Just because a brand is diving back into the archives, it doesn’t mean that they have to go back to a design that’s old enough to be your grandparent. Take, for example, the recently-announced Alpina The Extreme ReguIator Automatic. This is a design we saw not even two decades ago (2005), and now it’s roaring back onto wrists.
The biggest change with the Alpina The Extreme ReguIator Automatic is the new case. The lines have been refined a bit (though it still reminds one of a cushion case) and the steel comes in at just 41mm (and only 12mm thick), which should make for a very wearable watch. For context, the original came in at 48mm. Like the original, however, is the movement. In fact, the AL-650 is the same movement that powered the Avalanche Extreme Regulator (the original name for this watch) back in 2005.
What I find the most intriguing about the Alpina The Extreme ReguIator Automatic is just the overall look. Often, a regulator watch is done up in a very refined and delicate look. Here, this watch looks very much like a sports watch, complete with chunkier luminous hands. While I’ve never been one to consider owning a regulator, this Alpina is one that could give me second thoughts. If you pick up a Alpina The Extreme ReguIator Automatic, you’ll be part of a limited club. Only 888 are being made, and they’re available now for $2,195. alpinawatches.com
Tech Specs from Alpina
- Reference: AL-650DGN4AE6
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Movement
- AL-650 caliber, automatic
- 38-hour power-reserve, 31 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
- Case
- Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
- Diameter of 41 mm
- Height of 12.00 mm
- Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
- See-through case-back
- Water-resistant up to 20 ATM/200m/660ft
- Screw-in crowns and case back
- Engraved case back
- Dial
- Dark grey dial with triangle pattern
- Navy blue outer ring with white markers
- Applied silver color indexes filled with white luminous treatment
- Navy blue hour counter at 10 o’clock, hand-polished silver color hour hand filled with white luminous treatment
- Hand-polished silver color minute hand filled with white luminous treatment
- Navy blue second counter at 6 o’clock, hand-polished silver color second hand filled with white luminous treatment
- Strap: Navy blue rubber strap
- Limited edition: Limited to 888 pieces
- MSRP $2,195
