AboutTime #12 | Page 8

M Mechanicals Guide to Affordable Mechanicals ALpina Fans of in-house movements are probably aware that Alpina’s sister-brand, Frederique Constant was one of the first to recognize the need for an in-house movement option at price points that would be accessible to a wider audience. Following that lead, Alpina now offers their own Swiss Made in-house automatic movement in the Alpiner collection. The AL-710 movement features a center second with a date sub-dial at 6 o’clock and beats at 28,800. Nicely decorated, the 26 jewel AL-710 features a power reserve of 42 hours and an eccentric rotor that allows a full view of Alpina’s own engine through the crystal back. This new movement is housed in a 41.5 mm stainless steel case capped with a boxed sapphire crystal and is rated water resistant to a nominal 5atm. Retail price is $2,795. Christopher Ward The new Malvern will sit comfortably on almost every size of wrist at a svelte 37 mm x 8.25mm. Inside the steel case beats a Sellita Swiss Made manual-wind movement clearly visible through the see through back. Up front a sapphire crystal protects the sun-ray façade of the dial. At only $549 the new Malvern is a great value in a shaped dress watch that can expand a collection out of the round without rounding up all your cash. 8 FUNCTION | AboutTime Magazine