Baselworld 2012 Preview – Alpina Heritage Pilot Hand-Wound Limited Edition (Ref. AL435B4SH6) Watch

There is no better way to promote the brand with a great heritage than by reinterpreting an iconic model from the past. That is exactly what Alpina tends to do with a new Heritage Pilot Hand-Wound Limited Edition (Ref. AL435B4SH6) watch. Inspired by the vintage look of original Alpina Pilot timepieces from the 1920’s and ‘30’s, the new edition really brings back the golden years of the Swiss watchmaker.

Alpina will officially present Heritage Pilot Hand-Wound Limited Edition (Ref. AL435B4SH6) watch at the world’s biggest watch and jewelry show to be held in Basel, along with its new dive watch collection that is also going to be reviewed on our Baselworld 2012 pages. Executed in the authentic vintage style, Aviator watches come in the limited series of 1883 pieces that implies the foundational year of the brand’s parent company.

Since it was necessary for the historic pilot watches to be extremely robust in order to insure perfect readability at the first glance, the new Altina’s timepiece has been able to house a hand-winding Unitas-base movement with the impressive diameter of 37 mm. This nicely decorated Caliber AL-435, originally developed to power pocket watches, has Cotes de Geneva finishes. Besides, there is the appealing Alpine logo on it, as well as a pair of blackened gear wheels.

The mechanism is completely exposed through the case-back, thanks to a remarkable and pretty unusual construction. It is a “hunter” (hinged) case-back that, when it is opened, allows a clear look at the inner-work through the sapphire crystal. Besides its aesthetic values, this interesting style, characteristic for pocket watches, protects the movement from damaging.

A 50mm case is crafted in stainless steel which beautifully combines brushed and polished finishes. Its glow continues on the big black dial which has a pretty simple design and great clearness that increase readability. It features leaf-shaped hours and minutes hands, 11 over-sized luminous Arabic numerals, a white railway-styled minute track and a small seconds sub-dial, located at the 6 o’clock position. The dial completely matches a calfskin leather strap with white stitches. Each Alpina Heritage Pilot Hand-Wound Limited Edition watch comes in a wooden and aluminum vintage gift box. This classic timepiece with a surprising look from the back is a serious step forward for the Swiss watchmaking that tries to restore the popularity from the first half of the 20^th century.

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   charles walker March 8, 2012

   These time peaces are what drives the Passion to own one….

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