Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina visits jeweler Roller in Chemnitz
In October, Carsten Schmidt-Kippig, owner of Juwelier Roller in Chemnitz, Saxony, invited a small group of 30 watch enthusiasts to an exclusive watch dialogue with the Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina.
Renowned watch expert Gisbert L. Brunner, drawing on his extensive expertise, presented the history of the Swiss brand, which was founded in 1883 as the cooperative Union Horlogère and at times maintained close ties to Saxon watchmaking. Between 1912 and 1922, Alpina operated a production facility in the watchmaking town of Glashütte in Saxony.
High-quality pocket watches were manufactured there using Swiss movements – a fact that caused controversy even then and later led to the Glashütte rule for the protection of the designation of origin, culminating in the Glashütte Ordinance in 2022.
Gisbert L. Brunner took the guests on an inspiring journey through the world of fine mechanics, which impressively combined Swiss precision and Saxon craftsmanship.
Fittingly, Markus Rettig (Managing Director Alpina Germany) presented, among other things, the “Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic 140 Years”. Its square case made of polished stainless steel, measuring 32.5 x 39 millimeters, is water-resistant to three bar and houses the automatic caliber AL-530.
With its black or silver dial and small seconds hand, the timepiece evokes the Art Deco spirit, which also adorns the 28 watches presented in 2023 to mark the 140th anniversary and which house the original, restored 1938 hand-wound caliber 490.
“It was an exceptional evening in a wonderful atmosphere, with interested guests and perfect organization by Juwelier Roller. Gisbert L. Brunner, with his charming manner and sound expertise, made the evening truly special. It is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated partner,” summarized Markus Rettig.
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