ReviewClimb Ev’ry Mountain With The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic Watches

Swiss brand Alpina, completing 140 years this year, are dedicated to appeasing cognoscente of extreme sports, especially with their Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic line. Out of the two models, one features a navy blue dial with grey sub-dials, attached to an integrated steel bracelet with brushed finish, while the rubber-strap version displays a grey dial with navy blue sub-dials. Both models fit in with the brand’s legacy of creating watches resistant to water, rust, and impact.

Making Regulator Automatic Watches Relevant Again

The concept of regulators or regulateurs in French is almost passé in the horological world. In regulator displays, the hour, minute and seconds hands are not coaxial, and two of these usually enclosed in separate sub-dials. The emphasis is on enabling accuracy in reading time. Brands such as Hamilton, Chronoswiss, and Paul Picot still produce regulator models, but in the large scheme of things, very few manufacturers make them anymore. With regard to the two Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic watches, the sunray dials showcase a central minute hand, an hour counter at 10 o’clock and a small seconds counter at six o’clock.

A Riddle In Triangles With The Alpiner Extreme

As a tribute to the majestic, snow-capped Matterhorn Mountain of the Swiss Alps, Alpina watches integrate the symbolism of triangles into their design vocabulary. The ‘alpha’ of all the triangles on these models is the red one on the edge of the seconds hand. Next, the entire dial is covered in tessellated triangle pattern, with the triangles stacked in rows. Six screws designed like the triangular logo are seen on the bezel, and one on the crown top and throughout its knurled rubber protection. Two screws designed like the triangular Alpina logo are also present on the deployant clasps.

Six screws designed like the triangular logo feature on the bezel of the Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic models

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The entire surface pattern of the dial are triangles stacked in rows

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Two screws designed like the triangular Alpina logos on the deployant clasp

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Alpina are not alien to the production of burly watches. In 2005, they launched a model as large as 48mm. In comparison, the new Alpiner Extreme Regulators have smaller 41mm cases, but they are in heavy-duty steel, and top heavy with a thickness of 12mm. The unconventional steel case piles a round bezel atop a squarish-cushion shape, and held in place with 42.5mm side lugs. The look is further disintegrated with alternate polished and brushed matt finishes. Additionally, the hand-polished silver-toned hour hands and stick indices are luminous.

The two Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic models have Sellita automatic movements, each beat at 28,800vph or 4Hz, and offer 38-hour power reserve

The skeleton caseback of the steel model offers a peek into AL-525 calibre, while the rubber-strap model showcases the AL-650 calibre

Alpina Alpiner Shop The Collection

The transparent caseback showcases the AL-650 calibre, based on Sellita automatic movement, featuring 31 jewels. Each one runs at 28,800vph or 4Hz, and offers a 38-hour power reserve. The screwed-down crowns with knurled rubber protection helps ensure an impressive water resistance of 200m.

Straps of both Alpina models feature tapering links and are attached to deployant clasps for a slimmer disposition and a better fit.