We have a soft spot for California dials. The proof is in the LAX001, which we developed as part of the Balmont project. A rather rare type, yet full of character, with its mix of Arabic and Roman numerals and cardinal point markings. Not to mention the error-free reading that collectors love. So it was impossible for us to miss out on this Alpina Alpiner Extreme California just launched!
Unsurprisingly, behind the story of the California dial lies a patent registered by Rolex in 1941, in the midst of the Second World War, even though it had first seen the light of day in a Bubbleback in 1934, and had also been used by Panerai on its Radiomir in 1936. The two companies were very close at the time. Its original name was “error-proof radium dialin correlation with its primary function, while its nickname came about in the 1980s as collectors were finding many of the watches in the Californian state. It’s a style found mainly on tool watches, but also occasionally on dress watches, such as the very successful Club Campus by Nomos.
Coincidentally, on this watch, the triangular hour marker at noon is a almost perfect reflection of the Alpina logowhich refers to the peaks of the Alps. It is also on the counterweight of the second hand. The black grained caseback is dotted with beige applied hour-markers, which stand out both for their contrast and their vintage spirit amidst all this modernity. The case is the same as that of the Alpiner Extreme collection. cushion-shaped, 41mm wide with a thickness of just 11.5mm. For a watch with such a muscular design, and water-resistant to 200 meters, this is no insignificant detail. The whole thing is powered by a automatic movementThe AL-525 caliber, a Sellita SW200-1 with a customized weight in Alpina’s typical asymmetrical design, is mounted on a rubber strap that integrates perfectly with the watch’s lugs. It’s a watch for extreme situations, but with style, priced at €1,595 and currently available exclusively from selected retailers.
Available exclusively from Horel.
FEATURES – ALPINA ALPINER EXTREME CALIFORNIA
Case : stainless steel – brushed and polished finish – 41mm wide x 11.5mm thick – anti-reflective sapphire crystal – screw-down crown – transparent caseback – 20 ATM (200 meters) water resistance
Dial : black background – matt grained finish – applied hour-markers – date window at 3 o’clock – beige hour-markers and hands studded with Super-LumiNova
Movement mechanical self-winding – AL-525 calibre (Sellita SW200-1) – frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) – hours, minutes, seconds and date functions – 38-hour power reserve
Straps : black rubber – integrated design – 22mm lugs – folding clasp
Information : reference AL-525BB4AE6 – in permanent collection – available on the official website and from authorized dealers (with temporary exclusivity) – 2-year warranty – €1,595 incl. VAT
