Description
The Alpina Comtesse Women’s Automatic Watch (model AL-525APWD3C3B) represents the culmination of Swiss horological excellence combined with contemporary feminine design sensibilities. This timepiece embodies Alpina’s 140-year legacy of watchmaking expertise while embracing modern luxury aesthetics.
Design Architecture
Case Construction
The watch features a precisely engineered 34mm case crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic properties. The case construction includes:
- Multi-faceted design with alternating polished and brushed surfaces
- Ergonomically curved lugs for optimal wrist fit
- Case thickness of 10.5mm providing balanced proportions
- Polished bezel with precise angular transitions
- Crown guards integrated into the case design
Dial Details
The dial showcases extraordinary attention to detail:
- Genuine mother-of-pearl dial with unique crystalline structure
- Eight VS1 clarity diamond hour markers (0.08 carats total)
- Applied rhodium-plated indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock
- Multi-layered dial construction for added depth
- Sunburst effect radiating from the center
- Date window with beveled frame at 6 o’clock
Technical Excellence
Movement Specifications
The AL-525 automatic movement represents sophisticated engineering:
- Base caliber: Modified ETA 2671
- Diameter: 17.20mm
- Height: 4.80mm
- 26 jewels in strategic positions
- 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency
- 38-hour power reserve at full wind
- Bidirectional automatic winding system
- Glucydur balance wheel
- Nivaflex mainspring
- Incabloc shock protection system
Movement Finishing
The movement features extensive decoration visible through the sapphire caseback:
- Côtes de Genève striping on bridges and rotor
- Circular perlage on the main plate
- Blued screws
- Circular graining on wheels
- Beveled and polished edges
- Custom Alpina-signed rotor
Crystal and Case Protection
Superior protection is ensured through:
- Front sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating
- Hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale
- Rear sapphire crystal with single-sided anti-reflective coating
- Gasket system ensuring 60m water resistance
- Screw-down crown with triple gasket system
Bracelet Engineering
The integrated bracelet system features:
- Three-link design with solid end links
- Individual link screws for precise sizing
- Butterfly clasp with twin trigger release
- Micro-adjustment system with six positions
- Mixed finishing matching case aesthetics
- 4mm taper from case to clasp for comfort
Luminescence System
Night visibility is enhanced through:
- Super-LumiNova C3 grade luminescent material
- Strategic application on hour and minute hands
- Luminescent plots adjacent to hour markers
- Extended afterglow duration of up to 8 hours
Quality Control Standards
Each timepiece undergoes rigorous testing:
- Chronometric testing in five positions
- Water resistance testing at 7.5 ATM
- Power reserve verification
- Date changing mechanism inspection
- Aesthetic quality control under 10x magnification
Maintenance Requirements
To ensure optimal performance:
- Full service recommended every 4-5 years
- Annual water resistance testing
- Crown position verification before water exposure
- Regular cleaning with non-abrasive materials
- Storage in a temperature-controlled environment
Package Contents
Each watch comes complete with:
- Leather-bound presentation box
- Certificate of authenticity
- International warranty card
- Instruction manual
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- Additional bracelet links
Warranty and Support
Comprehensive coverage includes:
- 2-year international manufacturer warranty
- Extended warranty options available
- Global service center network
- Dedicated customer support
- Authentication verification service
Investment Value
The timepiece offers exceptional value through:
- Swiss-made certification
- Limited production numbers
- Use of premium materials throughout
- Brand heritage and reputation
- Competitive positioning in luxury segment
Conclusion
The Alpina Comtesse AL-525APWD3C3B represents a masterful blend of traditional watchmaking expertise and contemporary luxury. Its comprehensive feature set, attention to detail, and sophisticated engineering make it an exceptional choice for discerning collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate both technical excellence and aesthetic refinement in their timepieces.