Description
The Alpina Alpiner 4 Shadow Line (reference: AL-525BB5FBAQ6) represents the culmination of over 130 years of Swiss watchmaking expertise. This automatic timepiece merges Alpina’s rich heritage in sports watches with contemporary design elements, offering a sophisticated option for both watch enthusiasts and professionals.
Technical Specifications
Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 44mm
- Thickness: 12.7mm
- Lug width: 22mm
- Lug-to-lug distance: 51mm
Case Construction
The watch features a meticulously crafted case with the following characteristics:
- 316L stainless steel with black PVD coating
- Screw-down crown with protective guards
- Bi-directional rotating bezel with 360-degree markings
- Double-sided anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Solid caseback with engraved Alpina logo
- 100m water resistance with triple gasket system
Dial and Hands
The dial features a sophisticated design with attention to detail:
- Matte black dial with sunburst finish
- Applied indices with Super-LumiNova coating
- Sword-shaped hour and minute hands with luminescent filling
- Red-tipped seconds hand for enhanced legibility
- Date window at 3 o’clock with black date wheel
- Applied Alpina logo at 12 o’clock
Movement Specifications
The AL-525 automatic movement (based on Sellita SW200-1) offers:
- 38-hour power reserve
- 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
- 26 jewels for reduced friction
- Incabloc shock protection system
- Glucydur balance wheel
- Accuracy: +/- 15 seconds per day
Strap and Bracelet Options
The watch comes with a high-quality strap system:
- Black FKM rubber strap with textured surface
- Black PVD-coated deployant clasp
- Quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes
- Available alternative: black leather strap with contrast stitching
Anti-Magnetic Properties
Following the Alpiner 4 tradition, the watch features comprehensive magnetic protection:
- Soft iron inner case
- Protection up to 4,800 A/m
- Movement shield against electromagnetic fields
Special Features
The Shadow Line edition includes several distinctive elements:
- Black DLC coating for enhanced scratch resistance
- Anti-reflective treatment on crystal surfaces
- Unique shadow line finishing on movement components
- Special edition case number engraving
Practical Applications
The watch is designed for versatile use across different scenarios:
- Professional environments: Suitable for business attire
- Sports activities: Resistant to impacts and water exposure
- Travel: Reliable timekeeping across time zones
- Outdoor adventures: Robust construction and legible display
Maintenance and Care
To ensure optimal performance:
- Recommended service interval: 4-5 years
- Water resistance testing: Annual
- Movement accuracy check: Every 2 years
- Strap replacement: As needed, typically every 1-2 years
Value and Market Position
The Alpiner 4 Shadow Line positions itself as a premium sports watch offering:
- Swiss-made quality at competitive pricing
- Comprehensive warranty coverage
- Strong resale value retention
- Limited production numbers ensuring exclusivity
Conclusion
The Alpina Alpiner 4 Shadow Line AL-525BB5FBAQ6 represents a sophisticated blend of traditional watchmaking and modern innovation. Its comprehensive feature set, robust construction, and attention to detail make it an exceptional choice for watch enthusiasts seeking a versatile timepiece with genuine Swiss heritage and contemporary appeal.