Today, we will practically examine the solar watch from Alpina called the Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre.
Honestly, I am not overly enthusiastic about quartz watches or watches with solar mechanisms. Undoubtedly, they are highly efficient, accurate, and the technical aspects of their solar charging are intriguing. However, many enthusiasts, myself included, prefer more complex mechanical mechanisms with gears. This is comparable to choosing between a manual and automatic transmission in cars, as well as modern hybrid and electric systems.
Nevertheless, Alpina is a magnificent watch brand, and there is nothing wrong with the company broadening its horizons by mastering new technologies. The Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre is Alpina's first solar-powered watch. The main advantage is retaining Alpina's characteristic features: high build quality, sporting heritage, and reasonable pricing, while housing the Swiss solar caliber AL-140 instead of the usual Sellita movements or Alpina's own automatic calibers.
Case Design
Despite the shift to a solar quartz mechanism, Alpina has not abandoned its design roots, and the watch's appearance feels very familiar. A quick look shows that the case fully replicates the shape of other Alpiner Extreme models with the automatic Alpina AL-525 caliber based on the Sellita SW200-1. This is a positive aspect: instead of using a standard round case for the quartz mechanism, Alpina retained the signature cushion-shaped case with smoothly rounded corners. On top is a perfectly round bezel, adding visual complexity and harmoniously complementing the overall look of the watch.
Upon closer inspection, the bezel reveals exposed screws with triangular heads, which are not only decorative but also functional. Their shape echoes the Alpina mountain logo - a theme found throughout the watch's details. The glass is flush with the bezel, giving the watch a modern appearance and eliminating the retro dome effect. The flat glass emphasizes the thin profile of the case - only 8.35 mm. When worn, the watch does not feel this thin, possibly due to the complex case shape with many facets and angles visible from the side view.
The strap lugs are short and massive, without curvature, giving the watch a somewhat "rugged" feel on a 16.5 cm wrist, but without excessive protrusion. The crown is well-proportioned to the case, easy to grip thanks to its knurling, and looks aesthetically pleasing. It is slightly recessed into the side protrusion of the case, which can be considered shallow protective "wings" for the crown.
Dial
At first, the dial seemed ghostly to me: light gray with a touch of faded white and alternating triangular mountain emblems. This has functional significance - it is Alpina's technical achievement that enables solar battery charging through the dial itself. Many modern solar watches have a visible photovoltaic layer beneath the dial surface, often perceived as a design flaw.
Alpina circumvented this issue by creating a visually opaque dial, which still allows enough light through for effective energy absorption. This delicate balance means the dial appears 90% like a regular one, adding uniqueness to Alpina's first solar watch.
The rest of the dial layout is restrained: a classic date window at the "3 o'clock" position, the full brand logo at "12 o'clock," and a barely noticeable "Solarmetre" inscription at "6 o'clock," highlighting the solar heart of the watch. The hands and hour markers are as neat and "clinical" as possible - typical for Swiss watchmakers.
The white lume and silver elements on the light dial background create a clean and strict image. Despite the case thickness of just 8.35 mm, the dial is set deeply enough within the case to allow room for the inclined minute scale on the periphery. The markers are applied, and the minute and hour hands have a soft "dauphine" shape, closer to a faceted sword. The second hand is long and thin, reaching the minute scale and adorned with a light blue triangular counterweight.
Final Opinion
If you like the design of the mechanical Alpiner Extreme collection but want the convenience of a 10-month power reserve from a solar battery, the Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre is an excellent choice. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist, although at 37.5 mm diameter on my 16.5 cm wrist, it seems slightly large and sporty. However, it eliminates issues with mechanical watch maintenance, accuracy, and power reserve. Naturally, with these advantages, you lose the pleasure of a mechanical movement.
Alpina has created a unique dial, but in everyday wear, it seems a bit dull due to the flat "ghostly" shade. There is a compromise between perfectly sharp appearance and solar charging functionality - not critical, but noticeable. Otherwise, the watch is executed in Alpina's proven design, which the brand has used for decades, and if you are a fan of this manufacturer, you are unlikely to be disappointed.