Alpina - Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years

Alpina commemorates its 140th anniversary in 2023 with the introduction of the Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years driven by the Calibre 490. €4,995

Established in 1883, Alpina is commemorating its 140th anniversary in 2023 with the introduction of a timepiece that honors its illustrious heritage. This watch is not just a reproduction or a tribute model.

In fact, after discovering a few genuine Calibre 490 movements released 85 years ago, the Swiss brand has meticulously restored them to create two series of 14 pieces called Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years. 

These limited editions are presented in rectangular cases made of mirror-polished silver and measuring 29.5 x 35.7 mm with a slim profile of only 9.71 mm. They feature anti-glare sapphire crystals on both the front and back.

The two series differ in their dials. One version showcases a black dial with solid Arabic numerals, complemented by beige hands and a circular small seconds hand display.

The other version sports a silvered dial, black hands, and square-shaped Arabic numerals that evoke the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, along with a square small seconds hand display.

Both versions display Alpina's vintage logo, two slender central hands, and a small seconds hand display positioned at 6 o'clock, which is characteristic of watches from the 1930s. A 'railtrack' minute circle adorns the dial.

Hand-wound like most movements of its era, the Calibre 490 consists of 17 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz), which was the standard for watches in the 1930s. It offers a power reserve of 42 hours and is distinguished by its simple yet robust construction and meticulous finishes, with all components beveled and the ratchet sun-brushed.

The watch is accompanied by a light brown ostrich leather strap, featuring vintage white stitching and a pin buckle. The new Alpina Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years, available in black (ref. AL-490BA3C10) or silver (ref. AL-490SA3C10) dial versions, has a suggested retail price of €4,995. alpinawatches.com