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ALPINA RE-SIZES ITS REGULATOR
Alpina relaunches its Extreme Regulator , first seen in 2005 , with a new dial and a smaller cushion-shaped case .
The new Alpiner Extreme Regulator and is now set in a more widely appealing 41mm steel case , considerably smaller than the 48mm case of the initial model and the 45mm size of more recent examples .
The Regulator was considered a flagship model when Alpina launched it as the Avalanche Extreme Regulator seventeen years ago . But even with a new size , the latest model evokes a similar assertive , modern appeal .
Behinds its regulator display of separate hours , minutes and seconds hands , the new Alpiner Extreme Regulator maintains its adventure-focused mission with a thick screw-in crown and caseback , and a strong 200-meter water resistance rating .
STRONG DIAL Likewise , the dial projects strength . Alpina ’ s triangle logo is employed as a grid across the dial , symbolizing Alpine peaks . The grey pattern captures light , creating a more visually compelling dial than the initial models , on which the logo decorated only the center of the dial . Alpina adds even more visual texture with the case finish , which is
nicely brushed , with polished corners .
Atop the grey ‘ peaks ,’ Alpina places highly luminescent hands in an almost typical regulator layout , with a large central minutes hand and separate hour and seconds subdial .
The hour subdial on regulator clock dials is classically positioned along the central axis at the top or bottom . Alpina however positions the hour subdial between the 9 o ’ clock and 11 o ’ clock positions , focusing the eye more clearly toward the minutes hand .
Inside the Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic Alpina retains its time-tested automatic ETA-based AL-650 caliber , the movement that powered the 2005 Regulator .
Alpina ’ s choice to host a regulator dial within its bedrock collection has long set the Geneva brand apart from many watchmakers offering affordably priced Swiss sports watches .
The choice to revive the regulator is equally courageous , especially given the regulator ’ s niche appeal among collectors , especially at this price range . But at first glance , Alpina ’ s update , with its appealing new case size and terrific dial design , offers more than enough wellconsidered change to meet that challenge .
Alpina is limiting the Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic to 888 pieces . Price : $ 2,195 .
10 | AboutTime Magazine