The Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years brings back classic contours in a modern package
D.C. Hannay- For Geneva Watch Days 2023, Alpina has released two regular -production tribute versions of the tank-style Alpiner
- The Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years offers vintage looks with modern appointments
- Two dial variants are available: two-tone silver (US and international), and black (international only)
For Geneva Watch Days, Alpina is looking back with the release of two classically styled models that pay tribute to their elegant past. Based on a rectangular tank-style model from 1938, the Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years brings sleek vintage design to a contemporary timepiece.
Available with dials in two-toned silver or black (international only), the new models are a regular-production evolution of the very limited (14 examples of each dial variant) silver-cased model (above) from the brand’s 140-year anniversary celebration earlier this year. Along with the historic case material, those versions also featured a restored vintage movement, the hand-wound Calibre 490, but the new watches are thoroughly modern in their construction.
Instead of the silver of the limited edition, the new two-part cases are rendered in polished stainless steel. The case dimensions are right-sized for a wide range of wrists, measuring 32.5mm across, with a lug-to-lug of 39mm, and a height of just 9.71mm, easily able to slip under a cuff. I’m a big fan of the streamlined Art Deco aesthetic. I feel tank-style cases are on the verge of a new moment, and the stepped sides of the Alpiner Heritage add a rakish flair. The case contours recall the flowing bodywork of a classic 1930s Auburn or Cord roadster, as well as evoking pre-war architectural details. The convex crystal is coated for anti-reflectivity, and the watch is water resistant to 3 ATM or 30 metres, typical for a dress watch. The screwed-in caseback features a circular window for viewing the movement.
There are two dial variants on offer, a lovely two-tone silver, and a discreet black, which will only be available internationally. The no-date dial features a small seconds, with rectangular subdial markings on the silver version, and a round subdial on the black. A railroad minute track and Arabic numerals adorn the dials on both versions, with the silver dial showing more of an antique aesthetic. Both sport the period-correct vintage Alpina logo, a nice touch.
The automatic AL-530 movement is an Alpina no date/small seconds calibre (based on Sellita’s SW200 series), and features 31 jewels, a beat rate of 28,800vph, and a power reserve of 38 hours. Visible through the round caseback crystal, decoration is minimal but tasteful, showing off blued screws and an Alpina-branded rotor in a rose gold tone.
Both watches get an attractive tan ostrich leather strap with a stainless pin buckle. It’s an upscale choice that lends an air of distinction from a more typical alligator-print leather offered on other dressy models.
Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years pricing and availability:
The Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years is available now. Price: US$1,595
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years |
| Case Dimensions | 32.5mm (D) x 9.71mm (T) x 39mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Dial | Two-tone silver/black (not available in US) |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Strap | Tan ostrich |
| Movement | AL-530 automatic, Sellita SW200 base |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$1,595 |