Chopard

Some of the past days have been so hot that I’ve sometimes enjoyed this watch (ref. 298600-3002) in the hand even more than on the wrist…

Best, Emmanuel

Much prefer the XPS...😉

I've had the chance to try it on when it was introduced and know how nice it is.


credit: a blog to watch 

Well said.
The date might "ruin" models for some, same as the inclusion of the sub seconds, which is also located rather high on the dial, might "ruin" it for others.
Is it not good to have choices? Good for Chopard to offer a variety of models that appeal to different interests. For the record, I love your gray dial. I have tried it on and it would be the one I would select as well.

and that you like the grey dial too!
I also think that having the choice, both aesthetically (small seconds, center seconds with or without date, or even tourbillon) and financially (the "regular" or "basic" variants being much more affordable than the micro rotor ones) is very nice.
Best, Emmanuel

The bracelet at the clasp is actually quite wide with this watch.  This is because the taper of the width of the bracelet isn't very aggressive.  The wider the bracelet, the tighter the bracelet will feel in hot weather.  Thus, this watch really needs a micro adjustment feature!  

As far as micro-adjustment is concerned, I must be very lucky, but I personally don't feel the need of it, the fit being surprisingly perfect on my wrist...
As for the grey dial, it's really the color that works for me (I've been able to try blue and green before buying the watch). Just a matter of personal taste, of course.
Best, Emmanuel

I really like the blue variant and the grey variant immensely! I have the Monte Rosa dial Alpine Eagle variant myself - I did declare publicly that I would buy the Alpine Eagle if they put in the LUC 96 Geneva Seal movement in it - so when they did, I had to keep my words. But sometimes, I think about adding one with a large second hand with a blue or grey dial! And no, I'm definitely not buying the platinum variant! It's nice, and I feel the large second hand suits a sports watch more appropriately than a petite-seconds subdial.

and I could have considered it. But, for such a price (and micro rotor caliber) I personally prefer to choose a dress watch. The 1860 that was launched together with the XPS is wonderful too, but I'm not attracted to steel.
And like you, I find the center seconds good looking: I think you could find a regular blue or grey dial variant for a reasonable price on the secondary market.

For a sports watch, I generally agree, the large central seconds seems more apropos. Then again, my Nautilus is the one with the small seconds - and I don't mind that one at all. But then again, I don't see the Nautilus as a sports watch - whereas the Alpine Eagle feels sportier (it's closer to a mono bloc case design).
I should get on the hunt! Too many watches though - I've got watches that I haven't worn once in over a decade!

Are we ever going to see a wrist shot?🙏

I don’t think I ever seen one from you!🧐

I don't often take photographs of my watches!  But I did wear the Chopard earlier today!  

But I think Mach was asking for a wrist shot from your XPS! 😉

I'm not in the habit of taking photographs of my watches. But I do have it with me at home and I did wear it earlier today.

It's not nearly as nice of a photo as Quattro's wrist photo.

And I do love the date on that watch. I tend to prefer a date complication, especially when the date disc background color matches the dial, as it does here.

I'm glad you like it: thanks for chiming in !
Best, Emmanuel

Good job Chopard on this detail!