The Alpiner collection from Alpina has generally been considered a bit of a “less-than-a-focus” product line for the brand. Generally, it’s the Startimer and the Seastrong segments that get love to fit in with the refined outdoorsy vibe that Alpina is going for. This year at Watches and Wonders 2023, Alpina sent a strong message but now including an integrated bracelet within the Alpiner Extreme Automatic line. The overall impact? Something Gerald Genta familiar but also something that still embodies the brand’s ethos.
Apliner Extreme Automatic Blue Specs
| Case Size: | 41mm x 42.5mm x 11.5mm |
| Movement: | AL-525 (Automatic) |
| Power Reserve: | 38 hours |
| Crystal: | Sapphire Crystal |
| Water Resistance: | 20 ATM (200 meters) |
| Price: | $2,095 USD |
While the Alpiner line was available before with an integrated rubber strap, the overall presentation for me personally just didn’t grab me. It felt like maybe it was a design trying to straddle the line between pseudo-functional and refined elegance.
But with the simple inclusion of an integrated bracelet, the design takes a firm step out of the whole “adventuring” realm and firmly places itself in the ever-popular Genta positioned design circle. There is now a proper refined elegance to the Alpiner with a slight nostalgic lean towards the obvious design language that inspired the watch.
But what I find most intriguing here is that this is still recognizable as an Alipina. The case shape, strong confidence of design with the lugs, and the dial – hell, even the screw heads are subtle shaped liked the Alpina logo. The watch design is confident, a departure from previous models, and something I hope the brand continues to iterate on. Plus, at around $2,095 USD, the price point is appropriate given the other watches operating in this design space.
Images courtesy of Alpina
Co-Founder and Senior Editor
Kaz has been collecting watches since 2015, but he’s been fascinated by product design, the Collector’s psychology, and brand marketing his whole life. While sharing the same strong fondness for all things horologically-affordable as Mike (his TBWS partner in crime), Kaz’s collection niche is also focused on vintage Soviet watches as well as watches that feature a unique, but well-designed quirk or visual hook.