Alpina Official Timekeeper 12 Hours of Sebring 2010 Limited Edition

by Marco Gagliano on February 2, 2010
tagged as: baselworld 2010 reviews limited editions alpina watches

Luxury, Beauty, Exclusivity of Exotic Sports Cars for Your Wrist

Now in its second year of collaboration with the exciting endurance race, Alpina is celebrating this year's event with a new, limited edition, chronograph watch. The Official Timekeeper 12 Hours of Sebring 2010 commemorates the 58th anniversary of the race, which attracts over 150 000 spectators every year and kicks off the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season. The decisively sporty allure of this new limited edition of 158 pieces will appeal to motor-racing fans thanks to its themed styling and specifically selected features.

The Official Timekeeper is quite different from the other models in the Alpina collection thanks to its unique case and gmt function. The complications offered by the automatic movement are chosen specifically to relate to racing. A second timezone is calculated on a 24 hour dial reflecting the international character of the sport and the indispensable chronograph function is conveniently calibrated to measure time in twelve hour cycles. While the second feature is quite standard for automatic chronographs, this does not detract from the fact that the twelve hour register at six o'clock is perfectly matched to the race format of the Sebring circuit. The 30-minute counter at twelve o'clock offers better legibility than a more crowded 60-minute counter. The spectator - or professional driver - wearing the Alpina 12 Hours of Sebring watch will have a clear and accurate marking of the race's progress.

As always Alpina, keeps up with the demand for large size watches. The black PVD coated stainless steel case is 47 mm in diameter with a relatively low profile and comfortable ergonomic design. The large crown, consisting of rubber, steel, and enamel is screw-locking to add to the resilience of the timepiece. It suits the complexity and sportiness of the other case elements. The back of the case, also securely screw sealed, is fitted with a sapphire window to exhibit the automatic movement and its black, decorated rotor.

In its young past, Alpina has delighted their fans with numerous cool straps. The new strap fitted onto the Official Timekeeper 12 Hours of Sebring continues this tradition. Supple, grained leather is the base for vinyl sheathing that acts both to protect and beautify the strap. The red stitching adds contrast to the case, and mirrors other red accents present on the dial.

Aside from the high quality movement and case, what really makes the watch what it is is the many stylistic details incorporated all over the watch. The rotating, all-black bezel with its surprisingly photo-luminescent markings and the integrated, aerodynamic look of the chronograph pushers are two examples, but small, defining details are peppered all over.

The 2010 Alpina Official Timekeeper 12 Hours of Sebring offers the style of a modern, exotic, sport car's dashboard, with its functional features and quality adding to this likeness. As only 158 of these watches will be produced, the exclusivity factor is also taken care of.