Key Features
This ALPINA is a beautiful example of German-Swiss workmanship. The nostalgic feel of the vintage dial design is beautifully contrasted with how the watch looks utterly like new. The solid stainless steel case used to be a rare luxury, as this alloy is hard to machine and solid steel cases were 2-3 times more expensive than chrome plated brass cases some decades before this timepiece was made. The original dial in great condition, and due to the rare shape of the case, this timepiece is well wearable and very pleasant to read.
About Alpina
Alpina has been a producer of quality timepieces since 1883, when they were initially a manufacturer of ebauche movements in Geneva, as part of the Corporation d’Horlogers Suisse. In 1901, the name Alpina was registered. After their success in Switzerland, Alpina moved their headquarters to Berlin in 1927, and began to develop the ‘Alpina 4’ model, which came out in 1938. As its name indicates, the model combined four important quality characteristics: Anti-magnetic, water resistant, Incabloc shock protection, and a stainless steel case. The Alpina 4 was also equipped with the manual winding Alpina 592 movement, one of the most reliable available at that time. Due to the manufactory’s continuing success with technical sports watches, they continued to be highly successful for many decades.
During WWII, Alpina was prevented from selling in Germany under that name, and in 1942 the company changed their name to “DUGENA – German watchmaker cooperative Alpina”. You may well have heard of Dugena – they can still be found on the market today! The company was finally renamed to Alpina in 1972, but by the the quartz crisis had hit, and in 2000 the company disappeared.
However, in 2002 the Alpina name was acquired by the founders of Frederique Constant of Geneva, who managed to successfully rebuild the company: by 2008, for the 125th anniversary the brand, already more than 200 dealers offered Alpina watches all over the world.
Servicing and Guarantee
This timepiece has been serviced with full disassembly in our Bristol workshop. There is a 12-month guarantee, subject to the usage and care guidelines. The watch comes with a new, genuine blue leather strap.
Overview
Case and Strap
- Original, rectangular case – rare shape.
- Solid stainless steel.
- Pan shaped, acrylic crystal.
- Stainless steel caseback.
- Blue, genuine leather strap.
Dimensions:
- Width w/o crown 29.5 mm.
- Width w/crown 31.5 mm.
- Height 36.4 mm.
- Thickness 8.2 mm.
- Strap width 20 mm.
Dial and Hands
- Original, silver-tone dial that matches tone of case.
- Thin, applied indices – doubled up at 12 position.
- “ALPINA” signature below 12 position.
- Small, thin dark-tone hands.
Movement
- Swiss-made movement.
- AS 1758 – 1759 caliber.
- 17 jewels.
- Manual wind.
- “ALPINA” signature and emblem in blue on bridge.
- Gilt plates and bridges.
- Satin-brushed wheels.
- Polished screws.
Testing Results
- Testing duration: 2 weeks cyclic test.
- Average timekeeping range: 10-30 sec/day.
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- Comes with new, blue genuine leather strap.
- 12-month guarantee.
- Guarantee Terms and Conditions.
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