Introducing The Alpiner 4 Black Flyback Manufacture Chronograph

If you’re a watch nerd like me, you’re likely familiar with Alpina Watches, the family-owned fine watchmaker from Geneva, Switzerland that was founded in 1883 and who’s watchmaking history spans over 130 years. Alpina invented the concept of the Swiss sport watch with the invention of its legendary Alpina 4 in 1938.

Last year represented a major milestone for the Swiss watchmaker, when they introduced the Alpina Alpiner 4 Manufacture Flyback Chronograph at Baselworld. With its AL-760 patented “Direct Flyback Technology” automatic flyback caliber, Alpina not only introduced its first in-house chronograph caliber, but also innovated and ingeniously simplified the flyback and return to zero mechanism.

For Baselworld 2016, Alpina will be unveiling a sportier “Full Black” version of this watch, the Alpiner 4 Black Flyback Manufacture Chronograph.

As you can see, the new model does away with the brushed and polished steel and instead features a black PVD coating that gives the wristwatch an aggressive and distinctive personality. The black dial with beige luminous pearl black applied indexes, matching the luminous beige hands, provides a unique and powerful design, whilst integrating the antimagnetic, water-resistant, antishock & stainless features of the Alpina 4.

The AL-760 utilizes modular (rather than an integrated) construction. Since Alpina watches are much more affordably priced compared to its Swiss neighbors, such design is to be expected and is a point of pride for Alpina. The modular caliber is easier to service than an “integrated chronograph”, with far fewer components, making it less prone to malfunction.

Like all the Alpina watches, this one features ergonomically shaped chronograph push-pieces, screw-down winding and setting crown, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It can withstand a water pressure of up to 10 atmospheres, equivalent to a diving depth of 100 metres. Following a long tradition, the screwed steel case back is decorated with the familiar Alpina logo.

Looking at the right-hand side of the case, you should immediately notice that the crown and push-piece are positioned on a straight line, despite the calibre AL-760’s modular construction. To finish this watch, an elegant black genuine leather strap with beige stitching ensures safety and comfort on the wrist.

Pricing for the Alpiner 4 Black Flyback Manufacture Chronograph hasn’t been released yet, but it’s expected to be around the same as the original version at $4,750. Visit alpina-watches.com for more information.

I partnered with the brand to write this article but every word is mine.