n ode to winter white, this new project—a limited edition of just 130 pieces—was created in collaboration with Label Noir. The famous design studio took full advantage of this partnership, introducing new finishes for the case, dial, and hands, and incorporating an in-house movement for the first time in years.

“I’m delighted with this collaboration because it offers a unique and original take on an Alpina model: for the first time at Label Noir, the watch is entirely white, and features a hammered case and grained dial that fit perfectly into Alpina’s alpine world! We’ve also integrated an in-house movement, made in our Plan-les-Ouates factory, for the first time in three years. I’d like to thank Cédric and his team at Label Noir for this exceptional watch!”, says Oliver van Lanschot Hubrecht, Brand Director of Alpina.

The theme of this piece is clear to see. The glacial white of the dial and bracelet works perfectly with the mineral grey of the case. Developed specifically for this limited edition, the finishes aim to evoke freshly fallen powdery snow.

For the first time in the brand’s history, the case features a hammered bezel and lugs. With a motif inspired by the same theme, the dial blends in seamlessly. A delicate, irregular grain adorns the entire surface. Like real snow, not a single pattern is repeated. The pristine expanse includes the strap in lightweight yet durable technical nylon whose satin-like finish seems to mimic the reflection of low winter sunlight on a snow-blanketed landscape.  New in-house movement

Another distinct feature of this collaboration with Label Noir is the movement. This is the first watch in some time to feature an Alpina in-house movement: the new AL-706. The plate, barrel bridge, gear bridge, and balance bridge are beaded, while Côtes de Genève detailing adorns the self-winding mechanism. Visible through a transparent case back that’s water-resistant to 50 metres, it offers a 72 hour-long power reserve—the longest of any Alpina model currently in the collection—thanks to its enlarged barrel and the new alloy used for the spring.

The hands tell the time above a dial covered with glassbox sapphire crystal. With no flange present, the case and dial fall perfectly into place. Just like a vertical alpine mountain face. This maximises the openness of the dial and, therefore, the power of its powdery-snow effect. On the outskirts, a sector dial-style minute track alternates between rectangles at the quarters and circles at five-minute intervals, all of which are coated in grey lacquer, like the number 31 on the date display at 6 o’clock—a signature feature of in-house calibres with a 72 hour-long power reserve. Sitting pretty at midday is the Alpina logo.

Hovering over the dial are three central hands. In keeping with the winter theme of the creation, these are coated in pristine white lacquer. To make it clear to read, the whole of the dial is grained, while the hands are smooth. This monochrome contrast makes them appear brighter and, as such, more legible. Moreover, the hour and minute hands are coated in Super-LumiNova and glow blue at night.

Encapsulating the frosty allure of winter wonderlands, the Alpiner Manufacture Date Special Edition dares wearers to take on the steepest peaks and marks a bold collaboration between Geneva-based watch manufacturer Alpina and the Label Noir design studio.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Reference AL-706W4E6
• Functions Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date by hand at 6 o’clock
• Movement AL-706 in-house Manufacture caliber, automatic Perlage & fan shape Côtes de Genève decorations 72-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 26 jewels
• Case Hammered and polished stainless steel 3-part case
• Diameter of 41,50 mm
• Height of 13,00mm
• Anti-reflective glassbox sapphire crystal
• Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft
• Engraved and see-through screwed case-back fitted with mineral glass 
• Dial White dial with frosted texture Alpina and Label Noir logos at 12 o’clock
• Grey printed graduation and indexes
• White-painted hour and minute hands filled with blue luminous treatment
• White-painted second hand with white-painted triangle
• Date by hand at 6 o’clock with white-painted hand
• Strap White textile strap with white leather loops and tab
• Folding buckle
• Limited to 130 pieces
• RRP 3,695 CHF