Alpina: The Alpiner Extreme Gets Its First Integrated Steel-Strap
5 min read
Marking its 140th anniversary in 2023, Alpina is also making its entry into the prestigious event of Watches and Wonders for the first time. For the event, the brand has honored its hallmark collection, the Alpiner Extreme, by adding four new models: two new versions of the Alpiner Extreme Automatic and two Alpiner Extreme Automatic Regulators, each available as a limited edition of just 888 pieces. The inclusion of the integrated steel strap on three of the models is a welcome feature for the collection.
Alpina was born in 1883 with a deep-rooted ethos of designing the thorough-bred ‘sports watch’: timepieces that were non-magnetic, waterproof, rustproof, and impact-resistant.
At the Watches and Wonders 2023, which coincides with the brand’s 140th anniversary, Alpina is adding four new models for adventure enthusiasts to its Alpiner Extreme range, relaunched last year.
Available in a limited edition of 888, two timepieces in the latest feature updated versions of a rare complication, the atypical Automatic Regulator and Alpina is the only remaining manufacturer still developing the same. There are also two new versions of the Automatic, whose three central hands offer a more traditional reading of the time.
The Quintessential Sports Watch Gets Even Sportier With The Integrated Steel Strap
Marking a novel design feature for the brand’s adventure-focused collection, three of the new Alpiner Extreme Automatic and Alpiner Extreme Automatic Regulator models now feature an integrated steel bracelet. Reserved exclusively for the Alpiner Extreme line launched at Watches and Wonders 2023, the strap omits the first link enabling a slimmer ace profile while ensuring better fit and flexibility.
A brushed finish to the strap is a clever approach to mitigate the occurrence of scratches. The buckle, designed to withstand extensive exposure during strength tests, remains the same as it is also featured on the rubber strap. The overall timepiece serves an imposing wrist presence in the true spirit of its sporty aesthetics whilst preserving plenty of elegance and comfort abundantly highlighted by its gentle curves which offer a snug fit.
A Triangular-Textured Dial Screaming The Timepiece’s Passion For Adventure
The triangular motif, synonymous with the Alpiner Extreme line that draws inspiration from the firm’s logo, is omnipresent on the dial. The motif also features on the counterweight of the seconds hand on the Automatic version, recalling Alpina’s beloved snow-capped mountain peaks.
On both the regulator and three-hand versions released at Watches and Wonders 2023, the luminous hour markers are applique and the hands also get a luminous treatment. A date display occurs on the Alpiner Extreme Automatic at 3 o’clock while the Alpiner Extreme Automatic Regulator adopts a highly distinctive tri-counter layout: the hours at 10 o’clock, the seconds at 6 o’clock, and a large central hand for the minutes. This dial layout is exceptionally utilitarian in spirit with the watch’s overall sports aesthetic inspiration and makes the functions simple to operate.
Three Versions With Steel, One With Rubber
The latest Alpiner Extreme Automatic Regulator released at the Watches and Wonders gives an impression of being designed around its new steel strap. The defining aesthetic nuances are symbolised by the blue dial and grey sun-brushed counters.
The grey colour is matched by the brushed grey of the strap, while the second version sports a navy-blue dial with a touch of the same blue on the crown grip. The Alpiner Extreme range is completed by a final model, the Alpiner Extreme Automatic Regulator fitted with a rubber strap, with its two counters set on a black dial. This naturally sporty combination is also extremely legible.
A Continuation Of True Sporty Aesthetics
The shared ancestry and aesthetic continuation across the collection is its highlight feature. The robust steel case, very much in the true signature of the Alpiner Extreme line comes in an atypical and imposing 41mm x 42.5mm cushion shape which features alternating polished and brushed matte finishes.
The crown positioned at 3 o’clock, is well protected by two side lugs and fitted with a knurled rubber grip for perfect handling. The screwed-down crown offers the watch a water-resistance to depths of up to 200 metres.
All the three-hand models of the Alpiner Extreme range are equipped with the AL-525 caliber automatic movement visible through an open case back. The three-hand timekeeping display of the movement beating at 28,800 vph makes it extremely legible and the watch boasts a power reserve of 38 hours - more than enough with which to set off for the mountain-tops.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic
RRP 2’450€
Reference: AL-650NDG4AE6B
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement:
AL-650 caliber, automatic
38-hour power-reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 31 jewels
Case:
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 41X42.5 mm
Height of 12.00 mm
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Water-resistant up to 20 ATM/200m/660ft.
See-through screwed case-back
Screw-in crown
Dial:
Navy blue dial with triangle pattern
Grey outer ring with white markers
Applied silver color indexes filled with white luminous treatment
Grey hour counter at 10 o’clock, hand-polished silver color hour hand filled with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color minute hand filled with white luminous treatment
Grey second counter at 6 o’clock, hand-polished silver color second hand filled with white luminous treatment
Strap:
Brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet
Folding buckle with push buttons
Limited to 888 pieces
Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic
RRP 2’150€
Reference: AL-650B4AE6
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement: AL-650 caliber, automatic
38-hour power-reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 31 jewels
Case:
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 41X42.5 mm
Height of 12.00 mm
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Water-resistant up to 20 ATM/200m/660ft.
See-through screwed case-back
Screw-in crown
Dial:
Black dial with triangle pattern
Black outer ring with white markers
Applied silver color indexes filled with white luminous treatment
Black hour counter at 10 o’clock, hand-polished silver color hour hand filled with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color minute hand filled with white luminous treatment
Black second counter at 6 o’clock, hand-polished silver color second hand filled with white luminous treatment
Strap:
Black rubber strap
Folding buckle with push buttons
Limited to 888 pieces
