News Round Up

Alpina

Discrete – Mysterious - Style

ALPINA, Swiss manufacturer of high quality sports watches based in Planles-Ouates, Geneva, is honored to present one of its most discrete creations so far: the impressive Extreme Chrono Double Digit. This new automatic chronograph features a discrete yet outstanding design and a perfectly balanced dial with a bi-compax configuration.

The specific and technical design of this new Extreme Chrono Double Digit capitalizes on the strong brand philosophy of ALPINA: highest level of accuracy, extremely high readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability.

The timepiece, with a bold but comfortable case diameter of 46 mm, is featured in two different case versions: one in stainless steel, and one “Full Black  made out of black PVD steel, both surrounded by a PVD black coated bezel and connected by six ALPINA screws. Two options for the dial finishing, one with red counters for a perfect readability, and a second one with a full mat black dial for the perfect styling. It features clear, finely brushed steel ALPINA Double Digit-indexes. The iconic ‘Extreme’ design elements remain – along with an even bolder and more elaborate dial design. The chrono counters, perfectly balanced in the center of the dial, surround a clear-cut, centralized date indicator. The automatic chronograph caliber AL-850 features a black PVD signature ALPINA oscillating weight, which is visible through the exhibition case back. Both front and reverse sides are equipped with sapphire crystals. Altogether, the new ALPINA Extreme Chrono Double Digit forms a highly sophisticated and long-awaited addition to the stunning ALPINA Extreme series, and will delight those who are fond of fierce sensations …

Black Belt Watch

The First Watch in the World that money can’t buy!

Black Belt Watch, the Spirit: Reflects and honors the 7 virtues associated with Bushido, a powerful greeting to praise the courage of all black belt holders across the world, who, for centuries, have embodied the samurai warriors code through the initiation and practice of an ancient martial art. Black Belt Watch, the Concept: Developed and manufactured in Switzerland, the Black Belt Watch is solely reserved for black belt holders, regardless of the martial art style. Each practitioner has to provide an official rank certificate.

Black Belt Watch, the Project: Black Belt Watch supports the “Little Dreams” foundation and donates a percentage of its sales to the "No Difference" cause, a program that aims to grant young people with a handicap, the chance to realize their passion for a martial art.

Black Belt Watch, the Team: As a tribute to the Bushido code of conduct and its 7 virtues, the black belt fighters, Claudio Alessi and Yvan Arpa, teamed up with Swiss watchmakers and created a timepiece cloaked with Gi Rectitude – Yu Courage – Jin Benevolence – Rei Respect – Makoto Honesty – Meiyo Honor – Chugi Loyalty. The renowned Martial Arts master, Claudio Alessi gained the World Championship title along with those of several European and Swiss Championships. This multi style Sensei who is a Mixed Martial Arts instructor has also developed a specific technique to teach Martial Arts to disabled people.

After 14 hard fought karate final matches, with and against his friend and competitor, Yvan Arpa decided to leave the tournaments’ tatami mats and join the challenging Swiss watchmaking scene. His sharp marketing vision fueled for success Sector No limit, the Hublot Big Bang and Romain Jerome, where he created an overnight sensation with the “DNA of Famous Legends” concept. He produced two collections “Titanic-DNA” and “Moon Dust-DNA”. Both became bywords for innovation, daring design and superb craftsmanship. The Black Belt Watch’s is an eloquent expression of his creativity, brimming
with symbols and emotions.

•    Movement self-winding mechanical movement with a frequency of 28,800 Vph            Entirely manufactured in Switzerland
•    Water-resistance 100 meters
•    Case  steel  satin-finished and PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) treated
•    Dial superimposed on 5 levels with different shades of black, the dial features:
•    Engraved “Black Belt” and stamped with its emblematic representation;
•    The background’s pattern emulates the fabric used for kimonos;
•    The hands replicate a Shinai, the traditional bamboo sword used for practice in  Kendo
•    Bezel steel sandblasted and stamped with polished Kanji characters
•    Caseback engraved “For Black Belts Only” in 5N rose gold
•    Strap processed “Alzavel waterproof” calfskin and high-tech pierced rubber that is reminiscent of a kimono’s texture
•    Guarantee 24 months

The unique Black Belt Watch has been manufactured to mirror 7 virtues of the Bushido Martial Art. A tribute to samurai warriors’ code, this model has been especially created for black belt fighters, who practice different styles of martial arts all over the world. All practitioners are demanded to submit official rank certificates. The Black Belt Watch pledges its support to the "Little Dreams" foundation and transfers a certain amount of its sales to the "No Difference" cause. The latter represents a program, which focuses on offering young disabled people an opportunity to practice a Martial Art, they show an avid interest in. To honor the Bushido Martial Art, the black belt holders, Claudio Alessi and Yvan Arpa entered into a partnership with Swiss timepiece manufacturers and produced a watch, marked with Gi Rectitude, Yu Courage, Jin Benevolence, Rei Respect , Makoto Honesty, Meiyo Honor, Chugi Loyalty.

The eminent Martial Arts master, Claudio Allesi was conferred a title of the winner in the course of World Championship and some European and Swiss Championships. Another great achievement of this outstanding personality is the development of a special technique of teaching Martial Arts to handicapped people. After many years of dedicated practice in the domain of Martial Arts and participation in 14 karate final matches, Yvan Arpa chose to explore new horizons and tried his hand in the field of watchmaking. His perfect marketing vision contributed to the outstanding success of Sector No limit, the Hublot Big Bang and Romain Jerome “DNA of Famous Legends”. He manufactured two extremely innovative collections, “Titanic-DNA” and “Moon Dust-DNA”, distinguished by bold design and excellent prowess.

The Black Belt Watch is a true incarnation of Arpa’s creative approach towards developing exclusive horological pieces. The watch employs a case, exposing a satin finish and PVD-coating. The case is fitted with a steel sandblasted bezel, stamped with polished Kanji characters. The case-back bears the engraving “For Black Belts Only”. The Black Belt Watch dial also features the engraving, which reads “Black Belt”. The pattern, depicted on the dial’s background, duplicates the fabric, used for kimonos. The hands, meanwhile, echo a Shinai, a conventional bamboo sword used for practice in Kendo. The timepiece is powered by an automatic mechanical movement, entirely executed in Switzerland. It features a balance wheel, moving back and forth at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Fitting this model is a strap, made of processed “Alzavel waterproof” calfskin and high-tech pierced rubber, which resembles a kimono’s texture. The Black Belt Watch provides 100-meter water-resistance.