Within the midst of probably the most crowded discipline of built-in bracelet sports activities watches within the historical past of the business, this red-hot market phase however has a slender spot. Whereas there’s no scarcity of entry-level choices, and high-end decisions are plentiful, the $1,000 to $5,000 vary is surprisingly sparse. Among the many accessible choices at this mid-range worth level, nevertheless, Alpina stands as a real darkish horse contender. For 2025, nevertheless, the model appears to be like to increase previous its cult-favorite standing to develop a real built-in crowd pleaser, and the most recent iteration within the Alpiner Excessive line could be as much as the duty. The brand new Alpina Alpiner Excessive Automated Titanium 39mm combines lighter supplies with a extra balanced, compact case design, making a sporty, aggressive idea that nonetheless feels at house in in the present day’s smaller, extra demure design setting.
Whereas the general case design of the Alpina Alpiner Excessive Automated Titanium 39mm is according to the remainder of the Alpiner Excessive household, the smaller diameter and lighter materials markedly shifts the sporting expertise. Like its 41mm siblings, the 39mm large total kind is a textbook instance of “small watch, huge presence”. Visually, the squarish, flat-planed case design takes up a strong quantity of actual property on the wrist. Nevertheless, a brief 40.5mm lug-to-lug size and a reasonable 11.5mm total thickness cut up between a minimum of 4 distinct layers makes this flat, large form really feel trim and compact on my 6.75-inch wrist. Because the title suggests, this new mannequin abandons stainless-steel building in favor of titanium, however the lighter-hued alloy Alpina makes use of right here appears to be like nigh-on an identical. As an alternative, it’s the decrease total weight that stands out throughout put on. True to the concept of the Alpiner Excessive as a go-anywhere, do-anything all-purpose built-in sports activities watch, this new variant is breezy and comfy on the wrist (and if its larger cousins are something to go by, it ought to be genuinely powerful as nails). Whereas the layered, vaguely Hublot-esque form is broadly carried over from earlier Alpiner Extremes, the smaller dimensions additionally give this model a tighter, much less dial-centric look. For instance, each the case facet flanges and the distinctive six-screw bezel feeling extra outstanding total. The place the actual case design adjustments, nevertheless, is the caseback. Reasonably than the 41mm mannequin’s sapphire show window, Alpina opts for a strong engraved design right here. Whereas dropping a show again is certain to be controversial, Alpina’s workmanlike motion ending makes this a visible enchancment total. The engraving itself contains a stylized mountain design, and is handsomely executed with crisp edges and a strong mix between polished higher surfaces and matte blasted recesses. Like earlier variations, this mannequin is rated for a beefy 200 meters of water resistance regardless of its complicated sandwich case building.
Just like the case, the dial of the Alpina Alpiner Excessive Automated Titanium 39mm largely follows the sample of earlier iterations. Whereas the reworked proportions do give the design much less of an open, ethereal really feel on the wrist, the change in total proportions is fairly minimal. As an alternative, the actual shift in on-wrist really feel right here is the dial coloration. Alpina’s use of a brilliant, cool silver sunburst throws the stamped triangular dial texture into sharper aid than ever earlier than, making a collection of stark, monochromatic peaks and shadows at almost any viewing angle. The understated sunburst end lets the bodily sample take heart stage visually, however this secondary texture does add much more visible depth. As with its stablemates, Alpina pairs this dial with a set of blunted alpha arms and tapering beveled indices. The dial-matching framed silver date show at 3 o’clock is a thoughtfully executed contact as nicely, including helpful performance with out disrupting dial symmetry an excessive amount of. Whereas dial textual content is stored to a minimal, Alpina does add one small spotlight right here with a deep purple seconds hand counterweight. Towards the in any other case colorless backdrop, it provides only a trace of character, however stays balanced and well-integrated.
Contained in the Alpina Alpiner Excessive Automated Titanium 39mm beats the AL-525 automated motion. Primarily based on the acquainted Sellita SW200, the AL-525 is a dependable, easy-to-service platform, nevertheless it’s troublesome to disclaim that its efficiency is ageing in in the present day’s watch market. With a middling 38 hour energy reserve at a 28,800 bph beat price, this powerplant is perhaps simple to dwell with long-term, however its market phase is progressively filling up with extra succesful in-house motion choices. After all, no built-in sports activities watch is full and not using a distinctive bracelet, and Alpina equips the Alpiner Excessive Automated Titanium 39mm with a suitably sharp and aggressive pairing. Just like the case, this titanium H-link bracelet is hard-edged and planar, with broad linear-brushed surfaces damaged up by slim mirror-polished chamfers on the hyperlink edges and rectangular heart hyperlinks. Though the butterfly-style clasp doesn’t permit for micro-adjustment, the accessible half-links make a fairly snug match achievable for many wrists. Fitment apart, that is additionally a remarkably snug bracelet for lengthy put on, with slim hyperlinks and a light-weight, versatile building.
Though there are extra built-in bracelet sports activities watches accessible nowadays than ever earlier than, the mid-range of the market between $1,000 and $5,000 stays a comparatively quiet discipline. With its refinements to the model’s system, the brand new Alpina Alpiner Excessive Automated Titanium 39mm seems set to guide this market phase, that includes sufficient sharp design, rugged building, and balanced wearability to make it a winner for a lot of the group. The Alpina Alpiner Excessive Automated Titanium 39mm is on the market now by approved sellers. MSRP for this watch stands at $2,695 USD as of press time. For extra data, please go to the brand’s website.
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