Alpina’s beefy Alpiner Extreme becomes more wearable with new 39mm options
Jamie Weiss- Alpina’s semi-eponymous sports watch shrinks down from 42mm to 39mm, making it more accessible to smaller wrists.
- Three dial colours are available for this smaller model, with steel integrated bracelets as standard.
- A Sellita-based automatic movement powers it, and it features a robust 200m water resistance rating.
A watch so nice they named it twice: the Alpina Alpiner might be a slightly confusing name for a product line, but its appeal is straightforward. Alpina is a brand that’s always been known for its sports watches, with the Alpina 4 of 1938 considered one of the first modern sports watches (so named for its 4 key attributes of anti-magnetism, anti-shock, water resistance and a stainless steel case). The Alpiner Extreme is simply the sportiest of Alpina’s modern offerings, with a chunky case that combines circular, angular and cushion-shaped elements plus an integrated bracelet. It’s an imposing aesthetic – but the new 39mm Alpiner Extreme makes it more wearable.
The extant Alpiner Extreme measures up at 41 x 42.5mm in diameter, while this smaller model measures 39 x 40.4mm while maintaining a thickness of 11.5mm. It seems Alpina has got the memo that smaller is better these days – while the Alpiner Extreme 39mm won’t be accused of being a demure watch, especially thanks to its plate-light presence on the wrist thanks to its integrated bracelet, it’s undeniably more accessible than its larger sibling.
This smaller dial model also brings some new dial colours to the fray. While you’re able to get a dark blue dial in both sizes and you’re only able to get a dark grey in 42mm, the 39mm model offers a handsome dark green dial as well as an eclectic beige model. All models feature rubber knurling around their crowns that match their dial colours, and where both 42mm models feature black date wheels, all three 39mm models feature white date wheels and a seconds hand with a red triangular highlight.
Powering the Alpiner Extreme Automatic 39mm is the same movement that’s in the 42mm model, the Sellita SW-200-1-based Alpina AL-525, which beats at 4 Hertz and has a 38-hour power reserve. The most interesting part of this movement is its funky asymmetrical rotor, which brings to mind a mountaintop – appropriate for a watch with such an alpine name. Two strap options are available for this integrated sports watch: a steel three-row bracelet or a dial colour-matched rubber number, both of which feature folding clasps with push button releases.
Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic 39mm pricing and availability
The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic 39mm will be available from October 2024. Price: US$2,195 (excl. tax) A$4,195 (incl. tax)
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | Alpiner Extreme Automatic |
| Reference Number | AL-525BG3AE6B (beige dial) AL-525TB3AE6B (blue dial) AL-525GR3AE6B (green dial) |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 11.5mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Beige/blue/green with triangle pattern |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Steel three-row bracelet with folding clasp Dial colour-matched rubber strap with folding clasp |
| Movement | Alpina AL-525 (Sellita SW-200-1 base), automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | From October 2024 |
| Price | US$2,195 (excl. tax) A$4,195 (incl. tax) |