Geneva Watch Days 2022: Alpina: Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic Makes An Exciting Comeback

The Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic, a flagship model first released in 2005, is back in the Alpina lineup, but this time it's been given a fresh coat of paint. A remarkable invention, it features an independent hour, minute, and second display and is housed in a case that can endure even the harshest of environments, as its name suggests.

The Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic will debut in 2022 with updated styling and a new, smaller 41 mm case size. It has a more commanding presence thanks to the intricate carvings on its dial, and it offers as many watchmaking thrills as it does emotions.

First established in 1883 but falling into disuse after the quartz crisis, Alpina made a comeback to the mountains in the early 2000s, thanks in large part to the Alpiner Extreme Regulator (also known as the Avalanche Extreme Regulator at the time).

The 2005 release of this timepiece is sure to ignite a fire in the hearts of any true watch buff. A one-of-a-kind design with bold, futuristic lines that can take on any obstacle, any climate, and any time of day. It stays true to Alpina's commitment to making high-end sports watches that can resist the harshest conditions, hence the brand's moniker.

Modern proportions

This year’s Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic is essentially carrying on the tradition by downsizing its casing. The former diameter of the watch was 48 mm, however now a 41 mm option is available. Alpiner has made it possible for both men and women to feel comfortable wearing their Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic at all times. With a 41-inch diameter, it can now go anywhere and with anyone.

An emblematic dial pattern

The dial of the new Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic is reminiscent of the intricate engine turning of vintage timepieces. However, Alpina has taken great care to preserve its identity, and the distinctive pattern of triangles that has always graced the center of Alpina watches now fills the entire dial, just as they have done since the company's inception.

The dial is given depth and dimension through the interplay of light and shadow cast by the overlapping triangles at its center. The dial is a granite gray color to pay homage to the mountains from which Alpina hails, and it contrasts beautifully with the blue hour and second hands and luminous markers.

Designed for both the extraordinary and the ordinary

The flange, crown rubber grip, and strap rubber texture are all navy blue. The strap's incorporation, in addition to rubber, is a must for any intrepid traveler. However, the strap's ergonomics have been updated to ensure maximum comfort in between adventures. Overall, it conforms flawlessly to the wrist's outline, maintaining its understated elegance while retaining its individuality. The casing, the visual hallmark of the Alpiner Extreme Regulator series, has retained the characteristics that contributed to its meteoric rise to prominence.

Despite its smaller size (41 mm), the case is just as robust as before; it is made of steel and has a "cushion" shape; it is waterproof to 200 meters; the bezel has six screws arranged in a triangle pattern; the crown protector is located at 3 o'clock, and the opposite 9 o'clock reinforcement is positioned to prevent the crown from being accidentally pushed out. The case has been brushed and polished to give it a textured appearance. Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic, with a production run of only 888 pieces, continues to be driven by the reliable AL-650 caliber movement it debuted with back in 2005.

Focus on precision

Authorities charged with overseeing the timepiece industry are unusual. A specialized perspective on each of their signs is provided. The hours are located at 10 o'clock, while the seconds can be found at 6 o'clock; neither is in the middle of the clock like the minutes. The original intention of this display was to provide clearer readings with less chance of error, especially when the hands overlap once an hour.

In addition, regulators were prioritized by railway inspectors once the first long-distance trains began crossing multiple time zones, particularly in the United States. This was done to ensure that departures and arrivals were recorded accurately. As such precision should not be limited to any one profession, Alpina made it available to its target market, which consists primarily of mountaineers and climbers interested in the Alpine peaks (the origin of the brand name, Alpina). In the early 21st century, when the company was resurrected, the Avalanche Regulator and the Avalanche Regulator Extreme were the first "outdoor" regulators to carry on the name.

With time, the range grew and was renamed, becoming the Alpiner, a direct reference to its alpine beginnings. The Alpiner Regulator, with its in-house AL-950 caliber, was then added to Alpina's illustrious Manufacture collection.