MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
18869
Well, my hunt for salmon continues. I just passed on the AE XPS.
Dealer got mine in, ready to be delivered tomorrow. I could have had it a few days ago, but with a massive storm in Denver, I told my dealer to wait until today. I had my name on the watch long before the craze hit (since the day it debuted). I was happy to be patient for it to go through my AD. But I have always had a few reservations, mainly the Roman numerals (which are my least favorite kind of marker), the location of the sub seconds dial (yes, a function of the movement, but what does that say?), and the bracelet (both aesthetics and function with the high polish as a raised detail).
Even last night I planned to get it, but when I woke today, I asked myself why I should, with several details I am not crazy about.
To be honest, my recently acquired Parmigiani Minute Rattrapante did not do my desire for the Chopard any favors, as I can damn near call the PF a perfect timepiece. I'll continue to build on PF for sure.
I wish I could pass my spot on to someone else who is waiting, but the dealer has 2 others sold at full retail, so someone else will be pleased with a much earlier than expected delivery. I will continue to live vicariously on this one, and cast my line back in the waters for a different salmon 
Well, my hunt for salmon continues. I just passed on the AE XPS.
Dealer got mine in, ready to be delivered tomorrow. I could have had it a few days ago, but with a massive storm in Denver, I told my dealer to wait until today. I had my name on the watch long before the craze hit (since the day it debuted). I was happy ...
Sorry this AE did not make your day. This one might be a kind of salmon
you will not release back in the water😁 ...
This one is indeed possible! My UN San Marco has a similar dial guilloche and I love it.
I am also OK with the smaller size, and here the movement fits the case much better.
I understand your decision, I have also gotten much more picky over the years ...
If a small detail bothers you now, it will likely continue to bother you down the line. But because you mentioned Parmigiani and salmon, here is a photo of a special one ... The first revolution collaboration, before people even realized where parmigiani ...
If only I could get this one at a decent price
It is very similar to the MR I have, except for the date, dial color, and complication of the rattrapante.
The MR is a gorgeous watch with very clever complication.
It is a bit thicker, and no date window. But otherwise - yes, similar vibes.
Well exactly what I would have had! Your photo really confirms it for me.
After the brief honeymoon, I would not grab the Alpine Eagle over the Parmigiani or the Royal Oak. I had planned to pen a fantastic article comparing all 3 of these integrated bracelet steel monsters, but I know which one would have come in last. As for f...
Thank you
However, I have not finally decided on either. That will happen on Saturday when I can handle them again both…. But I am drawn to PF ;-)
If I can answer any questions, please feel free to message.
I can only tell you I am blown away with mine. I can go on and on about the unique complication, but even the basics - finishing, assembly, precision, feel on the wrist - all perfect. And for me so is the dial color, which as you know PF calls "sand". It ...
In my younger years, I absolutely would have bought it.
That lack of discipline allowed many un-needed watches to pass through my hands over the years. I am quite a bit more picky lately. And still, this is a fantastic effort by Chopard, and I will remain very pleased that MANY of our members are head over hee...
If you dont feel 100% passionate about it you did right to pass Michael. There will be other options I am sure to feel your needs :-))
Personally I do love the XPS very much but I dont have in my collection the other one you can enjoy like your new PF or the Royal Oak.
This one ended up being more about the hunt.
I'm comfortable with the decision, and as I posted above, finally wise enough to know ahead of making a bad purchase. But I will still love seeing all the photos here.
Wise decision then. I hope to be as wise as you for my next purchases!
So far so good in the past 12 months addition all proving to be good ones, but this was not always the case for me :-((
Me neither. But I am definitely better of late.
Undeniably, this is a great piece. And the dial pattern and color look awesome in photos. Surely it would have been enjoyed. But my gut told me it would not be a lifer. At this point, I only want those kinds of pieces.
There is fun to be had in moving in and out of things
Some of learning what you really want comes from trying things after all. In this hobby, you just need to be careful, if losing $ is a concern.
For about 1 year I have wanted and expected to have this watch.
And finally at the end, it's a pass. Certainly a great timepiece created by Chopard, but not a MichaelC timepiece, it turns out.
Brilliant post! Feeling at exactly the same place in my horological journey
I only purchase watches that I can be convinced they represent my true inner horological self. There are many great watches that do not fit that bill and I pass them, even if they are objectively great
Thank you. I probably could have made it on the HoMe Forum.
I really have set goals of reducing the number of pieces I have, and going in a more simple direction with new acquisitions. I feel this Chopard fits well into the 2nd goal. Just an outstanding, time only watch. But I don't want to buy a new piece that en...
Congrats on making this decision...It's good to be able to buy and have some regrets later. Honestly, we don’t need that many watches, right?
The interest will always simmer down after waiting or ownership, just like any honeymoon 😅 After I got my 5270G, it seems like the fire in getting the next one has gone, which is a good thing imo. I am curious what will the next AE be like, that will rais...
It is always a feeling of pride when a fellow member blames another!
So I say thank you, Sir ;-) I will also keep my eyes fully on Chopard. I really like this brand, and there is no rush for me to get the right one. As far as the PF Minute Rattrapante, I can openly say it will be a lifer. Clearly, it is already making me r...
This post is as important and educational as "I got the call"..
I can totally share your feelings and thoughts. I even wrote Mr.C asking for a "special" brushed finished bracelet, offering to pay for an extra bracelet . Being able to identify those points, and say no, is quite an acquired horological expertise by itse...
Thank you. I believe I have a great solution for the bracelet design.
I had been waiting for mine to arrive to complete a sketch. But I can do it without the watch in hand. In my head, my design is vastly superior to Chopard's! 😆
I don't think the XPS is as handsome as the standard AE
.. but maybe no one else thinks that :/
What I was most excited for was the feel on the wrist.
I would wager that is the greatest aspect of the XPS.
I can attest to that...
Admittedly, I am not a fan of bracelets in general. I was never comfortable wearing most other brands until I got the XPS. By removing one link and installing a 1.5 link, the watch felt light and super comfy. I didn't want to take it off for weeks...😉 ...
I was positive the feel would be great. Alas, if I don't love the details, that does not matter.
Your photo is superb. As I posted above, I am very happy for those who love it. I am fortunate to feel that way about multiple others I have.
Clearly, it's a subjective view...
But to me the XPS is more proportionally balanced with a thinner bezel, a thinner case and no date. The only thing I would have wished they did is maybe make the Roman numerals ever so slightly smaller and a central seconds hand instead of the sub dial. ...
I like the thicker bezel ...
but I strongly agree about the centre seconds. I think maybe you're right about the markers - perhaps the 8HF route of keeping XII and making III. VI and IX as single sticks might have been nice. I haven't tried on the XPS, but the regular AE is under 10m...
The XPS is 8.2 mm thick while the regular AE is 9.7 mm thick
That may not seem as much of a difference but on the wrist it is... ...
Could not agree more. I guess it is the same with Royal Oak.
One is perfect (39mm Jumbo) and all others fall in line to one degree or another. But definitely not the same. I would say the difference with these Chopards is larger. Same diameter cases? Everything about the other dimensions on the XPS are better.
