We’ve written about – and reviewed – several different regulators over the years. Most of the ones I’ve handled seemed to have been firmly dressier pieces, with thinner cases and dressier dial designs. On the other hand, the recently-announced Alpina Alpiner Regulator Automatic is very much a sportier watch.
To start with, you’ve got that quite-large 45mm stainless steel case, with it’s beveled (and brushed and polished) lugs. Those look straight off of a stainless steel sport watch, and it sets the stage. On the dial, you’ve got indices recognizable from the wider Alpiner line, as well as a handset that again has that familiar shape. Unlike with a dress watch, the hour and minute hands are lumed.
I will admit – a regulator watch isn’t going to be for everyone. However, if you want a very precise breakdown of the time (and don’t want to go digital) then this sort of triple display is certainly a solid way to go. And really, most days, if you’re checking your watch you’re likely more concerned where IN an hour you are, and less so what hour of the day it actually is.
Of the various Alpina lines, the Alpiner has produced some of my favorites, and I feel that the Alpina Alpiner Regulator Automatic is in that category as well. I’m still not convinced a regulator would be an everyday watch for me, but if it were, the blue dial on the steel bracelet ($1,995) would be the one for me. You can also opt for a black dial, or a brown or black leather strap (those come in at $1,895). Also worth noting, there is a limited edition (1,883 pieces) with red contrast stitching on the strap and red hands on the dial. Last, but not least – $100 of each of these will be donated to the National Park Foundation. alpinawatches.com
Tech Specs from Alpina
- Case: 45mm; stainless steel
- Movement: AL-650
- Dial: Geneva stripes; in blue or black
- Steel bracelet or calfskin strap (in brown or black)
- Price: $1,895 (strap) / $1,995 (bracelet)
