Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph & Alpiner 4 GMT - The Legend Is Back

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph & Alpiner 4 GMT – The Legend Is Back


by Jovan Krstevski
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Swiss watch maker, Alpina, is recognised as the inventor of the modern swiss sports watch with the “Alpina 4” back in 1938. Alpina brings back the “4” concept with their new “Alpiner 4” collection. This collection was one of few hidden gems at this year Baselworld show.

The story behind the “Alpina 4” was to combine the company founder Gottlieb Hauser’s four criteria for a sports watch:

1) Antimagnetic,
2) Antishock,
3) Water-resistant and
4) Stainless steel

Which was successfully achieved….

Alpina Alpiner4 GMT - Baselworld 2014

Alpina Alpiner4 GMT – Baselworld 2014

The new Alpiner 4 collection features a “Bi-Compax” Chronograph, with the Alpina AL-860 Automatic Chronograph movement, and an automatic GMT model, featuring the all-new Alpina AL-550 GMT movement with an in-house GMT module.

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph - Pushers & Crown

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph – Pushers & Crown

Both models feature Gottlieb Hauser’s “4” essential criteria. The watches are certified according to the ISO 764 norm, which means that a watch must endure direct exposure to a current magnetic field of 4 800 A/m without any impact on its accuracy. And the anti-shock properties of the watches are certified to the ISO 1413 standard. These watches also has a 44mm steel case, and is water-resistant to 100m (330ft). Additional and an important feature for the active and the outdoors wearer needs, both watches also have a 360 degree turning compass bezel. The turning compass bezel comes coupled with the 24 hour chapter scale on the outer ring of the dial, which cannot be found on any other watch currently on the market.

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph - Baselworld 2014

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph – Baselworld 2014

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph – Baselworld 2014

A sporty but yet elegant case distinguishes this automatic chronograph. The combination between the brushed stainless steel, black PVD coated 360 degree bezel and the sunray dial with luminous indexes, provides the watch with a sophisticated identity. This watch offers perfect readability and an sexiness which distinguishes Alpina’s design codes.

The toughness of the watch assures resistance and performance. This watch is engineered with a soft-iron core and made of low carbon iron, enclosing the AL-860 automatic chronograph movement, to protect it against magnetic fields.

The Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph comes with two dial versions, black or silver, and can be fitted with a stainless steel bracelet or a black alligator leather strap. Prominent on the dial is the “4” logo which distinguishes all four sports qualities. The  Alpina Alpiner Chronograph 4 will be offered in both silver and black dial configurations, both available later this year and priced at $3,495.

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph - Caseback

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph – Caseback

You’ll find a nice Hands-On review of the Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph on Escapement Magazine and Hodinkee.

Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT

Engineered with the same principles and designed with the same codes as the Alpiner 4 Chronograph, the GMT version features a new and easy-to-use GMT functionality.

Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT

Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT

The Alpina AL-550 GMT movement allows you to set the local time by independently moving the hour hand from hour to hour. The 24 hour hand always displays your home time. This particular GMT system is the most easy way to establish both local and home time. (Rolex is an exception) GMT movement functions is typically the other way around, with the GMT hand being quick-set.

Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT

Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT

The Alpiner Alpiner 4 GMT comes with two dial versions, black or silver, and can be fitted with a stainless steel bracelet or a black alligator leather strap. Overall, this collection offers a rugged and sophisticated designs for the every day use.

You’ll find another Review of the Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT on Worn&Wound.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Jovan Krstevski

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Watch collector, aficionado and an Event profile in the Swedish nightlife. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ His passion "jump" started in his early teens, when he was given his first mid-range wristwatch which was an Omega Seamaster. Since then he has always been in love with wristwatches! Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. PS: He is also a huge fan of The Man of Steel/Superman.