Alpina’s Alpiner 4 Collection: Six Affordable Swiss Sports Watches

In 1938, Alpina launched the original “Alpina 4,” which the brand claimed was the “first modern Swiss Breitling replica watches.” That vintage timepiece was the inspiration for the sporty Alpiner 4 collection, released by Alpina in 2014, which includes a chronograph and a GMT watch, both powered by automatic Swiss mechanical movements and priced well under $5,000.

The original Alpina 4 received its numerical name from the concept behind it: it was designed to combine the four features that Alpina founder Gottlieb Hauser considered essential for any sports watch to be called a sports watch — antimagnetic properties, shock-resistance, water-resistance, and a case made of stainless steel. The 1938 Breitling replica watches uk was meant as a timekeeper that could withstand anything that the Alpine sporting environment could throw at it — mountain climbing, lake diving, et cetera.

Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT/24H - white dial

That spirit lives on in the new Alpiner 4 watches, each of which is equipped with modern versions of the four basics. For antimagnetism, the watches are certified to the ISO 764 norm, which specifies that a Montblanc replica watches store must resist exposure to a direct current magnetic field of 4,800 A/m without impact on its accuracy. They are certified to the anti-shock standard of ISO 1413. The stainless steel cases (44 mm in diameter) are water-resistant to 100 meters (33o feet). Both the Chronograph and the GMT watch also include a 360-degree rotating compass bezel, which is coupled with a 24-hour scale on the outer ring of the dial, offering the wearer a simple way to set the compass. No other watch currently on the market has this specific feature.

Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT/24H - white dial & bracelet - side

The Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT contains the automatic Alpina Caliber AL-550, on a Sellita base, with 26 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve. The watch features an easy-to-use, intuitive GMT function in which the user sets the local time by independently moving the hour hand from hour to hour while the 24-hour hand constantly displays the home time zone and indicates whether it is day or night there. The replica Breitling watches sale has a sunray dial (in silvery white or black) with applied luminous indices, a date window at 3 o’clock, and luminous, white nickel hands. The Alpiner 4 GMT is offered on a black alligator strap or a stainless steel bracelet. Prices start at $2,495.

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph - white

The Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph is equipped with the Sellita-based, automatic AL-860 movement, which has the same power reserve and other properties as the AL-550 GMT movement but also powers a chronograph, as indicated on the bi-compax dial (here again in black and silvery white sunray versions). The movement is protected from magnetic fields by an inner case made of low-carbon soft iron. The subdial at 3 o’clock counts 30 chronograph minutes while the 9 o’clock subdial displays the running seconds. Like its GMT counterpart, the Alpiner 4 Chronograph is available on black alligator strap or a steel bracelet. Prices start at $3,495.

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph - black dial & bracelet

Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph - black dial & bracelet - side

 

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Brocéliande

Manufacture Roger Dubuis has already revealed its unique vision of high-end ladies’ creations through a number of highly distinctive jewellery models, delivering a message of paradoxically timeless yet up-to- the-minute femininity.

Its spectacular Creative Skeletons now apply this proven expertise in innovative, inventive and ingenious jewellery Breitling replica timepieces to the Excalibur range, while also interpreting an unequivocally feminine vision of the skeleton.

Excalibur Brocéliande

As visitors to the SIHH 2013 will well remember from the Roger Dubuis World showcased on that occasion, the Excalibur range is inspired by the famous legend of King Arthur, filled with fairytale romance epitomised in the mysterious forest of Brocéliande.

Drawing on these imaginary narratives the designers and movement development engineers of the Manufacture Roger Dubuis have collaborated in unprecedented ways with gem-setting experts in creating a poetic trilogy of creations based on the ivy leaf theme.

In a subtle alliance between refined tech- niques and sophisticated aesthetics, Manu- facture Roger Dubuis literally entwines its skeleton-work skills with its instinct for fascinating and original jewellery-inspired creations. A recurrent theme in the natural world as well as in literature and mythology, ivy is believed to symbolise powerful emotional attachment, as well as faithfulness and eternity.

As such, it is an ideal emblem of the com- mitment to honouring women consistently demonstrated by Roger Dubuis.

The Excalibur Creative Skeleton Brocéliande powerfully yet delicately evokes the way in which the foliage of this evergreen plant subtly coils around its host in a symbiotic and almost fusional relationship. Decorative jewellery elements are cleverly entwined with the skeleton flying tourbillon movement and the dial, to the point where they become indistinguishable from each other.

Offering a magical blend of jewellery and cheap Breitling replica watchmaking expertise housed in an Excalibur case, the subtle gem-setting of the leaves ensures that they are all different, while the vines actually embrace the interior of the calibre, interlaced with its bridges. The skeleton inspiration for this ultra-feminine interpretation is drawn from the delicate lattice-work serving to support ivy as it softly and seductively winds its way along walls or fences.

Through an intricate and complex process, the exterior and the skeleton-work move- ment combine to create a 3D impact an acknowledged Roger Dubuis speciality that takes on special significance here in that it involves intimate cooperation between two very different professions.

As Product Design Director Lionel Favre, who clearly nurtures a passion for these Creative Skeletons, points out: “Jewellers and skeleton-work specialists indeed rarely enjoy such an outstanding opportunity for dialogue and interaction, marrying a world entirely dedicated to beauty and precious gems, with a highly technical form of expertise involving 100th of a micron precision.

This unprecedented collaboration involves eye-watering complexity and a degree of finesse that proves a daunting challenge when working with such tiny motifs.

The decorative elements are artfully added to the movement without disturbing its operation, implying extremely delicate assembly within such a small volume.”

In this enticingly eye-catching creation issued in an approx. 3.44-carat, 28-piece limited edition graced with a flamboyant red strap, the set pink gold case with gem-set bezel, lugs and flange frames matching red foliage composed of semi-precious stones in autumnal colours, dotted along slender gold wire ivy branches delicately set with diamonds.

The overall multi-layered 3D impact is further enhanced by the slimmer bezel and flange set with a double rank of brilliant Breitling replica watches cut diamonds, while a rose-cut diamond set on the crown lends a delightful finishing touch.

A. Lange & Söhne: new design accents for three Saxonia family classics

A. Lange & Söhne presents three models of the Saxonia watch family with a new dial design that further enhances their intrinsic gracefulness: Saxonia, Saxonia Automatic, and Saxonia Dual Time.

“Never stand still” is not only Walter Lange’s personal motto, it also motivates the product developers at Lange. Their tireless pursuit of the perfect Breitling replica watches has inspired the discreet dial design refinements of three Saxonia models. Particularly in a watch family innately characterised by such elegance and purity, each element, be it ever so small, has a visual impact on the overall appearance of the respective model.

Since it was launched 20 years ago, the Saxonia has been a permanent part of the manufactory’s repertoire. In their search for a more prominent face that would befit the new generation of the Lange classic, the designers sketched out numerous variations of the dial, most of them differentiated merely in nuances.

Just a few precisely placed accents graciously emphasise the sublimely chiselled face of the Saxonia family’s models. The solid-gold applied hour markers have been moved toward the periphery of the dial and are executed as double baton appliques at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’Clock. The slightly extended black cheap replica Rolex watches graduations of the minute scale are also more striking. For the Saxonia Automatic and the Saxonia Dual Time, the tens markers of the subsidiary seconds dial have been endowed with numerals. All modifications were made in the interest of improved legibility.

The designers slightly reduced the case size of two models. The diameter of the Saxonia with the proven L941.1 manufacture calibre is now 35.0 millimetres. With a reduced diameter of 38.5 millimetres, the Saxonia Dual Time is now the same size as the Saxonia Automatic.

Its conveniently adjustable second zone time and superb legibility make the Saxonia Dual Time a perfect companion for individuals who feel at home around the world. At the same time, like the other members of the Saxonia watch family, it pays tribute to the homeland of A. Lange & Söhne. In Saxony, where craftsmanship is a centuries-old tradition and which has a deeply ingrained penchant for aesthetics, Ferdinand A. Lange found the ideal setting for the establishment of his watchmaking company in 1845. His graceful, dependable and precise pocket cheap Swiss Breiltling replica watches soon ranked among the world’s finest timepieces. This ambition is still upheld by the A. Lange & Söhne brand today. The three new Saxonia models live up to it in every respect. Their lavishly finished movements epitomise Saxon watchmaking artistry. The hand-engraved balance cock transforms each timepiece into a precious one-of-a-kind treasure.

Dive Watch Wednesday: Two Swiss-Made, Affordable Dive Watches That Got Better Over Time

Tissot and Certina are Swiss brands, both part of the Swatch Group, that currently offer mechanical dive watch models priced below $1,000 — the Tissot Seastar 1000 and Certina DS Action Diver. These replica Breitling watches uk also have something else in common: both were improved shortly after their launch, which makes them an even more attractive option to those in search of an affordable Swiss made dive watch.

The 43-mm Certina DS Action Diver was first introduced at Baselworld in 2011 in stainless steel (Ref. C013.407.11.051.00) and titanium (Ref. C013.407.44.081.00). A 45-mm chronograph version followed in 2012 (Ref. C013.427.11.051.00), and a blue-dial version in 2013 (Ref. C013.407.11.041.00). All models offer 200-meter water resistance and a bezel inlay made of sapphire crystal covered with a transparent layer (epoxy resin). They are either powered by an ETA 2824-2 or ETA 7753 movement and are available with either a rubber strap or metal bracelet. (Considering the price difference, we recommend going for the bracelet option first and acquiring the rubber strap separately). Unfortunately, all these models were initially equipped with a black-on-white date wheel between 4 and 5 o’clock, which probably is the most obvious thing to criticize (next to the text/font treatment on the dial; the ISO Standard could have easily been placed on the caseback instead). Fortunately, it appears Certina came around to agreeing: sometime between 2012 and 2013, the black dial base model was upgraded and now features a less dominant white-on-black date wheel. So if you can live with its position, and have always liked the look of this Breitling replica watches sale, now might be an even better time to give this model another chance. Hopefully, we’ll see the rest of the collection with matching date wheels soon, too.

Certina DS Action Diver original - Baselworld 2011Certina DS Action Diver - redesigned - Baselworld 2013Certina DS Action Diver -reclining

Also in 2011, Tissot launched its radically redesigned Seastar 1000 collection. Its rather unique look, and a huge selection of models and colors (there were, for example, three models with three different chronograph movements, all available in three color variations) made it difficult to not appreciate the range instantly (we still find the “1000” moniker a bit misleading for a 300-meter water-resistant AAA Cartier replica watches, though, and the 48-mm chrono feels a bit too large while the 42-mm base model could have been a little bit larger). The stainless steel case featured a helium release valve, a solid engraved bezel with PVD coating, and a sapphire crystal in the caseback. Tissot made changes in 2014, replacing the orange version with a darker red and making the blue version a bit darker. The bezel inlays were replaced with ceramic, raised indices were added, and, most importantly, the mechanical base model (e.g. Ref. T066.407.17.057.02) was upgraded to include the Powermatic 80 caliber – which is still based on an ETA base movement but offers an interesting, more exclusive alternative to the standard 2824 by adding an 80-hour power reserve.Tissot Seastar 1000 - original - Baselworld 2011Tissot Seastar 1000 - redesigned - Baselworld 2014

In short, if you are looking for a more affordable, Swiss-made dive cheap replica Breitling watches, both of these already attractive models have now become even more so. The Certina is probably the more elegant, conservative choice while Tissot offers more exclusivity when it comes to aesthetics and functions.