ore than 140 years after their first incarnation, Alpina’s watches are still tailor-made for adventure and exploring land, air and sea. But the Heritage collection stands alone. Through its pure vintage designs, this range pays homage to the Maison’s watchmaking legacy.

Until now, this exclusive collection has featured only two lines: Alpiner Heritage Carrée (two models) and Seastrong Heritage (three models). For the first time, a round timepiece exuding chic, minimalist urban elegance joins the collection. It draws inspiration from classic vintage styles dating back to the 1920s.

The name reflects its charming simplicity: Heritage Automatic. With this style, Alpina has avoided the trap of a “neo-vintage” take. The model is inspired by a watch with a 25.7 mm diameter from the Maison’s archive. The Heritage Automatic 2024 has been resized to 38 mm to satisfy modern standards.

Regarding the dial, less is more. The Heritage Automatic retains the classic aesthetic of the Interwar Years with its two blue dauphine hands and sector dial minute track. And that’s it. In this remarkably balanced piece, where even the original typeface of the Alpina logo has been restored, only the essentials appear. Two versions are available: one with an all-beige dial with 12 Arabic numerals; and one with a beige centre, a satin-finish grey hour circle and alternating bronze-coloured hour markers and Arabic numerals.

Naturally, the strap is made from leather, in keeping with the era, and is fastened with a pin buckle. For once, the Heritage Automatic by Alpina is free from sporting influence. Just like it was in the previous century, it is water-resistant to 30 m. And the case, complete with solid-coloured caseback, features none of the Genova-based watchmaker’s traditional finishings, because these do not fit with the model’s style or generation! Only the fragile, easy-to-scratch Plexiglas used at the time has been replaced by non-reflective sapphire crystal glass, allowing this new Heritage Automatic to stand the test of time, just like its illustrious predecessor.

As for the movement, the AL-520 calibre is the closest to the standard ones used at the time, with a 38-hour power reserve and automatic winding that the models of yesteryear did not always have. As in the past, the number of rubies, a sign of prestige in those days, is proudly displayed at 6 o’clock: “26 jewels”.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference AL-520BG3SH6

Movement

• AL-520 caliber, automatic
• 38-hour power-reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 26 jewels
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Case

• Polished stainless steel 2-part case
• Diameter of 38 mm
• Height of 10,15 mm
• Anti-reflective glass box sapphire crystal
• Water-resistant up to 3 ATM/30m/100ft
• Threaded solid case-back

Dial

• Beige dial with matt finishing
• Printed black Arabic numerals
• Printed black seconds graduation
• Blue PVD hour, minute and second hands

Strap

• Black calf leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching
• Pin buckle