Alpina Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Watch With Manufacture Movement

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Mar 2nd 2009 at 12:01PM

Suddenly the skier's performance watch turns into an intense ultra luxury timepiece. Capturing the regulator design modern Alpina watches are fondly know for, the Extreme Tourbillon Regulator watch adds a manufacture developed tourbillon movement in this limited edition of 18 piece collection.

Titanium is the luxury material of choice this year. Last year it was ceramic. This watch combines them both in a well designed 48mm wide case with a tasteful industrial inspired face and popular black tones. The exclusive automatic AL-980 tourbillon movement makes use of silicon palettes as well as a silicon escapement wheel. A power reserve of 48 hours completes a movement fit for the sporty demeanor of this watch. Going along with trendy design choices, Alpina places bubbly skeletonized hands on the layered face. I find that the unique style of a tourbillon carriage window fits in well with the layout of a regulator style watch - where the tourbillon acts as the seconds indicator. With a price of well over $50,000 Alpina might be stretching the limits of its appeal to high-end buyers. Though with only 18 pieces it makes for good PR, and strengthens the credibility of the brand.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: alpina, extreme, manufacture, regulator, timepiece, tourbillon, watch