Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Watch Review
Saturday - 25 March 2023
The recently released Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator watch upholds the brand’s four core principles of shock resistance, water resistance, anti-magnetism and a robust steel case. The model is limited to just 888 pieces worldwide and features the classic regulator-style dial but with an unusual twist.
One thing you have to respect Alpina for is its refusal to compromise on quality during the quartz crisis and at a time when watches were being mass-produced at cheaper costs. The Swiss watch brand declined in popularity during this time, but Alpina came back stronger than ever in 2002 when it rose to the forefront of watchmaking, bringing the classic and the modern into one entity. The brand released its Smartwatch in 2015 and is still well-respected for its Alpina 4 watch – a timepiece that became the number one choice for military personnel, pilots and adventure-seekers thanks to its four essential characteristics; anti-shock, water resistance, anti-magnetic and stainless steel. Alpina is also renowned for its line of Alpiner watches that continued these standards in modern sports watches. These strong and sturdy watches can resist the toughest of conditions, including the recently released Alpiner Extreme Regulator watch, which we’re going to look at today.
The new Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator watch is endowed with a fascinating dial that is abundant in detail and texture. Combined with this is a regulator-style layout with a decentralised hour scale located at 10 o’clock. The original regulator clocks developed in the 18th century were used as a point of reference to set the time on other clocks after being manufactured or repaired. The minutes have always been considered the most important element of a regulator clock, hence the minute track itself is given to the main hand, whilst the hours are always located off-centre, as are the seconds.
A regulator-style display with a twist
The Alpiner Extreme Regulator watch from Alpina breaks away from tradition slightly with this unapologetically modern timepiece that displays the classic regulator-style display, albeit with a twist. In this design, the main minutes take up residence around the edge of the dial in the way we’d normally expect, with a minute hand that features a truncated tip and plenty of Super-LumiNova. In addition to this, however, is another track with large indexes that, once again, have been liberally treated with luminous material. Creating this twist certainly gives the watch a sportier character. The deep blue minute track around the flange and the coordinating hand for reading the minutes is set against a dark grey backdrop adorned with a repeated triangular embossed pattern. The triangular motif is emblematic of Alpina’s heritage and is accompanied by the Alpina lettering at 3 o’clock.
At the 10 o’clock location on the dial of this Alpiner Extreme Regulator watch, you can track the hours with an Arabic sub-dial and a luminous lancine-style sub-hand. This indicator is set against a deep blue colour to match the minute scale around the flange. At the 6 o’clock location, the small seconds can be found – again - finished in deep blue and executed in a snailed effect. This entire dial is protected by a strong piece of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass that has been treated with anti-reflective treatment. Nice touches include the overlapping of the hour sub-dial on the flange, which affords more room to track the minutes.
The case
The 41mm Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator watch is crafted from stainless steel and comprises a three-part case construction, topped with sapphire glass and a screw-down crown at 3 o’clock. The latter assists with the upholding of a 200-meter water-resistant capacity, whilst a see-through caseback, also crafted from sapphire crystal, enables you to admire the engine as it performs. The back of the case is also engraved with the Alpina Extreme lettering and a reference is made to the 200M water resistance and the “Swiss Made” stamp. There are no signs of penny-pinching in the design of this watch. Its bezel and case are executed in a brushed effect which gives this sporty and dynamic wristwatch an overall powerful and masculine appeal. As seen throughout the Alpiner line, the watch is adorned with 6 decorative screws upon the bezel that feature a triangular motif at the centre – again – another nod to the triangular Alpina emblem.
The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator watch is powered by the AL-650 Calibre, which produces a power reserve of 38 hours and beats to the rhythm of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It also comprises 32 jewels and, as aforementioned, can be admired through the back of the watch via a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. The watch is completed on a navy blue rubber strap with a waffle-like texture running vertically down the band. The strap secures to the wrist with an Alpina-engraved buckle crafted from stainless steel for added robustness and longevity.
If you’d like more information on the recently released limited edition Alpiner Extreme Regulator watch from Alpina, you can visit the spec list on our product page here at Jura Watches, or call and speak to a member of our sales team on 01335 453453.
