The man who never smiles, Keita Inagaki, serves as the Japan ambassador for Chopard's Alpine Eagle collection. The recently released new visual features a striking image of Inagaki standing in front of a lake in the Alps, wearing an ultra-thin platinum model. While retaining the basic details, the XP model, with its case material replaced with platinum 950 and fitted with a new tapered bracelet, marks the latest achievement in the quiet but steady evolution of the Alpine Eagle.
Born in Niigata Prefecture in 1990. He plays for the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan Rugby League One, playing as a prop. He was selected for the Japanese national team for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and the 23 Rugby World Cup in France. He has served as the Japan ambassador for Alpine Eagle since 23, and visited the Chopard factory in 24.
Edited by Hiroyuki Suzuki, Yousuke Ohashi
[Article published in the July 2026 issue of Kronos Japan]
The man wearing "Shade of Ice"
A three-hand model with a platinum case, released in 2025. The ultra-thin XP case is equipped with a movement with an indirect center second. The dial, shaped like an eagle's iris, features a blue gradient reminiscent of Alpine glaciers. Automatic winding (Cal. LUC 96.42-L). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 65 hours. Pt case (diameter 41mm, thickness 8.00mm). Water resistant to 100m. Boutique exclusive. Price: 17,314,000 yen (tax included).
Rugby union player Keita Inagaki serves as the Japan ambassador for the Alpine Eagle collection. A new visual featuring Inagaki, nicknamed the "Man Who Never Smiles" and "Stylish Leader," has been released. In the visual, he is standing in front of a lake reflecting the Matterhorn, wearing the Alpine Eagle 41 XP CS Platinum, released in 2025. This model features a "Shade of Ice" blue gradient dial, inspired by the lake's surface, which changes color depending on the light. The ultra-thin XP case houses a simple three-hand automatic movement, and the serene shine of the platinum 950 emphasizes its sophisticated and substantial feel.
The watch's Caliber LUC 96.42-L is a LUC 96-series movement with a small-seconds gear train, enhanced with a LIGA-molded pinion for an indirect center second. The movement of the second hand is extremely smooth. The XP case, which replaces Lucent Steel™ with Platinum 950, has been deliberately left untouched in any form. Recreating the Alpine Eagle design, with its numerous beveled edges and edgy form, in soft platinum must have been extremely challenging, but there is no sign of any sagging of the surfaces or edges. The hand-engraved relief of a bee on the left side of the case at 8 o'clock is Chopard's new signature for platinum cases. The newly introduced tapered bracelet is also expected to be gradually introduced to the core collection.
Alpine Eagle continues to evolve quietly but surely.
