Inspired by Alpina’s Avalanche Regulator of 2005, the Alpina Alpiner Regulator Automatic is among the latest additions to the brand’s collection. The regulator is an interesting complication as it offers a totally different way of reading the time. Where a standard timepiece has the hour and minute hands fixed in the center, a regulator dial splits the hours and minutes into separate displays. In the case of the Alpiner Regulator Automatic, the sub-dial at 10 o’clock displays the hours, a small seconds sub-dial is at 6 o’clock, and the minute hand has been left in the center. Thus, separating all this information into different zones on the dial.
The new 45mm stainless steel Alpina Alpiner Regulator has a modified round case and the dial is highly legible by virtue of the large minute hand with white luminescence along its whole length. The earlier baton indices have also been updated to a new triangular form that is reminiscent of the Alpina logo and its mountain peak. The Alpina Alpiner Regulator carries over the Geneva Stripes on its dial that are specific to the collection. Four models are available including two blue dials and two black dials, worn on a brown or black calfskin strap or a steel bracelet, respectively. For collectors, there is a limited series of 883 pieces with a blue dial on a black calfskin strap with red topstitching to match the hands. All are powered by the AL-650 automatic movement, which has a 38-hour power reserve. For each timepiece sold, Alpina will be donating $100 to the United States National Park Foundation. Alpina is the official partner of the foundation, and many of its timepieces help support this great organization.
While on the subject of timepieces, check out the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H.
