The new Alpina Alpiner Extreme Chronograph Automatic is a watch that we’ve been wanting to review since its release at the end of 2023 and here we have it now. A sturdy, well-crafted chronograph built like a tank that can take on the daily abuse of tool watch-seeking aficionados. And above all, this watch won’t break the bank.
Posts filed under Alpina
Insider: Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator. An 888-piece Limited Edition that Looks Amazing in the Metal.
Founded in 1883, Alpina watches have long been revered in the world of horology for their exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. With its rich history of creating timepieces for 140 years, this Swiss watch brand holds true to its promise of producing high-quality timepieces that are both stylish and reliable and priced just right. Renowned for its expertise in creating professional sports watches, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, its collections are divided into air, land, and sea-themed watches.
News: The New Alpina 300 Extreme Diver 300 Orange
Press Release
For a professional diver, good visibility isn't just mildly important; it can be lifesaving. Being able to access important information relating to the time spent under water, or the number of minutes of air supply still available to the diver who is in deep or murky waters is essential.
With all this in mind, the designers and engineers at Alpina are delighted to introduce the new Alpina Extreme Diver Orange range, featuring one automatic and one mid-size, quartz caliber model.
Both models share a number of professional diving features. The Extreme Diver 300 Orange is water resistant to a depth of 300m/1000ft. It has a screw-in crown and a screw-down case-back, as well as a jet black polished unidirectional rotating 60 minute diving bezel. The bezel markers are luminous. Both models also feature an anti-reflective treated sapphire crystal. Other shared features include the rich black dial and white luminous indexes. The bright white minute hand is bordered with luminous orange, and the second hand has the signature Alpina triangle, also in orange, at the base. Finally, a large three-day date display is situated at the 3 o'clock position.
The AL-525 Automatic version in 44mm comes with a 38-hour power reserve. It has a see-through case back revealing the AL-525 automatic movement. The package is completed by a choice of diver's rubber, metal or metal mesh straps with securely folding clasp. The Extreme Diver 300 Automatic comes in a specially designed gift box, uniquely shaped as a diving bottle, and containing an extra swimsuit nylon strap.
The AL-240 Midsize quartz model in 38mm comes with 45 months battery life. It has an engraved case-back with a diving theme and divers have the choice between rubber or metal straps.
For more info click here.
Baselworld: Alpina. Three Novelties with 130 Years of History.
In 1883, Gottlieb Hauser founds the “Alpina Union Horlogère S.A. (UH) / Schweizerische Uhrmacher-Genossenschaft (SUG)”—Corporation of Swiss Watchmakers. His vision was the “Alpinist Principle”: uniting Swiss watchmaking industry forces to achieve the highest quality and technical innovation in manufacturing. Soon the Union was making its own calibers. In 1890, the Union moves its headquarters to Biel/Bienne where Jacob Straub, an important member, had his caliber manufactory—J. Straub & Co. The ébauches at that time were made by the Alpina Ebauches factory, owned by Duret & Colonnaz, in Geneva. After seventeen successful years, Alpina Union Horlogère participates in the 1900 Universal Exposition in Paris and displays its calibers and creations to a cosmopolitan and distinguished public. In 2002, Alpina is bought by Aletta and Peter Stas, the owners of Frédérique Constant and in 2003 they unveil their first sports collection with huge success. Today, Alpina is the official watch of the Cessna Aircraft Corporation.
At their pavilion, Alpina presented a nice variety of historical timepieces from their museum, in addition to the unveiling of three new models, all inspired by Aviation, Diving and Sailing.
The three new models include the 130 Heritage Pilot Chronograph, the Extreme Diver 300 Chronograph and the Startimer Pilot Chronograph Big Date collection. All these models inspired either by aviation, diving or sailing. The first two models fitted with automatic calibres while the third one is fitted with quartz movements.
While the Startimer Pilot Chronograph Big Date collection is one of our favorites due to its vintage rugged designs, versatility of colors and strap options, we feel that the quartz movement is a major downside and not very appealing to demanding watch collectors in the upper tiers.
Here are the new pieces that were unveiled. For more info click here.
