The new Alpina Heritage Automatic revives designs of the 1920s and 1940s in a modern size
Zach Blass- These two new Heritage Automatic watches are inspired by Alpina designs from the 1920s and 1940s.
- One variant has a uniform beige dial with black numerals and indices, the other a beige central medallion surrounded by a sunray silver ring with bronze-toned numerals and indices.
- Both are stainless steel, 38mm in diameter, and available beginning in October for US$1,795.
The heritage revival trend has long been established. The good news for brands is that watch consumers remain hungry for these nostalgic reinterpretations, and the good news for consumers is that brands still have a deep well of source material to revive. Until now, Alpina’s Heritage collection consisted solely of three Alpiner Heritage Carrée models, and two Seastrong Heritage watches. Today, two new Alpina Heritage Automatic models join the range, and also mark the first-ever circular-cased designs within the collection.
Alpina explains that its styles that date back to the 1920s serve as the inspiration for these Heritage Automatic watches. Naturally, the 27.5mm diameter of this duo’s muse would be too small to speak to the average watch buyer. Instead, the Heritage Automatic opts for a two-part polished case that spans a fan-favourite 38mm in diameter and sits rather slender on the wrist with its 10.15mm thickness.
The first dial option is executed in a full matte beige, printed with a black central medallion circle that, in turn, creates a ring of hour numerals rendered with a vintage-style typeface. In the third outer ring, you have a boxed outer minutes track for clear-cut time telling down to the second.
Like its sibling, the second Alpina Heritage Automatic option also has PVD-blued hands, and also uses the same matte beige colour. Here, though, the beige is limited to the central medallion and beyond this border transitions to a sunray silver. Furthermore, the second ring housing the hour indications is a bit broader, leading the outer minutes track to be more rectangular than boxed in the manner its sibling is. This second reference also does not use a full numeral set for its hour indications, instead having strictly cardinal direction numerals that border hour indices. The hour indications are distinguished by their usage of a dark bronze colour, leaning into the vintage vibes perhaps even further than the full beige model – especially with its sector-like transition in colour.
Both watches find themselves on a black calf leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching, and a stainless steel pin buckle. There may not be a quick-release system, but these days, there are plenty of aftermarket 19mm width straps to explore. If you are handy with your tools or take the watch to a local watchmaker, you can play strap monster to your heart’s content. Beneath a solid caseback, the pair of 30-metre water-resistant watches are powered by the Swiss automatic AL-520 movement that is based on the Sellita SW200. With 38 hours of power reserve, it’s by no means breaking endurance records, but you can expect rock-solid timekeeping.
At US$1,795, with a Sellita-based, 38-hour automatic calibre, some horological sticklers may find the price a tad high. The offering here, in my opinion, is a strong vintage-inspired aesthetic that stems from a brand that has such an expansive history many watch consumers have yet to fully discover. For those looking for a Swiss watch, in a Goldilocks 38mm size, with dial colours that strike vintage notes well and provide a smart-casual look, then these Alpina Heritage Automatic watches may be right for you.
Alpina Heritage Automatic pricing and availability
The Alpina Heritage Automatic will be available beginning in October 2024. Price: US$1,795
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | Heritage Automatic |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 10.15mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Beige or beige and silver |
| Strap | Black calf leather, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | AL-520, Sellita SW200 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | October |
| Price | US$1,795 |