Hot Take: The Alpina Alpiner Extreme California
Today, we’ll take a quick look at a recent release known as the Alpina Alpiner Extreme California. This is the latest addition to the Alpiner Extreme collection, which features bold, sporty watches. For this model, readability is the key with its recognizable dial.
The Alpina Alpiner Extreme California is a tough-looking sports watch with equally beefy specs. The dial will be familiar to watch fans because the general design has found its way into many models from many brands. Let’s take a closer look at this release and see if it hits the mark.
The Alpina Alpiner Extreme California
The newest Alpiner Extreme builds on a collection that we’ve reviewed in the past. These watches are meant to exude toughness while taking on an integrated-bracelet look (most are available with a rubber strap or stainless bracelet) that plays well in today’s market. All feature a distinctive bezel fastened to the case by six triangle-head screws. Yes, if you’re a keen observer, you’ll note that the triangle is Alpina’s logo. Other identifiers are a 41mm stainless case with what looks like bumpers on the flanks and a 49.5mm lug-to-lug length. The watches have a screw-down crown and are water resistant to 200 meters.
The movement in the Alpiner Extreme California is the brand’s automatic AL-525. It’s actually a Sellita SW200-1 with a brand-specific, uniquely shaped black rotor. The power reserve comes in at 38 hours, which is normal for this movement. It’s visible via a display back held down with six screws.
A California dial
The dial is the reason we’re here today, and I think it works well with the case shape. Admittedly, the case has some of the same trappings as the famous Panerai Radiomir’s with a similar visage. Alpina tells us that the Alpiner Extreme California uses such a dial to aid legibility. It’s a fair point and the reason that this dial style — originally called the Error-Proof dial — was put into practice back in the ’40s. Roman numerals on the upper half and Arabic numerals below make it nearly impossible to confuse the time. Here, Alpina has created a matte black background along with applied indices. Those indices contain beige luminous material for high visibility in the dark. Finally, a color-matched date display sits at 3 o’clock.
Thoughts and pricing
The Alpina Alpiner Extreme California retails for €1,595 / £1,495 on a textured black rubber strap with a folding clasp. It will begin shipping at the end of November. Overall, it’s a solid addition to a nice-looking line of watches. Its squarish layout plus a reasonable 11.5mm thickness should also allow it to wear well for those with average to larger-sized wrists. Plus, the high level of water resistance along with its rugged looks should prove popular with those who want a sporty but classy watch. If you’ve gone hands-on with the Alpiner Extreme models, what are your thoughts on this newest release?
For additional information, visit the official Alpina website.
