In a surprising and completely unexpected move, Alpina celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2023 by introducing a highly limited edition of Heritage Carrée mechanical watches, which feature the authentic hand-wound Caliber 490 movement from 1938 inside, restored and presented in a silver case. Due to the positive response and to ensure continuity, the brand introduced non-limited versions of the Heritage Carrée in steel with a modern design Automatic movement. Based on this appealing design, Alpina is now creating a special European version that further reflects the Art Deco style of its original inspiration.
Like the historic 2023 reissues and the modernized versions that soon followed, the Heritage Carrée Automatic Edition Europe features a clear Art Deco inspiration that is visible in every part of the watch. And that starts with the rectangular case, which is made of polished stainless steel in restrained proportions. In fact, it measures just 32.5mm wide and 39mm long, with a slim profile that's under 10mm. Refreshing in an era of enlarged vintage watches. The modernity can be seen on the front and back with sapphire crystals.
What sets this Edition Europe apart is the dial. While there is a matte black version with beige details in the permanent collection – see here – this limited edition model reinforces the 1930s theme with pointed line markers and a rectangular small seconds counter (no stranger to the Reverso). All elements of the dial, including the leaf-shaped hands and the railway minute scale, are finished in beige for a warm, retro touch.
Inside the case, the AL-530 caliber, based on the Sellita SW261, embodies modernity. This automatic movement runs at 4 Hz and stores a power reserve of 38 hours. It is visible through the caseback with a gold-colored rotor.
The Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic Edition Europe is worn on a black ostrich leather strap with a pin buckle and is limited to 100 pieces, which, as the name suggests, are only available in European markets. The price is at 1,850 euros. For more information, visit alpinawatches.com.
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