Alpina raises adrenaline with new timepieces
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Alpina is instantly recognisable by its red signature triangle that was first assigned to the brand in 1908. With a history spanning more than 130 years, Alpina is a true pioneer of the Swiss watchmaking industry, with numerous innovations, patents, and calibres to call its own
Throughout recent years the brand has formed many partnerships with prominent bodies such as the 21st edition of the Trophee Andros, Level 5 Motorsports and with Aurelien Ducroz, the brand ambassador who won the 2015 Xtreme Verbier competition. With such a large association with athletes, it was only natural for Alpina to carry on the exciting image of adrenaline infused sports, and for the year 2015 the brand has added some new editions to its army of existing models in either of its four iconic collections; Alpiner, Startimer, Seastrong and Comtesse. In 2002, the Swiss brand was purchased by Frederique Constant SA, and together the two Maisons created the Horological Smartwatch that is the ultimate in tool in fitness and sleep tracking cycles.
Startimer Pilot
The Swiss luxury sports watch manufacturer Alpina, has used its experience as an official supplier of military and pilot watches to unveil two new versions of its iconic Startimer Pilot line that is warmly welcomed by commercial and private pilots alike. The first model is the much-anticipated Startimer Pilot Chronograph Big Date, which features a perfectly readable aviation dial for quick legible reading in a stainless steel case. Boasting contrasting silvered chronograph counters that take inspiration from classic Alpina pilot dials of the1970’s, the watch is equipped with the signature red triangle that is located in the traditional position at the base of the central chronograph hand. Powered by an AL-372 high precision Swiss quartz chronograph movement, the watch features two rectangular apertures at the bottom of the black dial that displays the date. The watch is also available on metal bracelet, and is entirely scratchproof with sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating protection.
The second model is the Startimer Pilot Big Date which boasts a new dial design with a deep navy blue sunray finish, a contrasting silvered second’s counter and white dial indexes. Similar to the chronograph version, the Startimer Pilot Big Date features a 44mm stainless steel case, a screw-in pilot crown and a small second’s display at 6 o'clock with two big date apertures. However, this model encases an AL-280 high precision Swiss quartz movement that is slightly different to the Chronograph edition.
Horological Smartwatch
The Horological Smartwatch is a product of three entities, Alpina, Frederique Constant and Fullpower Technologies, Inc. of Silicon Valley and is a fusion of sophisticated technology and traditional Swiss craftsmanship, blending modern with the classic. Powered by MotionX®, the Swiss Horological Smartwatch is designed to communicate bi-directionally with iPhone and Android apps to monitor lifestyle cycles. The Smartwatch is equipped with an array of functions to assist the wearer, for example, the MotionX® patented sensor-fusion engine tracks activity and sleep patterns with high accuracy and the information is presented in real-time on the Smartwatch using beautiful traditional analog dials with laser cut hands, instead of on a monotonous digital screen. Information is synchronized automatically with applications, where data can be read on smartphones with simple and easy-to-understand graphics. This data will assist users to better understanding themselves, and along with appropriate goal setting and intelligent coaching, will improve their overall well-being. The Horological Smartwatch is offered in over 10 different models for both men and women, in stainless steel or rose gold.
Alpiner 4 FlyBack Chronograph
After an eventful 132 year history, Alpina was proud to present its first chronograph at Baselworld 2015. Developed and produced entirely in-house, the Alpiner 4 Flyback Chronograph features a new calibre AL-760 with a balance frequency of 4 Hertz, and boasts 233 components as well as a 38 hour power reserve that is housed in a 45mm stainless steel case. The ‘4’ in the name of the watch refers to the four key characteristics of the watch being antimagnetic, crafted from a water resistant “Geneva” case, featuring an Incabloc shock protection system and lastly, the use of non-rusting stainless steel for the highly robust case. The exterior of the watch is an equally impressive as the interior, with several features appearing on the dial; such as a directly actuated flyback function, where the 8th-second chronograph can be stopped and restarted from zero by pressing a push-piece just once, and a second’s counter at 3 o'clock, a minute’s counter at 9 o’clock and a date counter at 6 o’clock. The sporty elegant silver hued case with is detailed with ergonomically shaped chronograph push-pieces, a screw-down winding and setting crown, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The screwed steel case back is decorated with the familiar Alpina logo that is instantly recognised as the mark of the Swiss luxury brand.
