Description
The Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph AL-860S5AQ6 is a modern interpretation of Alpina’s pioneering “4” concept, first introduced in 1938. This concept revolutionized the sports watch category by establishing four essential criteria for professional timepieces.
Design and Construction
The watch showcases a meticulously crafted 44mm stainless steel case with brushed and polished surfaces, creating an elegant interplay of textures. The case thickness of 14.7mm provides substantial wrist presence while maintaining balanced proportions.
The blue sunburst dial features carefully applied indices with Super-LumiNova coating, ensuring optimal legibility in low-light conditions. The silver-toned subdials create a sophisticated contrast against the blue background, while the red chronograph hand adds a sporty accent.
Technical Specifications
- Movement: AL-860 automatic chronograph caliber based on the Sellita SW500
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
- Case Diameter: 44mm
- Case Thickness: 14.7mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Caseback: Screwed-in with sapphire crystal display
Movement Details
The AL-860 automatic chronograph movement is a modified Sellita SW500, featuring:
- 25 jewels for reduced friction and enhanced durability
- Elaborate finishing including Geneva stripes and perlage
- Custom Alpina rotor with brand-specific decoration
- Column wheel chronograph mechanism for precise actuation
The Four Essential Features
1. Anti-magnetic Protection
The watch incorporates a soft iron inner case that shields the movement from magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m, protecting the accuracy of the timepiece in environments with electronic devices.
2. Water-resistance
Triple-sealed crown and robust case construction ensure water resistance to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and light water sports. The chronograph pushers are specially designed to maintain water resistance even when activated underwater.
3. Anti-shock System
The movement is equipped with an advanced Incabloc shock protection system, protecting vital components from impacts and vibrations. The case design further incorporates shock-absorbing elements.
4. Stainless Steel Construction
The 316L stainless steel used in construction offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The case undergoes multiple stages of finishing to achieve its distinctive appearance.
Chronograph Functions
The chronograph mechanism features:
- 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock with precise jumping mechanism
- 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock with continuous progression
- Small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock
- Central chronograph seconds hand with 1/5 second precision
- Start/stop and reset pushers with positive tactile feedback
Bracelet and Clasp
The integrated stainless steel bracelet features:
- Three-link design with alternating brushed and polished finishing
- Solid end links for improved durability
- Double-folding clasp with security pushers
- Fine adjustment system for optimal fit
Wearability and Ergonomics
Despite its substantial dimensions, the watch demonstrates excellent wearability thanks to:
- Curved lugs that conform to the wrist anatomy
- Balanced weight distribution across the case and bracelet
- Ergonomically designed chronograph pushers
- Comfortable bracelet articulation
Value Proposition
In the competitive luxury sports chronograph market, the Alpiner 4 Chronograph stands out for several reasons:
- Swiss-made quality at a competitive price point
- Comprehensive professional specifications
- Versatile design suitable for various occasions
- Strong heritage and brand reputation
Maintenance and Care
To maintain optimal performance, Alpina recommends:
- Service intervals of 4-5 years for movement maintenance
- Regular cleaning of the case and bracelet
- Water resistance testing before aquatic activities
- Storage in a watch winder when not in use
Conclusion
The Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph AL-860S5AQ6 exemplifies the perfect balance between professional functionality and refined aesthetics. Its comprehensive feature set, robust construction, and attention to detail make it an exceptional choice for watch enthusiasts who appreciate both technical excellence and versatile style.
The timepiece successfully honors Alpina’s heritage while incorporating modern innovations, resulting in a watch that’s equally at home in professional settings and casual environments. Its combination of chronograph functionality, anti-magnetic protection, and water resistance makes it a truly versatile tool watch worthy of consideration.
