Introducing the Snow-White Alpina x Label Noir Alpiner Manufacture Date Special Edition, a watch that boldly breaks away from convention. Known for crafting robust timepieces designed for outdoor adventures, Alpina has collaborated with Geneva's customization expert, Label Noir, to create a unique watch that celebrates its alpine heritage. The standout feature of this limited edition watch is its striking snow-white dial and an innovative hammered case, a first for the brand. Only 130 pieces of this exclusive model are available, and it also signifies the return of a manufacture calibre to Alpina's lineup.
Label Noir, a luxury watch customization studio established in 2011 in Geneva, has gained a reputation for transforming watches using cutting-edge materials and techniques. This includes making significant modifications to cases, dials, and sometimes even movements, like their work on the Rolex Tourbillon. True to its name, Label Noir often embraces black or monochromatic styles. However, with the Alpiner, the studio has opted for a fresh, wintry design that diverges from its usual palette.
In recent times, watch brands have resorted to introducing new dial colors and textures as a way to display ‘novelties’—a trend that many find uninspired. Yet, Alpina and Label Noir have raised the bar by not only delivering an appealing grained white dial but also enhancing the visual allure of the stainless steel case. Unlike its Alpiner counterparts, which typically feature more robust, cushion-shaped cases, this collaborative piece showcases a sleek round case measuring 41.5mm in diameter and 13mm in thickness, with a moderate water resistance of 50 meters.
To evoke the appearance of a granite rock blanketed in snow, the stainless steel bezel and lugs have been expertly hammered, creating a subtle sparkle reminiscent of the gold hammering technique used by renowned Florentine jewelry designer Carolina Bucci, famously employed by Audemars Piguet in their Royal Oak collection.
The pristine white dial beautifully contrasts the steel case, mimicking the texture of freshly fallen snow with its irregularly grained pattern. Surrounding the dial is a railway track adorned with light-grey lacquered markers at five-minute intervals, complemented by rectangular indicators at the quarter hours. The watch features luminous white hands, which glow with blue-emitting Super-LumiNova for readability in low-light conditions. Additionally, it incorporates a practical pointer date display positioned at 6 o'clock, showcased by a white hand that matches the central seconds hand’s triangular counterweight. The number 31 on the date display is highlighted with grey lacquer, a nod to the in-house calibres known for their impressive 72-hour power reserves. The dial is shielded by a glassbox sapphire crystal.
At the heart of this exceptional watch beats the AL-706 manufacture movement, which was developed by its sister brand Frederique Constant. This movement is also featured in the FC Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture model. Notably, the AL-706 is equipped with a large barrel that extends the power reserve to an impressive 72 hours, marking it as the longest available in any current Alpina model. Enthusiasts can admire this intricate movement through the transparent caseback.
To complete the all-white aesthetic, the watch is paired with a technical nylon strap that boasts a satin finish and a secure folding buckle. As a limited edition offering, the Alpina x Label Noir is priced at EUR 3,695, with only 130 pieces available for discerning collectors. For further details, visit alpinawatches.com.
Technical specifications – Alpina x Label Noir Alpiner Manufacture Date Special Edition
- Case: 41.5mm diameter x 13mm thickness - Three-part stainless steel construction, hammered bezel and lugs - Glassbox sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment over the dial, mineral glass on the case back - Water-resistant up to 50 meters.
- Dial: Grained white texture - Peripheral track with circular grey indices and rectangular markers at the quarters - White lacquered hands - Hour and minute hands featuring blue-emission Super-LumiNova - Pointer date display at 6 o’clock.
- Movement: AL-706 calibre - In-house automatic movement by Frederique Constant (FC-716) - Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour - 26 jewels - 72-hour / 3-day power reserve - Displays hours, minutes, central seconds, and date by hand.
- Strap: White textile strap with leather loops and a folding buckle.
- Reference: AL-706W4E6
- Availability: Limited edition of 130 pieces.
- Price: EUR 3,695.
