Launched on May 3rd, the AlpinerX Alive is now in store. The six models embody an alternative vision of the connected watch by Alpina: urban, sporty and with high added value in terms of technology.Combining the beauty of traditional watchmaking with an AMOLED digital screen, it presents a detailed overview of the wearer's athletic performance and lifestyle. Features of this new Swiss Made smartwatch include: GPS, heart rate monitoring, a chronograh and a personalised training programme.

Boundaries are being blurred and transcended. The modern man is no longer limited to one model or style. He juggles between his work and home, switches between activity and rest, teamwork to individual work, and can both enjoy being completely connected and enjoying some space while taking a break in nature. The new AlpinerX Alive has been conceived for him. This versatile timepiece with its sophisticated horological design and advanced capabilities adapts to any environment. By launching six models at the same time, Alpina wants to provide sporty urbanites with the best option for them, whether they prefer the modern, sporty or classic look. 

An assumed heritage

In 2015, Alpina was already the first brand to launch a Swiss Made connected watch, the now famous Horological Smartwatch. Design, development, production, assembly, control: Alpina succeeded in creating a connected, intelligent watch that fully satisfied the Swiss Made criteria.

High performance, high efficiency

Each model then relies on a common driving force, a concentration of advanced technology that Alpina has been patiently developing since 2015, over generations of smartwatches. The current version is the most advanced with pioneering work carried out on its software and embedded sensors.

Key to the system are two major technological breakthroughs. Firstly, heart rate monitoring, achieved by integrating the very latest Philips Wearable Sensing sensors. Your pulse is taken from your wrist and measured around every 10 seconds in "Workout" (exercise) mode. Special notifications are also issued if the AlpinerX Alive detects an abnormal heart beat.

Secondly, integrated GPS. This new functionality records your run or walk, combining the information with your heart rate so that it can be analysed using the Alpina Smartwatch app for iOs and Android. To help ensure each session takes place in optimum conditions, the AlpinerX Alive even shows you the weather!

Like a personal assistant on your wrist

The Dynamic Coach from Alpina is designed to help balance out your activity level when no two days are alike. The personal assistant suggests a range of exercises in relation to your performance, accompanied by recommendations for improving your daily life and muscle tone, as you’ll discover by using the app each day.

This personal assistant relies on measuring a large number of variables that are analysed in real time: sleep quality, heart rate measures, activity tracker, etc.

To have the watch display all this information on its new high-resolution AMOLED touch screen, simply touch the screen or press the crown. The latter also allows you to view the last five messages received through selected apps, in addition to call, message and email notifications.

Swiss Made and manufactured

Featuring two broad hands hovering over a digital screen, the stylish design reinforces Alpina's commitment to quality Swiss Made watches embracing the best smart technology around. The latter relies on the AL-284 movement developed internally, equipped with a rechargeable battery and offering an average seven days’ autonomy depending on usage. In addition to its intelligent functions, it provides perfect synchronisation of the time and date, a second time zone and a chronograph.

Six models with real personality

Setting the tone, straps for the new AlpinerX Alive come in blue, red, grey, brown and beige. Everyone can get the look they want to suit their personal preference: neo-vintage, ultra-sporty or casual chic. The mixing and matching of hands, dials and straps allows for the most complementary combinations. The matte finish dial is enhanced by luminescent hands and index hour markers (white), index hour markers between 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock, while large Arabic numerals designate 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, you’ll find the Alpina symbol, a white triangle on the bezel representing the Alpine peaks.

With regards to materials, you can choose between rubber and topstitched calfskin straps. The bidirectional bezel is available in black PVD coated steel or natural steel. The 45 mm fibreglass case is as light as it is durable. Finally, the AlpinerX Alive is water-resistant to 100 metres and like any Swiss Made watch, topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

A closer look at the AL-284 caliber

Two years of development, countless challenges in relation to software and hardware integration, teams spread over multiple sites and countries… and what is ultimately an utterly unique movement on the smartwatch market, the AL-284 caliber.

"We didn't make it easy for ourselves!" admitted Pim Koeslag, Technical Director & Master Watchmaker at Alpina. "Individually, the special features of this caliber are relatively easy to operate: GPS, Bluetooth, heart rate monitor, touch screen, etc. But the integration and interaction of these elements proved an exceptional technological challenge".

Now, GPS and Bluetooth have an antenna each. The Bluetooth antenna, which points downwards, is largely controlled by Alpina. The GPS antenna, which points upwards, is much longer. The longer the antenna, the more precise it is... but the more sensitive it is too. So Alpina created a bespoke antenna, which it made as long as possible but in perfect isolation, allowing the AlpinerX Alive to pick up at least nine satellites. It is a complex development, especially with the touch screen; this seemingly commonplace technology has presented its share of challenges in terms of dial / touchpad distance, insulation with the bezel, water-resistance, etc.

For the heart rate sensor, a bespoke lens was created to go on the back of the watch. Too thick and it affected the heart rate measurement. Too thin and it became too fragile to be water-resistant. Philips has a strong presence in the medical industry, but had never had to focus so keenly on miniaturisation and precision. Together, it took Alpina (in Switzerland) and Philips (in Holland) nearly two years to develop the sensor for the AL-284 caliber. It was also necessary to develop a case and a strap that kept the sensor next to the skin at all times. 

Finally, with the MMT team (Manufacture Modules Technologies SA), Alpina developed exclusive algorithms (such as the Workout mode), while drastically reducing power use – especially that of the heart rate monitor – so as to achieve one weeks’ autonomy, which is unprecedented for this type of product.

More powerful, smarter and more intelligent, the AlpinerX Alive brings together the best of the Maison’s technology and craftsmanship. Developed in Switzerland, it now supports the daily life and sporting activity of an entire generation seeking well-being and eager to acquire a timepiece with a traditional aesthetic, but firmly anchored in the 20^th century.