6 Things to Know About: Alpina Watches
There are so many watches available on the market, making research overwhelming at times. However, if you’re looking for a staple piece for your watch collection, Alpina is definitely an ideal choice.
Seen as a pioneer that produces high-quality mechanical watches donning a signature font style, plenty of enthusiasts revel in the classic design and simplicity Alpina watches offer. There are so many collections to explore, with various models providing impressive water resistance and durability while remaining elegant.
Plus, the history behind Alpina is quite rich, with the watchmakers behind these beautiful timepieces coming a long way since its founding. Here are some facts about Alpina that may make one of our “sleeper” brands your new favorite:
Alpina Is More Than a Century Old
Based on it’s modern catalog, watch fans may think Alpina is the new kid on the block. But in fact Alpine is more than 130 years old! Founded in 1883 by Gottlieb Hauser, Alpina started out as Alpina Swiss Watchmakers Corporation. It began as a cooperative group where different enthusiasts could share ideas and designs, but it slowly ventured into selling watches of its own by 1920. Today, the Alpina brand is part of the Citizen Watch Group along with other fine brands carried by Feldmar including Frederique Constant, Bulova, and Arnold & Son.
Alpina’s Watches for Women were Released in the ‘60s
Alpina created and developed many sports watches, though they were exclusively marketed to men. The first official watches for women were released in 1963, which were significantly smaller and more delicate in appearance. Timepieces doubled up as a fashionable accessory that anyone could add to their outfit.
Alpina Had a Comeback After the Quartz Crisis
The Quartz Crisis of the 1980s affected many watchmakers and manufacturers, with many brands unable to bounce back. Although Alpina had its fair share of struggles during that time, it was one of a handful of Swiss watchmakers that successfully navigated those tumultuous years. This is thanks to the efforts and investment of Peter Stas and Alpina’s commitment to high quality watches at a practical price point.
Alpina Supports the Ice Legacy
Alpina has shown its support in the past towards a variety of causes, with the most notable one being the Ice Legacy project. The project aims to bring more awareness to climate change’s effect on the largest glaciers in the world. Alpina’s backing of the venture has helped bring much more attention to the matter.
Alpina Is a Staple Timekeeper for Air Racing
Many watchmaking companies collaborate with different events and act as timekeepers. Alpina shines in Florida through the Sun ‘N Fun Fly-In and Expo, which holds air races and thrilling aviation demos. It’s also the timepiece trusted the most by famed aerobatic pilot Michael Goulian, who has endorsed Alpina watches for many years during his record-breaking career.
Alpina Still Manufactures Watches in Geneva
Alpina is one of the companies that make up the Swiss watch industry. To this day, the company still manufactures its watches in the horologically historic city of Geneva. So if you’re getting a mechanical Alpina watch, you know you’re receiving a world-class Swiss timepiece; a winning addition to any collection.
Alpina is a powerhouse watchmaking company that you simply cannot leave out of the list when you’re searching for brands. Pioneering mechanical watches of such luxurious and excellent quality is no easy feat, after all. Looking for your next Alpina? Stop in and see us!
About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
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