[f]Introduction: From the tropical of the Alpina heritage

There are always surprises at major watch shows. This year, one unexpected release was the Alpina Heritage Tropic-Proof, a recreation of manually windy 60s watches. The size and other touches remain true to the original.

Big names dominate the scene with watches and wonder-like shows. We spend hours predicting their release, but seeing news from small brands is good. Although the Alpina is not small, the brand releases watches throughout the year. Perhaps this is why news of the new heritage news has become such a surprise.

Original Alpinatropic Proof

In the 1960s, it appears that all brands offered watches that could withstand some degree of water exposure. Whether it was a daily life in the rain or participating in sports activities, there was a demand for water resistance. Case maker François Borgel enjoyed a high level of success for this need for water-resistant cases. Brands like Movado, Mido, Patek Philippe and Doxa used very completed cases with their trademark decagon caseback. Alpina joined the fight in that tropical area. These relatively simple 34mm stainless steel watches came with black or silver dials and tritium room.

New reissue

The eagerness of Alpina’s new heritage is an unexpected and comfortable surprise. Many brands use vintage models as inspiration and add up-to-date details such as sizes and date windows. With a few exceptions, Alpina chose not to do this! As a result, the watch maintains a 34mm stainless steel case. There is a choice of either shiny black or white dials. Each comes with a Tan Alcantara strap and a stainless steel pin buckle. However, instead of acrylic crystals, Alpina opted for the Domed Sapphire. The depth rating is only 30 meters long.

Nice vintage touch

Certainly, the tropical body carries the distinctive 10-base case that has returned from Borgel. The caseback contains basic inscriptions such as brand name, reference, serial number, and water resistance rating. From this angle, you can also see the vertical rugs that have come straight from the 1960s.

Shiny dial

Unlike the original dial with the Sunray effect, the new anti-tropical model has a glossy dial surface. This looks great in the black version, but I think the silver finish will help with lighter models. My other niggle is the logo on the dial. It’s simply too big and the look of the watch is cheaper than it deserves. Otherwise, applied indexes and Dauphin hands with aged superluminova will look great.

letter

As mentioned before, most brands make too many modern concessions when reissuing vintage-inspired works. The latest tropical fosters are faithful to their ancestors with hand-moving movements. The original uses an in-house exercise, while Alpina uses an AL-480 (Selita SW215). This reliable aperture has a frequency of 28,800VPH and a 42-hour power reserve. A lovely tactile touch is a signed lozenge-shaped crown, a replica of the components accompanied by the original Boninki.

On the wrist

I was fortunate to have watched the new tropical prevention with watches and mysterious. Therefore, you can safely express your opinion on whether 34mm is a problem. The short answer is “No.” Although we were unable to measure the lug-to-lug dimensions, the watch felt normal with a long enough lug. Plus, it looks bigger with a relatively slim bezel and sparse dial.

Also, I’m not a normal Alcantara fan, but it works well with these watches. It clearly lends a vintage look, but is comfortable and flexible.

Final Thoughts

The new Heritage Tropic-Proof Models retails for 1,795 euros and is not a limited edition. It’s not cheap, but it’s not surprising given that Alpina is a brand with certified dealers, marketing and more. The finish and final product are certainly worth checking out at a local store. In the end, it’s easy for the brand to choose to make something as traditional as this.