t like Zenith’s second central chrono hand 1/10. But, like I said, it was a tie in the end. Let’s see what happens in this week’s fight.

Darn: Chopard Alpine Eagle 41

On paper, Chopard’s Alpine Eagle and IWC’s Ingeneur may be quite close to each other. Both are reinterpretations of previous models, with a stainless steel integrated bracelet and a distinctive screw on the bezel. But if you show people both photos next to each other, I think people will soon prefer either. For some reason, the designs of these showpieces create a very different vibe, like the brand that created them.

When comparing Chopard’s Alpine Eagle with IWC Inge Neur, the Alpen Eagle stands out with its refined elegance. Made from Lucent Steel, it has clear brightness with a dial pattern reminiscent of the Eagle’s iris. The bracelet flows seamlessly into the case, showing a high level of craftsmanship. It exudes a sense of refinement, but its design also reflects the strength and sportiness beneath the refined appearance.

IWC Ingenieur has a purposeless nonsense design with five accurately arranged screws on the bezel. It approaches the point that can be described as harmless. The watch focuses on performance around romance and offers a reputation for 120 hours of power reserve and reliability. Its risk-free style reflects decades of IWC’s engineering expertise and works in formal settings as well as demanding environments.

Ultimately, in my book, Chopard’s elegance and charm outweigh the nonsense and almost barren nature of IWC.

Safe Side and Exciting

Please don’t get me wrong. I think IWC’s Geraldgent homage looks perfectly snug with its muscular stainless steel case and bracelet and matching grid of dials. I also think the date is much better than the alpine eagle date. But for some reason, the IWC Ingenieur is not a very exciting watch to watch either. I think the design is a bit bland and safe. Like I said, it’s solid, but it’s a little too perfect too. And yes, that 120-hour power reserve is convenient to have, but even an automatic watch is not strictly necessary. It’s almost cheeky, as if to boast a bit.

Chopard’s Alpine Eagle, on the other hand, is not so perfect. According to Eagle Iris/Sunburst Dial, Oversized Roman Numerals, and Chopard’s design of the feather-like bracelet is much more split, especially through its slightly tapered shape and the rising central cap of each link. But without taking these risks, you never get to at least really bold designs that evoke a certain kind of charm and character.

There are details

Finally, I would like to focus your attention on some very important details that Chopard’s Alpine Eagle has become very correct. First of all, at 9.7mm it’s much thinner than the IWC Ingenieur. 1.1mm may not seem like that much, but that’s why the Alpen Eagle is less than 10mm thick, which is much better on the wrist.

Takayama Eagle

Inge Nule

Next, we need to talk about butterfly clasps. In IWC Ingenieur, the clasp appears to have been photographed directly from a very common watch bracelet stock. However, Chopard’s ones appear to be specially designed and designed for the Alpine Eagle bracelet. I also like the fact that it doesn’t require a push button and works with pressure. I know, you probably haven’t seen these clasps all day, but that’s what you use every day to wear and take off your watch. Now, let’s ask Thomas why I think this week’s IWC Ingenieur is winning.

Thomas: IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40

Thank you, Darn! You make some persuasive points, but I don’t think I should jump to the conclusion about where my mother gets her clasp. I think Alpine Eagle is losing to IWC for a number of reasons. Based on my case, based on two parts: history and design. I think your mountain birds are good, but there’s a problem. First of all, it’s a bit luxurious. In fact, touching on this, let’s dive straight into my point about design.

I often point out this point in Sunday morning showdowns, and it applies here: the IWC is more cohesive. Based on historic professional tools, as a modern sports watch, it’s pretty correct. I like that IWC was kept relatively simple, except perhaps the dial pattern. Meanwhile, the alpine eagle tries to do two things at the same time. Its shiny details and Roman figures look a bit fantastical to the sports watch. It tries to look like a nobleman in an empathetic way.

The IWC also beats the Alpine Eagle with details. The opening of Chopard’s date is an escapee for me, especially with such a clean dial. The mirror image of the crown guard and other sides also do not work well with the rest of the watch. IWC may be a bit boring in comparison, but it gets the basics right.

IWC Ingenieur beats the alpine eagle in a historical context

The design is not entirely subjective, but you may find yourself fond of Chopard’s appearance even more. Focus your second blow on a more objective subject of history. Ingenieur is one of the most important lines of the IWC, dating back to 1955. The watch was aimed at engineers and scientists who were resistant to magnetic fields up to 80,000 A/m.

Ingenieur SL 1832 “Jumbo” – Image: Collected Man London

After some versions, the watch was subjected to a major overhaul in the 70s. Other than Gerald Ghent, I drew an integrated bracelet version. Importantly, it was published in 1976 in the same year as Patek Philippe Nautilus. In other words, unlike Chopard St. Moritz, who didn’t see the light of day until the early 1980s, it means that it is one of the OGs of the genre.

Today’s Ingenieur is faithful to a 1976 watch. So, IWC created recognition potential and provided a clear historical frame for the new watch.

Better Value

Neither watch offers auto holology in the athletic department. The IWC hides its efforts behind solid cases with the use of soft iron cages. For me, this helps drive home the point that this is a more serious, purpose-driven watch. The 120-hour power reserve is certainly a great bonus, Darn.

All of this is available for 3,000 euros 3,000 less than the alpine eagle. A good looking watch with a pretty backstory and a nice holiday budget. It’s my book and makes this a very easy choice!

I’ll vote

You have it! Two integrated bracelet sports watches are competing for votes. Which is better in your eyes? Vote and share your motivations in the comments section below!