ALPINA HISTORY
From the very beginning, as far back as 1883, Alpina has been associated with horological innovation. Whether it was our innovative way of creating an excellent working environment, or through the introduction of new quality control criteria before anyone else, Alpina has always sought ways to improve how things are done.
More than any other watchmaker, the founder Gottlieb Hauser was responsible for the concept of the sports watch as it is known today. The story of Alpina was originally brought to life when Swiss watch making visionary Gottlieb Hauser founded the “Alpina Swiss Watchmakers Corporation,” and in doing so united the leading Swiss independent watchmakers, who became known as the “Alpinists.”
Initially, the Corporation was developed to optimize the manufacturing of movements and timepieces by forming a federating of cooperating manufacturers and suppliers, but Alpina soon started developing and producing in-house calibres and chronometers. In 1901, the trademark “Alpina” was registered and appeared for the first time on high-end calibres and watches produced by Gottlieb Hauser.
The emergence of mass-produced, cheap and impersonal watches nearly led to Alpina’s demise, as the company refused to abandon its mechanical watch standards.
However, despite the difficulties, Alpina remained an independent company and made its comeback in 2002, continuing the horological legacy of Gottlieb Hauser and ensuring his star continues to shine brightly well into the future.
Since 2003, Alpina has presented four completely new, fully in-house developed and produced complications.
LAND / ALPINER
In 1933, Alpina set the standards of the modern sports watch by unveiling its Alpina 4 timepiece: antimagnetic, antishock, water-resistant and stainless steel. True to the Maison’s DNA, the current Alpiner collection presents strong and sturdy watches that can resist the toughest conditions whilst remaining pure and easy to wear.
AIR / STARTIMER
Since the 1920’s, Alpina has been developing pilot watches to accompany aviators and help them navigate in those early days. The Startimer collection stays faithful to the spirit of its predecessors, and presents clean and legible dials enhanced by traditional oversized crowns.
SEA / SEASTRONG
Alpina’s diving watches are brought together in the Seastrong collection, presenting strong and readable features true to the Maison’s legacy. Designed to please water sports lovers, these models perpetuate the Brand’s proud tradition established over the last century and can be used at depths up to 300m underwater.
