Extreme Regulator Embodies Alpina's Uniqueness - With Video Review

by Marco Gagliano on July 13, 2010
tagged as: reviews, video watches al-650 avalanche extreme alpina

The Alpina Extreme Regulator, once known as the Avalanche Extreme Regulator, is a very important model in the Alpina watch line-up. It captures two important aspects of the manufacture's personality. The first is the large, bold, sporty case. The other is the Regulator function, that is found on many of Alpina's desirable models. Apart from an important reason for Matt Baily's desire to become an authorized retailer of Alpina watches, the Extreme Regulator has attracted many watch enthusiasts to Alpina Genève.

The 48mm wide case is suiting for a watch with the word "extreme" in its name. While rather large, the watch has a relatively low profile, which makes it very manageable to wear on any wrist size. My wrist is seven inches in diameter and I wore the similarly sized Extreme Automatic for months, loving every second of it. The individual features of the case are worth looking at. The thick bezel is coated with a protective, but also attractive, layer of black metal via a PVD treatment. It is held to the case with six specially manufactured screws that display the company's triangular logo. The crown is also quite bold, and a rubber grip is fitted onto it. The crown is protected by shoulders on either side of it, and these are reflected on the left side of the case thanks to the stylized shape of the watch.

The reason that the Alpina Extreme Regulator is so extreme is that it is inspired by adventurers. Switzerland is full of these types, which is not surprising considering the presence of the Alps. Alpina's ambassadors span many activities including skiing, scuba diving, climbing, and more. Alpina watches are inspired by these extreme activities and this explains why all the models in the Extreme collection are water resistant to a minimum of 100 meters and are delivered on a rubber strap. The remarkable strap that Alpina has developed is resistant, but also soft and comfortable. Its texture is velvety.

Inside the Alpina Extreme Regulator you will find the AL-650-5 calibre, which starts off as an ETA 6498-2 ébauche and gets modified by the company's watchmakers to add the regulator function. It is also receives a finishing suited for much more expensive watches. It is decorated with côte de geneve and all engravings are burnished. Alpina is still a relatively small company, with a yearly production of only about 10,000 watches. Its name therefore is far from being well known, but the beautiful movement, traditional regulator complication, unique style, quality construction, and great value speak for themselves. This probably explains why so many of our clients that purchased the Alpina watches when they first arrived at the boutique were collectors.

The Alpina Extreme Regulator offers unique design that mixes tradition with innovation, quality manufacturing, a simple but impressive complication, and great value. It is no wonder that it is such a hit amongst collectors.

If you do not see a video embedded here, please visit the original post on the Baily Blog

This blog entry is part of a series of video reviews and articles presenting this year's newest and most exciting Alpina watches. See entire series ...

A Magnificent Creation - Corpus Clock in Camebridge

by Marco Gagliano on February 9, 2009
tagged as: video

Although not at the top of my list of most beautiful timepieces, I can't help but appreciate the mechanical marvel that is the Corpus Clock. I also like that it represents a certain philosophy and the nice way Dr. Taylor talks. Perhaps my own videos would benefit from an accent like that. I will begin work on that.

Matt Baily Introduces Product Videos

by Marco Gagliano on December 9, 2008
tagged as: video

Some of you may have already noticed but we've started to introduce product videos on a select few items around the site. Below you'll find two of our latest additions, as well as a list of others you may have missed. We promise to keep you informed of further product videos and are considering introducing a video feed. Stay tuned!

Rebecca Jewelry Melrose Collection

Hamilton BelowZero 1000M Black

Can't be Big Enough for Sylvester

by Dino Standjofski on November 20, 2008
tagged as: flightdeck video u-boat

Sylvester Stallone seen here trying on some U Boat Flightdeck 55mm with Italo Fontana, seems to be trying to compete with Arnold Schwarzenegger on who has the bigger watch. Take a look.

Hamilton Goes to the Movies

by Marco Gagliano on November 7, 2008
tagged as: video watches hamilton

Today I stumbled across a nice little YouTube compilation of Hamilton watch placements in Hollywood movies. My personal favorite: Fight Club. Take a look!