Gottlieb Hauser, the founder of Alpina, created a vision for his ideal sports watch. According to him, a sports watch should be anti-magnetic, have a solid shock and water resistance and be built with a stainless steel case. Following this concept, the Alpina Alpiner 4 collection presents rough and yet highly versatile timepieces which are designed to provide great utility. Now, the brand has released four references which display carefully textured dials. Part of this collection is the Alpina Alpiner 4 Automatic we are going to review today.
This attractive timepiece features a dial with a sunray finish which is combined with recessed lines. These horizontal lines create a stark contrast with the dial, which adds to its visual appeal. A sloping flange is used to display the minute track. Luminescent hour markers guarantee optimal legibility. They pair well with the hour and minute hands, meanwhile the second hand is equipped with a red counterweight shaped as the Alpine peak. This timepiece is available in two colors: this beautiful deep green and a stone gray.
Similarly to previous designs, this model comes in a steel case which is both robust and durable. It is particularly large at 44mm. Equipped with a bidirectional bezel this timepiece comes with a luminescent pearl to spot the zero position. A strong grip is secured thanks to the coined edge. A Faraday cage was implemented, staying faithful to the brand’s voice. This cage will properly protect the movement from magnetic influences.
Equipped with a Aplina AL-25 calibre and a reliable Sellita SW 200-1, the Alpina Alpiner 4 Automatic ensures accuracy and durability. The Alpina Alpiner 4 automatic has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and can run for up to 38 hours when fully wound. It comes with two different options for straps or bracelets; a calfskin with off-white stitching or a stainless steel bracelet with three links. Consequently, there are four different variations of the Alpina Alpiner 4 automatics. The watches can either be bought with a calfskin strap that has off-white stitching or a 3-link steel bracelet that is secured by a secure folding clasp. When the watch is on a leather band, the cost is EUR 1,250, whereas if the watch is fastened to a steel bracelet, it is EUR 1,350.
An impressive design
This sports watch features all the necessary elements which make a timepiece a reliable sports watch. Before dealing with the design, Gottlieb Hauser has set some technical properties that every sports watch should have. However, the design is still impeccable with its fine details and special features. Bold and modern, this automatic timepiece is distinct thanks to its forest green dial. With its versatile stainless steel bracelet, this watch is both versatile and comfortable to wear. The rust resistance, shock resistance and its anti-magnetic properties, add to its high functionality.
A durable and solid movement
The AL-525 automatic calibre is used in every timepiece. Protected by the stainless steel case, the Alpina Alpiner4 Automatic is highly resistant to magnetic fields of 4,800 A/m (Ampere/metre). This ensures that the timepiece is properly protected from everyday magnetic influences. For example, the magnetic fields applied from your smartphone goes up to 2 A/m, which means your watch is properly secured. The 44 mm case can easily absorb shocks, such as dropping the watch by accident.
Final remarks
Ever since Alpina Watches was established in 1883, they have been known for producing outdoor-ready watches. These watches are designed to be strong, rugged, and able to withstand difficult situations while still looking and feeling great to wear. In 1933, the Alpina 4 watch set the standard for modern sports watches, and that same spirit is found in the watches in their current collection.
The Alpina Alpiner 4 Automatic is a sophisticated Swiss-made mechanical timepiece. It offers a perfect blend of casual sophistication and charm, making it suitable for a variety of events. Additionally, it has several noteworthy features, including resistance to magnetism, a bidirectional bezel, 100m water resistance, and shockproof construction.
This Alpina Watch is equipped with a trustworthy Swiss Made mechanical (automatic) movement known as the Alpina AL-525. It features an anti-magnetic, anti-shock, and water resistance system and a light green dial that makes reading easier, a favorite among pilots. Plus, it has a two-way bezel and the face has a tiny date window at 3 o’clock that creates a complementary look with the raised hour markers.
About Alpina
Alpina is a Swiss watch manufacturer, based in Geneva. Gottlieb Hauser founded it in 1883. The brand was envisioned to create luxury sports timepieces that deliver great accuracy and durability, even in harsh environments such as the ice-cold Alps.
With its contributions to the watchmaking industry, Alpina has rightfully secured its place as a pioneer in the watchmaking industry. At the beginning of the 20th century, Alpine became a designated supplier for watches designed for military pilots. This was before they revolutionized their concept of a sports watch in 1938 with their iconic Alpina 4.
Alpina launched its first Swiss made horological smartwatch in 2015. By doing so, it established a new segment of Swiss sports watches. In 2020, Alpina came forward with the AlpinerX Alive, a renowned timepiece equipped with a heart rate monitor and GPS. Making their efforts into protecting the environment, they built the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range, utilizing only recycled plastic pulled out from the oceans.Drawing inspiration from the snowy Alps, Alpina has always been involved with sports activities on mountainous terrains. The brand has built solid partnerships representing their commitment to this scene, as well as a group of “Alpinists” including athletes and friends of Alpina working in the wildest natural environments.
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