Here is a watch that perfectly illustrates the spirit of this column. For me, it was one of the major revelations of Baselworld 2006. The Alpina Avalanche Extreme does not belong to the “haute horlogerie” segment; it does not have any sophisticated complications and is not spectacularly expensive. Nonetheless, above and beyond its 48-mm diameter, it has all the attributes of a great watch and can be worn without any complexes by the individual who has chosen it

First of all, the design is that of a sporty model, as its name indicates, as does the type of construction or the choice of materials including rubber strap with pin buckle or folding clasp. Such a choice is rarely offered even on extremely valuable models. This one is extremely comfortable and is suitable for use in any type of environment. It is screwed to the case with which it is perfectly integrated for enhanced security and is endowed with extremely respectable finishing quality. The bezel and back are firmly secured to the middle by the use of 6 cross-through screws which, in harmony with an obvious concern for detail, feature triangular heads with the brand logo. The crown, which is also screwed, is superb and effectively protected by ateral reinforcements. There are no secrets here and the movement is clearly visible through the two sapphire crystals. The model is individually numbered and guarantees water resistance to 200 metres. The stainless steel from which it is made is satin-brushed and blackened by a PVD surface treatment so as to achieve the consistent finishing that is expected by the most demanding users.

The movement also matches the overall logic behind this watch. Simple, sturdy and efficient, Calibre AL-650 is a Unitas base movement. Its diameter of 16.5’’’ would normally have destined it for pocket-watches, which makes it a powerful “engine” and protects it effectively from shocks and from the influence of all the factors that can affect the timing, the reliability and the durability of its components. It is a mechanical hand-wound movement with a 42-hour power reserve. Its finishing details are meticulously executed while not outrageously pretentious. The crown-wheel and ratchet are sunbrushed, whereas the bridges are decorated with Côtes de Genève and also blackened by a PVD treatment. Its most significant “in-house” personalisation lies in its regulator-type displaying combining the advantage of excellent readability with that of extremely reduced energy absorption. The hour hand is thus off-centred at 10 o’clock, while the minute hand occupies the dial centre. Both are white and coated with Superluminova, making it ideally visible against the black dial case, whatever the surrounding lighting conditions. A small seconds completes the picture at 6 o’clock. The two applied hour and seconds dials are rimmed by a circular satin-brushed silvered ring. The graduations of the various indications correspond to those one would expect for technical or sporting use. No superfluous decorations or indications spoil the functionality of this exemplary display.

The Alpina Avalanche Extreme Regulator is a watch that thus fully corresponds to its ambition of a resolutely sporting model, endowed with all the necessary qualities: sturdiness, reliability, water resistance, precision, unbeatable quality/price ratio. It asserts itself by a distinctive yet not flashy identity...

The discretion and humility of this Geneva-based brand make this model a prime choice for those not seeking ostentation but with a preference for exclusive and authentic products.

However, the main reason that earns the Alpina Avalanche Extreme Regulator its place in this column is its quality/price ratio that I would call unbeatable. Such a model commercialised at a price well under three thousand Swiss francs makes it genuinely affordable for any budget. The consistency and correctness of the choices that governed its creation converge to extend an irresistible invitation to slip it into one’s wrist, to wear it and to proudly include it within a collection where it can proudly and legitimately hold its own alongside the most prestigious names and models.