We’ve become accustomed to watch brands releasing a special watch to mark a landmark anniversary, so it should not be a surprise that Alpina has introduced just that – a special watch – to mark them starting up operations 140 years ago. What’s a bit surprising about the Alpina Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years is the movement that’s held inside.
That movement is the very rare Calibre 490, which was first produced in 1938. For this new watch release, they’ve not reproduced that original movement. They actually found 28 of the movement, have going through and restored them, and then placed them into two different versions of the Alpina Heritage Carrée Mechanical 140 Years (either a black dial, or a silvered dial which will only be available internationally).
To house the 85 year old movement, Alpina has created a rectangular case (to fit the shape of the movement) that is pure vintage looks, with sizing (full specs are below) that absolutely fit the era, as well as the overall look that the dial gives to the design.
When these become available next month, there will just be 14 pieces of each color available. The black dial will go for $5,395 and be available in the US and globally, while the silvered dial will only be available in international markets (though we presume with similar pricing if you find it out there). alpinawatches.com
Tech Specs from Alpina
- Reference: AL-490BA3C10
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
- Movement
- AL-490 caliber, hand-winding
- 42-hour power reserve, 18’000 alt/h, 17 jewels
- Case
- Polished silver 2-part case
- Dimensions of 29.50×35.70 mm
- Height of 9,71 mm
- Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
- Water-resistant up to 3 ATM/30m/100ft
- Engraved and see-through screwed case back
- Dial
- Black dial with matt finishing
- Beige printed Arabic numerals and beige graduation
- Beige hour and minute hands
- Small second counter at 6 o’clock with beige hand
- Strap
- Light brown Ostrich leather strap with off-white stitching
- Pin buckle
- Limited edition: Limited to 14 pieces
- Availability: July 2023
- Price: USD 5,395
