extreme

Alpina Avalanche Extreme Automatic Rose Gold Watch Hands-On

Popular in Europe but plausible for mass popularity here, Alpina is a fancy watch for X-Game goers and participators. The styles are actually what I consider subdued aggressive sport watch. What do I mean? Well, they are actually rather restrained in their designs compared to some of the competition. Catering greatly to European tastes, the watches are modern and "active" feeling, but lack the busy, trendy look that other pieces such as this can embody. Alpina retains traditional watch making values, but with a different face on. While some of their higher-end pieces can be an acquired taste this entry-level priced luxury watch is a good starter piece for the brand.

The Alpina Avalanche Extreme Automatic comes in steel and an 18k rose gold plated steel version (with a few different dial styles). While the watch isn't exactly the definition of "extreme" it does have its share of attractive qualities, and has a character that can grown on you. The large 48mm wide case (200 meters water resistant) has an attractive screwed in PVD black steel bezel and multi-texture dial. There is also a large crown with a sporty rubber ring around it. The black rubber strap with its textured surface is a good look as well. Inside the Avalanche Extreme watch is Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movement - visible through the sapphire caseback window.

One thing which is purely cosmetic about the watch is the inner flange ring. While it does have some minute indicators on it, it looks like an inner rotating diver's bezel, but is not. It looks nice enough, but leaves me searching for a second crown to rotate it, but one isn't there. The steel versions of the watch are in the $1,500 range, while the pictured model is closer to $2,200.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Alpina, Avalanche, Extreme, gold, Watch

Alpina Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

As a limited edition of just 36 pieces (18 of each version) Swiss Alpina will release this new Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture watch. What exactly is extreme about it? No idea. Perhaps use of the term "extreme" is extreme. Though I do know this watch stems from a long line of "extreme" Alpina watches. Unique in the world of tourbillon movements are regulator watches, which this timepiece is. This is all part of Alpina's own caliber AL-980 automatic tourbillon movement. It has got a silicium lever and escapement wheel in the movement - if that doesn't mean anything to you, don't worry. Though those are good talking points for a luxury watch. The watch will come in two versions. Each has a 48mm wide case. One comes with a brushed titanium case and a pink gold bezel, and the other with a black ceramic bezel and a pink gold case. On the dial you get the large minute style hour markers and skeletonized 'bubble baton' hands in brushed steel for an intended sporty look. The simple style is one of those looks that appears best while being worn. In such a limited edition, pieces like this exist in a large sense to promote Alpina's more reasonably priced timepieces.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Alpina Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture watch

Tags: Alpina, Extreme, limited edition, LimitedEdition, Manufacture, Regulator, Tourbillon, watch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Watch Exclusive For Tourneau

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre and Tourneau together present the new Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm watch that will be exclusively sold only at Tourneau watch stores. Tourneau is the largest watch retail chain in the world and carries an impressive number of brands at their many locations internationally. The watch is a unique combination of world timer and mechanical alarm. The watch comes in two limited editions. 20 pieces in 18k rose gold and titanium, and another 50 pieces in all titanium.

The watch case is 46.3mm wide, which is common for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme line. The time is easy to read on the main dial with the left portion of the dial being reserved for the alarm time, while on the right is a date window. In addition to cities, the world time indicator features a few natural landmarks such as the Galapagos Islands and Scandola. The crowns feature a special security lock while the watch itself is a shock absorption system for the movement. The watch is attached to a leather and fabric strap. Style of the watch is sporty and functional with a busy dial that is still legible enough. Look for the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm watch at select Tourneau watch stores soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Watch

Tags: alarm, extreme, jaeger-lecoultre, limited edition, LimitedEdition, master compressor, MasterCompressor, tourneau, w-alarm, watch, world time, WorldTime

Alpina Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Watch With Manufacture Movement

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

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