Alpina introduced the Alpiner with a manufacture movement. Often viewed as the holy grail, manufacture movements don’t always tend out to be that way. Especially many, more affordable, brands feature manufacture movements that rely heavily on movement designs from which the patents have expired. But not Alpina!
Caliber AL 710 is as stunning as it is original. Yes, Alpina dots all the i’s in terms of decoration, but it is the overall design that is truly impressive! The gear train and main spring barrel are hidden firmly underneath a plate that covers nearly everything but the balance wheel at six o’clock. This balance wheel is secured itself by a full bridge, adding to increased shock protection. Stunning is also the black pvd-coated rotor. Unique is that its design is asymmetrical, which really tops off the overall design.
With such a movement you would almost forget that the watch also has a dial side! Compared to the movement is the dial and case quite understated. This is not so strange because Alpina aims at the gentleman « alpinist » and inspired this Alpiner on a model from the 1950’s. It is a clever combination of elegance with durability.
On the dial a very classic rail road track indicates the minutes, while Arabic numerals identify the hours. What sets the dial side apart are two elements. First and foremost the subdial at six o’clock that contains the date, so much nicer than a date window. Another element that stands out is the red triangle that balances the seconds hand. The cream dial is protected by a « glass box » sapphire crystal, which is firmly secured in the 41.5mm case.
The Alpina Alpiner can be yours for 2.450,- euro’s. A competitive price for a watch with such an exquisite movement, destined to please even the most critical aficionado, and those will definitely appreciate the understated packaging Alpina created for it. True luxury doesn’t need to scream its presence.