Alpina brings four new models to their Alpiner Extreme range
D.C. Hannay- Alpina adds four new models for 2023 to their newly relaunched Alpiner Extreme line.
- Three of the new models feature a first for the Alpiner Extreme: an integrated bracelet.
- The unique Regulator Automatic sees two new versions, limited to 888 examples apiece.
It’s time again for Watches & Wonders, where watch brands trot out their latest and greatest for the world to see. Along with the usual players, there’s a new participant for 2023: Alpina. And for their debut at W&W, they’re introducing some compelling additions to their Alpiner Extreme lineup, including, for the first time, an integrated steel bracelet. Let’s break down what’s new for the Alpiner Extreme for 2023.
Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic
The Alpiner Extreme Automatic, reintroduced last year, gets a couple of appealing updates for 2023, most significantly, a really well thought out stainless bracelet. Previously only available on rubber, the Automatic on its new bracelet truly brings a more upscale feel to the model. Alpina has done away with the first link, making for a better wearing experience and a more elegantly integrated design overall. The bracelet gets a fully brushed finish, which perfectly suits the sporting nature of the Alpiner Extreme series. The sculpted cushion case retains the dimensions and contours of last year’s reboot, with its attractive combination of brushed and polished surfaces and avant-garde angles. At 41mm in diameter, it’s going to be more wearable when compared to more outsized integrated bracelet designs, and water resistance remains at 200 metres. The wide bezel recalls classic Hublot, with distinctive triangle-head screws that mirror the Alpina “mountain peak” logo.
You can have the new bracelet version in the blue dial that was previously a strap-only option, or my favourite, a chic, understated gunmetal grey that really suits the bracelet. Both dials feature the same triangular texture as before, but the pattern seems to pop more on the lighter colour of the grey version than the darker colours (black, blue, and green) of the previous release. Functions are unchanged, with central hour, minute, and second hands, and a small date at 3. Everything is lumed, and I appreciate the red triangle counterweight on the second hand, a nod to the Alpina logo.
The movement remains the autowinding Alpina AL-525 (based on Sellita’s SW200-1, but with an Alpina-branded black rotor), which features 26 jewels, a beat rate of 28,800 VpH, and a 38 hour power reserve.
Pricing and availability
The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic’s availability is TBA, and priced at US$2,095 for both the black and grey dial colours.
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | Alpiner Extreme Automatic |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 11.5mm (T) x 42.5 (L to L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Dial | Blue, grey |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bracelet | Integrated stainless |
| Movement | AL-525 automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | TBA |
| Price | US$2,095 |
Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic
The regulator dial layout isn’t often seen, but there’s no mistaking it. On the Extreme Regulator Automatic, hours, minutes, and seconds are separated for easier and more accurate reading (once you get used to it), with hours on a subdial at 10, a central minute hand, and running seconds at 6. Its origins can be traced back to railroad timekeeping, where having the hands separated (with no instances where one covered another) made for more precise readings.
The previous version featured a grey dial with blue subdials on a blue rubber integrated strap, but for 2023, Alpina has flipped the colour script with grey subdials on blue for the bracelet version, and a new all black version on matching black rubber with a deployant buckle. When the original Avalanche Extreme Regulator was released in 2005, it was a 48mm monster, but happily, the new versions are a much more manageable 41mm in diameter. The case is almost identical to the time/date Automatic’s, gaining half a millimetre in thickness to bring things to an even 12mm. Water resistance is also rated at 200 metres.
Timekeeping is handled by Alpina’s AL-650, an automatic movement based on a classic Unitas ebauche. It features 31 jewels and a power reserve of 38 hours.
Pricing and availability
The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic’s availability is TBA, and priced at US$2,095 (Black dial on rubber), and US$2,305 (Blue dial on bracelet).
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 12mm (T) x 42.5mm (L to L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Dial | Black, blue/grey |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Strap/Bracelet | Black rubber/Integrated stainless |
| Movement | AL-650 automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | TBA, limited to 888 each model |
| Price | US$2,295 (Black/rubber), US$2,595 (Blue/stainless) |