Tag Alpina

One For Everyone: 2015 Alpina Comtesse Collection

Alpina Comtesse (refs. AL-525APWD3CD3B and AL-525APW3CD6B)

With its Comtesse (refs. AL-525APWD3CD3B and AL-525APW3CD6B) series, Alpina targets a wide array of customers, both in terms of exterior styling and price. While some may find this "one for everyone" concept too undiscriminating, the logic behind it is undeniable. After all, Alpina is here for the money and there seems to be nothing more cost-effective than offering a model that, as generic as it is, allows the brand to make so many nice variations without investing too much money designing the new collection.

Just 400 Pieces: Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph Race for Water

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph "Race for Water" Limited Edition (Ref. AL-860AD5AQ6)

With its extremely clean, visually lightweight dial and a nicely proportioned (as well as elegantly decorated) stainless steel body, this beautiful Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph "Race for Water" Limited Edition (ref. AL-860AD5AQ6) has only one major flaw: its total production run will be restricted to just 400 pieces, which, I am afraid, will not be enough to justify the demand from the general public. Well, at least there is a chance that the resale value will not plunge as swiftly as is often the case with products delivered by second-tier brands.

Alpina Alpiner Automatic Chronograph AL-750SG4E6B

Alpina Alpiner Automatic Chronograph (Ref. AL-­750SG4E6B) watch

With its 2014 self-winding Alpina Alpiner chronograph, the Swiss-based brand finally offers an interesting timekeeper. Interesting for the kind of customers that are tired of numerous recreations and reissues and just want a watch that would look cool in a room filled with 85-inch 4K TV sets, smart coffeemakers, and modern furniture made of shiny steel and expensive leather. Although in its finish I see numerous references to products made by other watchmakers (like, for example, this 2010 Chronoswiss Pacific Collection), I must admit that all in all the device looks refined and well-balanced. It is one of their collections that Alpina will never be ashamed with.

Alpina Startimer Pilot Sunray (Ref. AL-525GB4S6)

Alpina Startimer Pilot Sunray (Ref. AL-525GB4S6) watch

About two years ago, the Swiss watchmaker has introduced its vintage-styled Startimer Classic three-hander (Ref. AL-525SCR4S6). With a sleek, easy-to-read dial, the timekeeper looked great and probably generated good sales because for this year the company re-introduced the watch as an Alpina Startimer Pilot Sunray (Ref. AL-525GB4S6).

Alpina Startimer Black Star Chronograph 860GB4FBS6

Alpina Startimer Pilot Black Star Automatic Chronograph (Ref. AL-860GB4FBS6)

You have probably already seen Alpina's recent Startimer ref. Al-860GB4S6. Slightly oversized, the "aviator" features that trendy bi-compax design and elegant overall styling of its dial. For this year, the Swiss watchmaking brand introduces another version. Called Alpina Startimer Pilot Black Star Automatic Chronograph (Ref. AL-860GB4FBS6), it differs from the earlier version only with its black body finish.

Reasonable Rarity: the Alpina Heritage Pilot Edition

Alpina Heritage Pilot Limited Edition (Ref. AL-435LB4SH6) watch

First revealed before the Baselworld 2012 trade show, the Heritage Pilot resurfaces in an even more appealing version. Although with a total production run of 1883 pieces (just like the older model), the Alpina Heritage Pilot Limited Edition (Ref. AL-435LB4SH6) shouldn't be touted as a "limited" edition (there will be just too many of them in circulation for the model to become a rarity in any reasonable time), it still deserves our attention for the sheer beauty of it.