Swiss watch brand Alpina has launched a new California Dial version of its Alpiner Extreme Automatic model.
First appeared in the 1940s, the California dial design features a clever blend of Arabic and Roman numerals, dashes and triangles designed to make reading the time from any angle error-proof.
Alpina has made the dial more readable still by combining vintage luminous beige hands and hour markers with a black dial, all housed in the collection’s imposing and iconic steel cushion case.
Just like all sports watches made by Alpina, Alpiner Extreme models are non-magnetic, waterproof, rustproof, and impact-resistant.
The California pattern dial of the new Alpiner Extreme model is almost impossible to misread. Arabic numerals are used for the 8 and the 4, while the 6 is represented by a dash that can’t possibly be mistaken for a 9. The 3 and 9 hour markers are also dashes; confusion is avoided by them being located between two full figures, one Arabic, one Roman, ensuring they will be read correctly.
Interestingly, the 12 is portrayed by a triangle echoes Alpina’s own logo, a red triangle symbolising the Alpine summits. Indeed, one such triangle is to be found (as usual) serving as the counterweight on the seconds hand; another is located just above the brand name.
To boost readability still further, Alpina has combined vintage luminous beige hands and hour markers with a black dial. A date window at 3 o’clock provides the finishing touch.
This new model features the iconic cushion-shaped steel case, recently resized to a more compact 41×42.5mm format.
Inside the watch beats the AL-525 automatic calibre, which offers a power reserve of 38 hours. Moreover, this movement can be admired through the transparent caseback.
Certified water resistant to depths of 200 metres, the Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic California Dial comes on a rubber strap.
Technical details
Model: Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic California Dial, Reference AL-525BB4AE6
Movement
AL-525 caliber, automatic
38-hour power-reserve
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h
26 jewels
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter: 41X42.50 mm
Height: 11.50 mm
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Water-resistant up to 20 ATM/200m/660ft
Engraved and see-through screwed case-back
Screw-in crown
Dial
Black dial with triangle pattern
Black outer ring with white markers
Applied beige color indexes filled with white luminous treatment
Date window at 3 o’clock
Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands filled with beige luminous treatment
Polished silver color second hand with red triangle
Strap
Black rubber strap with folding buckle
Recommended retail price
1’595€
