ALPINA Genève Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture

Following the great success of its first Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture – the Full Black version – at Baselworld in 2009, ALPINA Genève is proud to present two new models in gold, both issued in an extremely limited series of just 18 numbered pieces.

These new versions, both as astonishing as the first, feature a “Full Black” dial and a caliber consisting of 188 parts, equipped with a Silicium Escapement Wheel and the latest development: a Silicium lever.

After three years of Research and Development, the experts at ALPINA Genève, Swiss manufacturer of high quality sports watches, were ready to present the brand new, inhouse automatic Manufacture Tourbillon Regulator movement. A team of specialist designers, engineers and watchmakers worked hand-in-hand to revive ALPINA as a true Manufacture. Supported by the latest in high-precision equipment and driven by a passion for innovation.
Based on the award-winning Manufacture Regulator caliber, ALPINA Genève developed its own Manufactured Tourbillon Regulator: the AL-980, completely
conceived within its workshops in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. A unique movement that presents several specific, innovative features: Silicium Escapement Wheel and Silicium lever, Smart Weight Balancing™, fast oscillation at 28’800 BpH and an individually numbered Tourbillon cage.

ALPINA Genève Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture

The specific and technical designs of these new Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture models capitalize on the strong brand philosophy of ALPINA: highest level of accuracy, extremely high readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability. The timepiece, with a bold case diameter of 48 mm, is crafted from either titanium with a pink gold bezel, or pink gold with a black ceramic bezel. The matt black dial features finely brushed steel ALPINA Double-Digit indexes. The iconic ‘Extreme’ design elements remain, and have been coupled with a more elaborate dial design: satin-brushed touches of black in the center of the “Regulator” sub-dial, skeletonized hands in black brushed steel, unique and originally decorated bridges in the Tourbillon cage and a black PVD signature ALPINA oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire crystal case back.

The Tourbillon is one of the most valued and sought-after complications by collectors and aficionados of premium timepieces alike. A Tourbillon mechanism is extremely complex to manufacture due to the required accuracy of all the parts involved. It requires highly qualified and experienced watchmakers to be able to manufacture the ALPINA Tourbillon caliber. By combining technical complexities with the sports characteristics that contribute to the charm of this timepiece, ALPINA presents undoubtedly one of its most extreme creations in history…

AVALANCHE EXTREME CHRONO DOUBLE DIGIT AL-850BR5AE6 and AL-850BR4FBAE6

October 2009 – Geneva – ALPINA, Swiss manufacturer of high quality sports watches based in Planles-Ouates, Geneva, is honored to present one of its most discrete creations so far: the impressive Extreme Chrono Double Digit. This new automatic chronograph features a discrete yet outstanding design and a perfectly balanced dial with a bi-compax configuration.

The specific and technical design of this new Extreme Chrono Double Digit capitalizes on the strong brand philosophy of ALPINA: highest level of accuracy, extremely high readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability.

The timepiece, with a bold but comfortable case diameter of 46 mm, is featured in two different case versions: one in stainless steel, and one “Full Black” made out of black PVD steel, both surrounded by a PVD black coated bezel and connected by six ALPINA screws. Two options for the dial finishing, one with red counters for a perfect readability, and a second one with a full mat black dial for the perfect styling. It features clear, finely brushed steel ALPINA Double Digit-indexes. The iconic ‘Extreme’ design elements remain – along with an even bolder and more elaborate dial design. The chrono counters, perfectly balanced in the center of the dial, surround a clear-cut, centralized date indicator. The automatic chronograph caliber AL-850 features a black PVD signature ALPINA oscillating weight, which is visible through the exhibition case back. Both front and reverse sides are equipped with sapphire crystals.

Altogether, the new ALPINA Extreme Chrono Double Digit forms a highly sophisticated and long-awaited addition to the stunning ALPINA Extreme series, and will delight those who are fond of fierce sensations …

Technical Specifications

Reference:
AL-850BR4FBAE6

Movement:
Automatic, Calibre AL-850: self winding, 28’800 vibrations per hour, 37 jewels. Alpina Black PVD plated rotor.

Functions:
Hours, minutes, seconds, date indicator at 6 o clock and chronograph
functions: seconds counter, 30 minutes counter.

Case:
Black PVD case with black PVD bezel and case back, 46 mm diameter, 3-part case secured by six triangular-shaped stainless steel screws, sapphire crystal, see-through case back, 10 ATM Water-resistant, ABScoated screw-down crown with red Alpina triangle pattern. 2 Pushbuttons for the chronograph functions.

Dial:
Matte Black dial, with red counters. Silver applied indexes in steel.

Hands:
Skeleton in fine brushed steel.

Strap:
Black Rubber strap with deployment buckle in option.

Ben Southall being presented with an Alpina Extreme Diver

PLAN-LES-OUATES, GENEVA – JUNE 18, 2009 – If you are going to spend six adventurous months on ‘paradise island’ with diving and swimming as your daily activities, and if your tools need to be highly functional, ultra-resistant and extremely durable, what would you bring? The Alpina Extreme Diver 1000 Meters watch, tailor-made for this modern-day Robinson Crusoe, sounds like the perfect choice….

Ben Southall, a 34 year old Brit is a real-life Robinson Crusoe, recently appointed Island Caretaker of Australia’s Hamilton Island for a six-month period -also known as ‘The Best Job in the World’. The organization ‘Tourism Queensland’ launched the idea to promote the Great Barrier Reef by offering a prize that money cannot buy -the chance to ‘work’ on the island for six months, starting July 1st, 2009. After reviewing 36,648(!) applicants from 201 countries, 610 hours of video and 450,000+ votes, Ben was selected. The ‘discerning’ job description requires him to ‘explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, scuba-dive, make friends with the locals and generally enjoy the tropical Queensland climate and lifestyle’. Part of his responsibilities consists of being the International Ambassador for Queensland. In thoroughly modern fashion, Ben is expected to report back to Tourism Queensland -and the world- regularly via his weblog, a photo diary, video updates and interviews.

Ben is a hardworking and gregarious individual who enjoys setting goals and reaching targets that most people find impossible to comprehend, let alone achieve. He has spent the last ten years traveling extensively throughout Africa, working as an Events Manager and organizing an annual music festival for charity. In his spare time, Ben keeps fit through trekking, swimming, running, climbing and preparing for his next challenge, which is never far away. For more information, please check out his website http://afritrexben.blogspot.com.

Alpina Extreme Diver 1000M - AL-525LBB5AEV6

Ben explains one such event, ‘The Afritrex charity endurance challenge (in 2008) consisted of ten physical challenges which I set myself, to complete five marathons and climb five of Africa’s highest mountains, spaced out over a period of a year across the African continent’.

Swiss Watch Manufacturer Alpina Genève is delighted to become part of this exciting adventure by offering Ben a brand-new Alpina ‘Extreme Diver 1000 Meters’ watch. Supposedly, this is the perfect wrist instrument during the execution of his duties and timely investigation of the Great Barrier Reef islands.

Alpina Genève is an independent, family-owned watch manufacturer based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. Founded in 1883, Alpina is synonymous with sports and lifestyle and creates bold, functional and highly contemporary wristwatches that fit a variety of athletes and athletic performances. From design to final assembly, everything is done in-house at the Alpina Manufacture. Each watch is assembled by hand and extensively controlled with state-of-the-art equipment, in order to ensure maximum accuracy, quality and durability.

For more information please visit www.alpina-watches.com or http://blog.alpina-watches.com

Winning Audi R15 tdi

The Swiss watch-making brand Alpina has been the privileged partner of the 12 Hours of Sebring – the opening race of the American Le Mans Series 2009.

During the 3-day event and under the hot Florida sun, around 180′000 motor sport fans from around the world gathered to witness an extremely exciting & dynamic event.

On the occasion of this legendary race, Alpina premiered the Extreme 12 Hours of Sebring-watch at the Gallery of Legends VIP Area on Sebring Raceway. Watch enthusiasts & Sebring race fans had the opportunity to pre-discover the 257- piece limited edition. This race was particularly important, because it was the 100th race in the ALMS since its establishment in 1999. Founder and owner of the series, Dr. Don Panoz therefore received # 100/257 of the Alpina Extreme 12 Hours of Sebring during a celebration ceremony.

Alpina Geneve, in the role of the Official Timekeeper of 12 Hours of Sebring had the honour to clock the 9th Sebring victory for Audi, a debut victory though for its new R15 TDI LMP1 race car. Allan McNish, Dindo Capello and Tom Kristensen teamed to win the 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida on Saturday night, March 21. McNish crossed the finish line 22.279 seconds ahead of Peugeot’s Franck Montagny in an epic battle between sports car racing’s two diesel powers.

All winners receive an Alpina watch

To conclude the exhausting 12 hours, Alpina was delighted to offer the winners in all categories a very special trophy: a numbered example of the Alpina Extreme 12 Hours of Sebring timepiece that will help them to time their next victory. The watch capitalizes on the strong brand philosophy of Alpina, combined with the important requirements of the winning drivers in the race: highest level of accuracy, extremely high readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability.

The world premiere of the Alpina Extreme 48mm '12 Hours of Sebring' watch

Aventura, Florida- King Jewelers, South Florida’s oldest and most reputable jeweler in collaboration with Alpina Genève the official timekeeper of the ‘12 Hours of Sebring’, Sebring International Raceway, and Bell Motorsports, will hold an exclusive event dedicated to South Florida’s automobile and timepiece enthusiasts at their store in Aventura, FL.

Starting at 11am on February 28th, King Jewelers will be hosting the world premiere of the Alpina Extreme ‘12 Hours of Sebring’ official watch. For the 57th edition of this renowned race, Alpina, Swiss manufacturer of high quality sports watches, developed this exciting special limited edition. The watch capitalizes on the strong brand philosophy of Alpina, combined with the important requirements of the drivers in the race: highest level of accuracy, extremely high readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability.

At the world premiere of the Alpina Extreme ‘12 Hours of Sebring’ 48mm watch, a limited edition watch of 257 pieces worldwide; King Jewelers will have for sale series numbers 1 through 7 available, and will allow any other customer to pre-order the same day.

Highlights of this special event will include a ‘Meet & Greet’ and autograph session with Bell Motorsport’s champion driver, Terry Borcheller. His Bell Motorsports Aston Martin DBR9 will be on display in front of King Jewelers for photo opportunities.

Tres Stephenson, Sebring racetrack president will receive the first Alpina Extreme from the hands of Alpina Genève official USA representatives. Visitors will be entitled to enter to win an Alpina watch and VIP tickets to attend the ‘12 Hours of Sebring Race’ while enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres.

EVENT DETAILS:

Who: King Jewelers, Alpina Genève, Bell Motorsports, and Sebring Raceway
What: The world premiere of the Alpina Extreme 48mm ‘12 Hours of Sebring’ watch
When: Saturday, February 28, 2009 11 am to 5 pm
Where: King Jewelers, 18265 Biscayne Blvd – Aventura, FL 33169

More about King Jewelers – Jewelers of Integrity since 1912
Established in 1912, King Jewelers has proudly styled jewelry aficionados from around the world. For five generations, the King family has owned and operated King Jewelers while building an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value, and first-class service. Offering a magnificent selection of jewelry collections including fashion-forward Italian designs, classic diamond creations, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, modern designer jewelry, as well as colored gemstones and fancy colored diamonds, King Jewelers is the one-stop jewelry shop that prides itself in being one step ahead of the trend. At King Jewelers clients will always find the “best of the best,” for any style or budget. The salon also offers bridal, baby, and gift collections. In addition, King Jewelers offers on-site jewelry and watch repairs, custom design services, appraisals, estate buying and corporate gift programs. King Jewelers is a member of the Jewelers of America, American Watch Guild, Jewelers Board of Trade, International Wristwatch Leading Watch Retailer, and the American Society of Appraisers and has among its staff GIA Certified Gemologists. For additional information, please visit www.Kings1912.com

More about Alpina Geneve – Founded in 1883
Alpina is an independent family owned watch manufacturer based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. Founded in 1883, Alpina celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2008 and is evolving into an ‘extreme’ Sports & Lifestyle brand with its new, contemporary collections. The company is involved in all stages of watch production, from initial design to final assembly and quality control. Each watch is assembled by hand and extensively controlled with state-of-the-art equipment, in order to ensure maximum quality and durability. The company innovates to offer creativity and exceptional value. Its factory in Plan-les-Ouates Geneva is ultra modern and offers the best environment for its watchmakers. Production reached 10’000 timepieces in 2008. For additional information, please visit www.alpina-watches.com

More about Jim Bell & Bell Motorsports
Experienced, Jim Bell and his team “Bell Motorsports” returned to the 2008 GT1 class of the American Le Mans Series with an Aston Martin DBR9 for a full-season battle against Corvette Racing. Bell is one of the most prominent names in sports car racing with 30 years of experience. He has worked on successful Series teams including Alex Job Racing, ACEMCO Motorsports and most recently Team Trans Sport in 2007. He also assisted in the overall win for the Kremer Porsche 935 at Le Mans in 1979.

Aston Martin DBR9

More about the Racecar
The Aston Martin DBR9 was built by Aston Martin Racing/Prodrive in 2005 season for the factory racing team’s international racing program in the American Le Mans Series in North America and the Le Mans Series in Europe. Cars like this are built for endurance road racing, with races running from three to twenty-four hours in duration. For the 2008 season, this was the only factory racing Aston Martin DBR9 in private hands. It is owned by Michael Fux, and is part of his impressive personal collection of automobiles. The car has an aluminum chassis, similar to the street version of the Aston Martin DB9, a carbon fiber body, and a race prepared six liter V12 engine. It weighs approximately 2550 pounds, with a 6-speed sequential gearbox, carbon disc brakes, and has a potential top speed exceeding 200 miles per hour. In the 2008 American Le Mans Series the car was entered, prepared and campaigned by Miami based Bell Motorsports in the GT1 Category driven by champion driver Terry Borcheller. It finished the season as GT1 Champion for the 2008 IMSA Cup in GT1, and finished in second place in the LMGT1 Team Championship.

More about Terry Borcheller
Terry has had an amazing professional career, winning 6 professional Sports car Championships and being runner up in two others. He has co-driven with some of the best drivers in the world. He has been to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans four times, finishing every time and being on the podium the first year. He has won the most respected races in the sport including Daytona 24 Hours, twice, Sebring 12 Hours, and over 50 others along the way. He has had the opportunity to race all over the USA and around the world, in places like Europe, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Australia. He has driven for over 20 different manufacturers. He has over 18 years of coaching experience with students from every spectrum.
Please visit www.terryborcheller.com

More about Sebring – 12 Hours of Sebring Race
Sebring International Raceway is America’s premier sports car racing facility. Nestled among the orange groves and cattle ranches of central Florida, it is the oldest permanent road racing track in North America, evolving from a World War II air base. Sebring is world famous for the annual 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, part of the prestigious American Le Mans Series. Every year on the third Saturday of March, the raceway hosts thousands of race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12 hour classic. All the legends have raced at Sebring… Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and dozens of other international motor racing legends, driving race cars built by the world’s great. For additional information, please visit www.sebringraceway.com

Alpina Extreme ’12 Hours of Sebring’ © Alpina Geneve

Alpina Geneve is proud to be the Official Timekeeper of the 57th edition of the famous 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, which will take place from March 18-21, 2009 on Sebring International Raceway in Florida, USA.

For this occasion, Swiss manufacturer of high quality sports watches Alpina, developed an exciting special limited edition: the Alpina Extreme ’12 Hours of Sebring’.

The watch capitalizes on the strong brand philosophy of Alpina, combined with the important requirements of the drivers in the race: highest level of accuracy, extremely high readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability.

The timepiece, with a case diameter of 48mm, is made out of black steel and rubber, has a mat black dial – expressing the tarmac of the track – and features clear indexes with a bold red ‘12’, commemorating the twelve exhausting hours of the race. Inside a durable, fully hand made Swiss automatic movement keeps track of time and shows the date. This high tech ‘engine’, with its black signature Alpina oscillating weight is visible through the exhibition case back. Both front and reverse sides are equipped with sapphire crystals.

To honor the 57th race, the watch will be presented in an exclusive limited and numbered edition of only 257 pieces worldwide, giving it a high collectors value, already before its introduction.

The partnership between Alpina and Sebring Raceway forms the perfect match between two important players in their respective fields.

More about Sebring
The 12 Hours of Sebring are America’s oldest and most prestigious sports car endurance race and are considered to be the most important race in the American Le Mans Series. Also, it is known as an excellent preparation for the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, as the track’s extremely bumpy surface, combined with south-central Florida’s perennial hot weather, forms a true test for the reliability of the equipment.

Sebring kicks-off the international sports car racing season and traditionally attracts North America’s finest field of sports car racing teams. Second only to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, Sebring attracts over 200,000 fans from around the world to the 3.7-mile circuit, which originated from a World War II B-17 training base. An impressive 627 million television viewers around the world is expected to be watching the race.

All the legends have raced at Sebring … Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, Briggs Cunningham, Jacky Ickx, Lake Underwood and dozens of other international motor racing heroes, driving race cars built by the world’s great manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Maserati, Aston Martin and Audi.

More about Alpina
With regards to the history of Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina, we look back to 1883, the founding year of the association of manufacturers and retailers of watches that evolved into ‘Alpina’. Its members called themselves affectionately the ‘Alpinists’ and they all shared the same target: the success of the Alpina brand. Alpina Watch International SA developed a new collection, perpetuating the Alpina heritage. The new Alpina collection of technical sports watches composes of a range of models, some equipped with complications; three families with different styles that attract various kinds of sportsmen.

In the past, Alpina was best known for its “Alpina 4” watches. The number “4” stood for four important quality criteria that were united in these watches: anti-magnetism, water-resistance, the incorporation of an Incabloc anti-shock system and a tough stainless steel case. The “Alpina 4” was also equipped with one of the sturdiest watch calibers of its generation, the Alpina 582 Calibre, which continued to be used well into the 1950’s and 60’s.

Today, Alpina is an independent family owned watch manufacturer based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. Founded in 1883, Alpina celebrates its 125th Anniversary in 2008 and is evolving into a cool Sports & Lifestyle brand with its new, contemporary collections. The company is involved in all stages of watch production, from initial design to final assembly and quality control. Each watch is assembled by hand and extensively controlled with state-of-the-art equipment, in order to ensure maximum quality and durability. The company innovates to offer creativity and exceptional value. Its factory in Plan-les-Ouates Geneva is ultra modern and offers the best environment for its watchmakers. Production reached 10’000 timepieces in 2008.

Alpina, Be a Player!

More information can be found on www.sebringraceway.com and on www.alpina-watches.com.

Feel free to contact:
Yasmina Pedrini: pedrini@alpina-watches.com
Caroline Delmonte: delmonte@alpina-watches.com

The world premiere of the Alpina Extreme 48mm '12 Hours of Sebring' watch

Aventura, Florida, February 18 , 2009 – King Jewelers, South Florida’s oldest and most reputable jeweler in collaboration with Alpina Genève the official timekeeper of the ‘12 Hours of Sebring’, Sebring International Raceway, and Primetime Race Group, will hold an exclusive event dedicated to South Florida’s automobile and timepiece enthusiasts.

Starting at 11am on February 28th, King Jewelers will be hosting the world premiere of the Alpina Extreme ‘12 Hours of Sebring.’ For the 57th edition of this renowned race, Alpina, Swiss manufacturer of high quality sports watches, developed this exciting special limited edition – 257 pieces worldwide. The watch capitalizes on the strong brand philosophy of Alpina, combined with the important requirements of the drivers in the race: highest level of accuracy, extremely high readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability.

At the Alpina Extreme ‘12 Hours of Sebring’ event, King Jewelers will have for sale series numbers 1 through 5, and will allow customers to pre-order the same day.

Highlights of this special event will include a ‘Meet & Greet’ and autograph session with Primetime Race Group’s team owner and champion driver, Joel Feinberg. The world’s fastest Viper, the Primetime American Le Mans Series GT2 racecar, will be on display in front of King Jewelers for photo opportunities.

Tres Stephenson, Sebring racetrack president will receive the first Alpina Extreme from the hands of Alpina Genève official USA representatives. Visitors may enter to win an Alpina watch and VIP tickets to attend the ‘12 Hours of Sebring Race’ while enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres.

EVENT DETAILS:
Who: King Jewelers, Alpina Genève, Primetime Race Group, and Sebring Raceway
What: The world premiere of the Alpina Extreme 48mm ‘12 Hours of Sebring’ watch
When: Saturday, February 28, 2009 11 am to 5 pm
Where: King Jewelers, 18265 Biscayne Blvd – Aventura, FL 33169

More about King Jewelers – Jewelers of Integrity since 1912
Established in 1912, King Jewelers has proudly styled jewelry aficionados from around the world. For five generations, the King family has owned and operated King Jewelers while building an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value, and first-class service.

Offering a magnificent selection of jewelry collections including fashion-forward Italian designs, classic diamond creations, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, modern designer jewelry, as well as colored gemstones and fancy colored diamonds, King Jewelers is the one-stop jewelry shop that prides itself in being one step ahead of the trend. At King Jewelers clients will always find the “best of the best,” for any style or budget. The salon also offers bridal, baby, and gift collections. In addition, King Jewelers offers on-site jewelry and watch repairs, custom design services, appraisals, estate buying and corporate gift programs.

King Jewelers is a member of the Jewelers of America, American Watch Guild, Jewelers Board of Trade, International Wristwatch Leading Watch Retailer, and the American Society of Appraisers and has among its staff GIA Certified Gemologists. For additional information, please visit www.Kings1912.com.

More about Alpina Geneve – Founded in 1883
Alpina is an independent family owned watch manufacturer based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. Founded in 1883, Alpina celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2008 and is evolving into an ‘extreme’ Sports & Lifestyle brand with its new, contemporary collections. The company is involved in all stages of watch production, from initial design to final assembly and quality control. Each watch is assembled by hand and extensively controlled with state-of-the-art equipment, in order to ensure maximum quality and durability. The company innovates to offer creativity and exceptional value. Its factory in Plan-les-Ouates Geneva is ultra modern and offers the best environment for its watchmakers. Production reached 10’000 timepieces in 2008. For additional information, please visit www.alpina-watches.com

More about Primetime Race Group
Primetime Race Group is a South Florida based company specializing in professional motorsports as well as sports marketing. Primetime currently campaigns a Dodge Viper in the GT2 class of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) which is the most prominent road race series in North America and an Elan DP02 in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Lites Series, a support series to the ALMS. For additional information, please visit www.primetimeracegroup.com

More about Sebring – 12 Hours of Sebring Race
Sebring International Raceway is America’s premier sports car racing facility. Nestled among the orange groves and cattle ranches of central Florida, it is the oldest permanent road racing track in North America, evolving from a World War II air base. Sebring is world famous for the annual 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, part of the prestigious American Le Mans Series. Every year on the third Saturday of March, the raceway hosts thousands of race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12 hour classic. All the legends have raced at Sebring… Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and dozens of other international motor racing legends, driving race cars built by the world’s great manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Ford, Maserati, Aston Martin and Nissan.For additional information, please visit www.sebringraceway.com