December 17, 1903: Orville Wright lies prone upon the wing of the Wright Flyer, preparing for takeoff. The homemade engine of the little airplane pops and snarls as it spins the two 8-foot, hand-carved propellers into opaque disks. The cold, blustery wind sweeping in from the sea chills the pilot and rocks the wings of the pioneer plane. The primitive airplane built of wood and cotton fabric is about to carry Orville Wright and all of mankind into the air age.
Only three instruments were available to Orville on that very first powered, heavier-than-air flight: a tachometer, an anemometer and a watch. And as the watch faithfully measured, this momentous first flight lasted exactly 12 seconds.
From the very beginning, aviators’ lives depended upon the ability to track time accurately in flight. Pioneering aviators blazing new trails across oceans and continents relied upon a primitive form of navigation that balanced estimated speed and direction of flight, against the accurate measurement of time. At the end of a long flight, those early aviators emerged from their open cockpits wind-tousled, oil-spattered, and wearing rumpled, grease-stained flying togs. But they often sported the most expensive of fine timepieces on their wrists or in their pockets, valuing the precision accuracy and reliability that these luxury timepieces afforded them.
John Alcock, who along with his partner Arthur Whitten Brown was the first to fly the Atlantic nonstop in 1919, died in a crash just months after his famous flight. He was found in the wreckage of his plane wearing a diamond-studded wristwatch. When Amelia Earhart made her record setting flight as the first female pilot to fly the Atlantic in 1932, she was wearing a two-register chronograph wristwatch. That very same watch was carried to the International Space Station in 2010, and is now on display at the Ninety-Nines Museum of Women Pilots.
Jimmy Doolittle is considered by many aviation historians to have been the greatest of the aviation pioneers. History buffs know of Doolittle as the leader of Doolittle’s Raiders, the bomber squadron that launched off the deck of an aircraft carrier in the first American strike against the Japanese mainland in 1942, as dramatized in the Hollywood movie Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.
But one of Doolittle’s greatest achievements occurred years earlier, in 1929, when he made the first flight in history to be flown solely by reference to instruments. Doolittle took-off, navigated a course, and landed without ever seeing the ground, completely reliant upon his precision flight instruments and, of course, an accurate timepiece. One of Doolittle’s wristwatches, a gold-plated watch that incorporated 3 miniature compasses in the face, is now part of a collection at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.
Even as the air age advanced into the space age, “the clock is running” post-launch report to mission control by the astronaut in command confirmed the functioning of that all-important instrument, the timepiece.
Golden Age Aviators Depended Upon Alpina Watches
The 1920’s and 1930’s were considered the Golden Age of aviation. Pilots like Alcock and Brown, Earhart, and Doolittle achieved worldwide fame for their aeronautical achievements, setting records for speed, distance and altitude on a regular basis. Nomadic pilots known as barnstormers carried the excitement of aviation to small towns across the land, hopping thrill-seeking passengers from cow pastures and farm fields. Many pilots of the time relied upon Alpina watches. Several Alpina models in the 1920′s and 1930′s were highly popular among pilots. And Alpina watches were held in particular high regard by military aviators, with Alpina designated as the supplier of watches for the air forces of several nations during this time.
Pioneering Partners
Alpina, founded 20 years before the Wright Brother’s first flight, was coming into its own as a world-class watchmaker when another famous company was getting its start. Cessna Aircraft Company, founded in 1927 by Clyde Cessna and Victor Roos, grew to become the largest aircraft producer on the planet.
Since its inception, Cessna has produced more than 190,000 aircraft, more than any other manufacturer in history. One Cessna model alone, the 172 Skyhawk, has been produced in greater numbers than any other aircraft model.
Just like Alpina, Cessna continues to be a cutting-edge company, a leader in its field. Cessna’s Citation line of business jets has been in production for more than 40 years, and remains the world’s best-selling line of business jets. And Cessna’s new Skycatcher light sport plane is a state-of-the-art leader in the field of recreational aviation.
It’s fitting, then, that Alpina and Cessna have teamed up as marketing partners, each delivering superior, elegant, cutting-edge designs to the aviation community.
A Tradition Continues…
With its new Startimer collection, Alpina continues the tradition of supplying fine watches to the world’s aviators. The Startimer line offers pilots the accuracy and dependability they require in the cockpit, along with the sophistication and elegance that are so valued outside of the cockpit. Models such as the automatic chronograph AL-860 and the Manufacture AL-710 combine the clean, classic beauty of Golden Age watch designs with modern, precision engineering and manufacturing.
The world of aviation has changed considerably since the days of the early pioneer pilots. Daredevil pilots and their grease-stained flying togs have been replaced with today’s affluent and sophisticated pilots, flying aircraft that offer levels of safety, comfort and performance of which the early aviators could only have dreamt. But aviators still rely upon accurate and dependable timepieces. That hasn’t changed, and never will.
Sailing with Niceforyou, have a look at some nice pictures of a practice afternoon on the water. Alpina was the official watch sponsor of Extreme Sailing Series Team Niceforyou, skippered by Alberto Barovier. Barovier was the winner of the 2010 America’s Cup on board the trimaran BMW Oracle Racing. The Extreme 40 Catamaran inspired the development of the Alpina Sailing Collection. Each Alpina Sailing watch is delivered in a special packaging alongside a miniature reproduction of the Extreme 40 Catamaran.
Alpina developed the automatic regatta caliber AL-880 in-house, based on the Sellita SW500 chronograph movement. Currently, Alpina is the only watchmaker offering such a easy to read automatic regatta caliber. The watch has a RRP of 2350 Euro.
Posted by mm on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 · 1 Comment
Alpina Extreme Diver
Keeping time while diving requires very robust professional watches. There is a kind of beauty to the professional diver’s watch that comes from the pure pleasure of engineering excellence. There is nothing superfluous about divers’ watches, except of course the fact that they are engineered beyond the point of mere utility. After all, no human being is ever going to dive to depths beyond 300 meters. There is, however, a marvelous draw to the idea that you can go that deep, if you wanted, with the proper equipment.
To fully appreciate the Alpina Extreme Diver, the first thing to do is understand the requirements that define the professional diver’s watch. In this regard, it is possible to define clear parameters and, without resorting to hyperbole, make the case for the true professional diver’s watch. As a general rule, for any regular activities from snorkeling to scuba diving, a diver should always choose a watch with a water resistance rating of at least 200 meters. For the occasional swim, a watch resistant to 100 meters will do. The rationale behind the exceptional water resistance we recommend is that, in general, watches tend to perform differently in real-world situations than they do in the laboratories where they receive their certifications.
The Alpina Extreme Diver’s case is made of anti-corrosive materials, has a non-scratch crystal, and is outfitted with extendable wrist straps that can fit over a wet suit.
The bezel of the Alpina Extreme Diver is unidirectional, has luminous markers, and is used to set the maximum time a diver plans to be under water. Therefore, it is vital that the setting cannot be accidentally pushed or knocked off. Having it moved in only one direction means that time meant to be spent under can only be accidentally reduced, but not increased.
Posted by mm on Monday, January 23, 2012 · 2 Comments
Why is Alpina relaunching the Heritage Pilot watch?
Alpina has a very rich history since its foundation in 1883. We aim to revive Alpina back to its former glory by emphasizing Alpina’s historical pilot watches from the 1920’s. The relaunch of the Heritage Pilot is not just a watch, it is like telling a story.
It is the story how Alpina made these sturdy, accurate and very readable pilot watches that were used by military. We have found various models in the archive when we purchased Alpina in 2002. We also regularly find and acquire old Alpina Pilot watch via auction sites. The Heritage Pilot watch is based on these designs.
How does the Heritage Pilot compare with the rest of the Alpina Aviation Collection?
In 2011, Alpina introduced a comprehensive collection of modern Pilot watches in its Aviation Universe. These watches were developed and are being marketed in collaboration with Cessna Aircraft and Privatair. While we implemented design elements from prior Alpina Pilot watches, the today’s Startimer Pilot Collection incorporates latest manufacturing technologies. In addition, cases and straps have been optimized for to be ergonomically the best. Movements are latest 4Hz versions and Automatic. On the other hand, the Heritage Pilot follows the 1920’s desig much more closely. For example, we have kept the original indexes, the hinged case back cover and the large 55 mm case size. The Heritage Pilot also incorporates a handwound Unitas caliber, very similar to the pocket watch calibers that were used in the original Alpina Pilot watches.
What is your strategy for Alpina in the coming years?
Since we acquired Alpina in 2002, we have positioned Alpina as a sports and lifestyle brand. We have been able to grow production and sales to approximately 8000 watches per year. Most of these watches were in the Extreme Collection. We consider this as the first step in the revival of Alpina to a credible world watch brand. Our strategy for the coming years is to accelerate growth by creating more commercial designs and positioning those in the Accessible Luxury price range. Alpina watches are all produced in our manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates. Latest introductions in the Aviation Collection haven been received above expectation. In 2012, we will introduce a new Diver Collection and emphasize also more on our Sailing Collection.
We are storytellers. When you buy a watch, you are seduced by a story.
The Alpina Heritage Pilot is the story about Alpina’s history as a specialized manufacturer and official supplier of military and pilot watches. Inspired by original Alpina Pilot watch designs from the 1920’s and 30’s, we are proud to introduce this reedition. Design details of the Alpina Heritage Pilot closely match the original timepiece from the Alpina archives, the handwound pocket watch caliber, the hinged case, as well as the Alpina applied brand logo and indexes on the dial.
At the same time, certain technical specifications have been upgraded to today’s watchmaking standards. For example, the accuracy of the caliber is improved and the case is manufactured in stainless steel for improved durability. The caliber can be seen once the hinged cover is opened on the backside of the watch. The movement is protected by an additional curved glass to also ensure water resistancy, even when the hinged back is opened.
The Alpina Heritage Pilot is offered in a limited edition of 1883 pieces, a number that was choosen as it matches the foundation year of Union Hologere, the company that registered the Alpina brandname in 1901. The story of Alpina starts at the end of the 19th Century when Gottlieb Hauser founded the Swiss Watchmakers Corporation with other independent watchmakers of the region. Initially it was to purchase watch components and making own calibres. Very soon Alpina was being sold internationally and at the height Alpina had nearly 2000 outlets all over the world, an exceptional figure for those days. It is no exaggeration to say that Alpina was one of Europe’s leading watchmakers.
Part of the reason for this success, other than the rigorous dedication to design and quality, (values that still hold true today), was the introduction in 1938 of the Alpina 4. The number ‘4’ stood for the 4 core principles that each watch in the series had to have: anti-magnetism, water-resistance, anti-shock and in a stainless steel case.
These principles gave a theme to the watches and can be said to have pointed the way to the development of what was to be the continued success of the company up until the 1970s. It was the so-called ‘Quartz Crisis’ that either sounded the death knell for many companies or meant the creation of major groups. The emergence of cheap, mass-produced and, above-all, impersonal, watches also nearly meant the end for Alpina. However, despite everything, Alpina hang tough and was revitalized in 2002 and the comeback was on. Working round the clock, a new collection was made ready for the BaselWorld show in 2003. In 2006, Alpina made one more move in its journey towards the future when we moved to a new, purpose built manufacturing site in Geneva, Switzerland, one of the spiritual homes of watch making.
For more information, please contact Mrs Yasmina Pedrini via pedrini@alpina-watches.com
Stephane Peterhansel – Driver of the X-raid Team and ALPINA WATCHES ambassador – attacks the start of the 2012 Dakar – The Ultimate Rally Race! Beginning in Argentina and ending 9000 kilometers away in Peru, the 2012 Dakar Rally will be the ultimate endurance test of man, machine and timepiece. Stephane Peterhansel is wearing an Alpina Racing Automatic.
After tens years on the scene, watch website, horlogerie-suisse.com gets into collaborative gane with watchmaker Alpina Genève. The result is this Aviator; clean in face and easily wearable by all. 50 total units of the limited edition Alpina Startimer Pilot Manufacture will be produced. Minor hits of color make it work. Those looking for a new timepiece should consider this Alpina. Available for order exclusively online.
Geneva – September 2011
Swiss Watch manufacturer Alpina Genève is excited to launch its new Startimer Classic Collection; an attractive range of contemporary timepieces, inspired by original Alpina Pilot watch designs from the 1920’s and 30’s. The functional design of the Alpina Startimer Pilot was successfully converted in to a more traditional, slightly less sporty and highly wearable collection, while maintaining the vintage feel that is distinctive for the entire Alpina Startimer range.
During the 1920’s and 30’s, Alpina Watch International was known as a specialized manufacturer and official supplier of military watches, utilized by pilots. These early aviation pioneers had strict requirements: instruments had to be extremely precise and provide ultimate shock resistance. Today, Alpina takes these historical designs as a basis for a new collection of functional and contemporary timepieces, all equipped with a finely decorated silvered dial.
The Startimer Classic Collection is available with two different calibers; a three-hand automatic version with date (cal AL-525) in a stainless steel case and available with either blackened steel indexes or rose-gold plated indexes. Second version is the Chrono-Automatic (cal AL-860) with two chrono-counters, in a stainless steel case and available with either blackened steel indexes or rose-gold plated indexes. In addition, the Chrono-Automatic comes in a special vintage variation with a telemeter indicator on the dial.
The Startimer Collection is reminiscent of Alpina’s fascinating history and dedication to reliability and reliance. Even a century later, Alpina continues to reshape innovation while retaining the brand’s core values: Bold and clean, seamless designs connecting past, present and future.
Please scroll down and click on each image to download the high-resolution photo file.
For more information, please feel free to contact Mrs Yasmina Pedrini: pedrini@alpina-watches.com
Every month the Alpina Racing community involvement is growing! Pilots are playing on their iPhone and iPad until the last seconds of the month to improve their scores 1/100th of seconds by 1/100th of seconds to finish on the first step of the podium and win their Alpina Racing automatic watch…
In July, jps099 has won the competition and will receive very soon in London his new very own Alpina Racing!
Here is what some of the players have said about the Alpina Racing application in july :
Erdem: “Wow! Great competition this month, I’m in!” “…,it is very smooth and controls are great! Tracks are well thought, balanced and different. One of the most challenging racing game on iOS”.
Benoit : “I was first all this month. I won’t let jps099 get far… in fact he is second now ”
We really enjoy to see the different players challenging each other and exchanging tips on our Facebook page
Moreover please find also some pictures that Marcus (Winner in June) have shared with us!
To download the app : go here! Let’s race together for the august Podium
A new competition has already started for August : may the best pilot win!
December 17, 1903: Orville Wright lies prone upon the wing of the Wright Flyer, preparing for takeoff. The homemade engine of the little airplane pops and snarls as it spins the two 8-foot, hand-carved propellers into opaque disks. The cold, blustery wind sweeping in from the sea chills the pilot and rocks the wings of the pioneer plane. The primitive airplane built of wood and cotton fabric is about to carry Orville Wright and all of mankind into the air age.
From the very beginning, aviators’ lives depended upon the ability to track time accurately in flight. Pioneering aviators blazing new trails across oceans and continents relied upon a primitive form of navigation that balanced estimated speed and direction of flight, against the accurate measurement of time. At the end of a long flight, those early aviators emerged from their open cockpits wind-tousled, oil-spattered, and wearing rumpled, grease-stained flying togs. But they often sported the most expensive of fine timepieces on their wrists or in their pockets, valuing the precision accuracy and reliability that these luxury timepieces afforded them.
Jimmy Doolittle is considered by many aviation historians to have been the greatest of the aviation pioneers. History buffs know of Doolittle as the leader of Doolittle’s Raiders, the bomber squadron that launched off the deck of an aircraft carrier in the first American strike against the Japanese mainland in 1942, as dramatized in the Hollywood movie Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.
Many pilots of the time relied upon Alpina watches. Several Alpina models in the 1920′s and 1930′s were highly popular among pilots. And Alpina watches were held in particular high regard by military aviators, with Alpina designated as the supplier of watches for the air forces of several nations during this time.
Alpina, founded 20 years before the Wright Brother’s first flight, was coming into its own as a world-class watchmaker when another famous company was getting its start. Cessna Aircraft Company, founded in 1927 by Clyde Cessna and Victor Roos, grew to become the largest aircraft producer on the planet.
The world of aviation has changed considerably since the days of the early pioneer pilots. Daredevil pilots and their grease-stained flying togs have been replaced with today’s affluent and sophisticated pilots, flying aircraft that offer levels of safety, comfort and performance of which the early aviators could only have dreamt. But aviators still rely upon accurate and dependable timepieces. That hasn’t changed, and never will.
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