The Alpiner Extreme Automatic California Dial, inspired by the Alps, is venturing out of Switzerland for a special edition with a California dial, for the first time. This dial, first trademarked in 1941, offers a mix of Arabic and Roman numerals, dashes, and triangles to ensure the time is readable from any perspective. Alpina has enhanced the dial’s readability by using vintage luminous beige hands and hour markers against a black background. The watch is encased in a 41×42.5mm size steel cushion case, and the Alpiner Extreme Automatic California Dial comes on a black rubber strap.
Alpina has a history of innovative contributions to watchmaking, establishing the foundations of sports watches nearly a century ago. Their watches are designed to be non-magnetic, waterproof, rustproof, and shock-resistant, characteristics found in the Alpiner Extreme. Another notable design from the past is the California dial, which was created to be easily readable, addressing issues when dials had both types of numerals and potential confusion with numbers like 4, 8, and 12.
The new design of the dial of the Alpiner Extreme Automatic California Dial emphasizes clarity. For instance, Arabic numerals denote the numbers 8 and 4, while a dash stands for the number 6, ensuring it isn’t confused with 9. The hour markers for 3 and 9 are also dashes, placed strategically between an Arabic and Roman numeral for accurate reading. An interesting detail is that the California dial’s triangle at the 12 o’clock position mirrors Alpina’s red triangle logo, symbolizing the Alpine peaks. This triangle is also present on the seconds hand and above the brand name. To increase legibility, Alpina combined beige hands and markers with a black dial and included a date window at 3 o’clock.
The watch’s cushion-shaped steel case houses the AL-525 automatic calibre with a 38-hour power reserve, viewable through a transparent back. With a rubber strap and water resistance up to 200 meters, it’s fit for any adventure.
