First off, Alpina! A brand that really boomed during the 1930s and 1940s, producing watches that embraced just about every innovation of the era. Waterproof cases, chronographs, doctor's watches and the niche of antimagnetic timepieces.
Back in the day, when people actually depended on their watches to tell the time, reliability was everything. Whether in everyday life or at work, a trustworthy timepiece was essential. But what if you worked in an environment where magnetic fields could interfere with your watch's movement?
That's where antimagnetic watches came into play. Watchmakers started introducing special movement modifications and protective constructions, turning magnetic resistance into a genuine selling point. And this particular Alpina took things a little further.
Just look at that wide case construction. With considerably more material surrounding the movement, the case was likely designed to offer an additional degree of protection against magnetic interference. A dedicated watch, possibly aimed at professionals working around magnetic fields.
As an Alpina collector, I've come across a fair number of unusual models over the years, but the Antimagnétique watches remain a particularly rare sight. I would estimate having encountered no more than 30 examples in total, and these oversized 35mm versions? Perhaps just four to seven.
What makes this example especially attractive is the contrast between its substantial case construction and its elegance. The wide open dial, combined with those long, slender leaf hands, makes the watch appear even larger on the wrist.
And yes, this one has definitely lived a life! There are dings and scratches on the case, along with visible discoloration across the dial. But that's exactly the kind of patina I've grown to appreciate. A watch that has survived some 80 years doesn't need to look brand new to be fascinating.
A unusual piece of Alpina history, and certainly not one you come across every day!
————
Brand: Alpina
Model: Antimagnetique
Reference: -
Year: 1940’s
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 35mm diameter (without crown)
Crystal: Acrylic
Caliber: Alpina 586
Bracelet/Strap: Period correct leather strap
First off, Alpina! A brand that really boomed during the 1930s and 1940s, producing watches that embraced just about every innovation of the era. Waterproof cases, chronographs, doctor's watches and the niche of antimagnetic timepieces.
Back in the day, when people actually depended on their watches to tell the time, reliability was everything. Whether in everyday life or at work, a trustworthy timepiece was essential. But what if you worked in an environment where magnetic fields could interfere with your watch's movement?
That's where antimagnetic watches came into play. Watchmakers started introducing special movement modifications and protective constructions, turning magnetic resistance into a genuine selling point. And this particular Alpina took things a little further.
Just look at that wide case construction. With considerably more material surrounding the movement, the case was likely designed to offer an additional degree of protection against magnetic interference. A dedicated watch, possibly aimed at professionals working around magnetic fields.
As an Alpina collector, I've come across a fair number of unusual models over the years, but the Antimagnétique watches remain a particularly rare sight. I would estimate having encountered no more than 30 examples in total, and these oversized 35mm versions? Perhaps just four to seven.
What makes this example especially attractive is the contrast between its substantial case construction and its elegance. The wide open dial, combined with those long, slender leaf hands, makes the watch appear even larger on the wrist.
And yes, this one has definitely lived a life! There are dings and scratches on the case, along with visible discoloration across the dial. But that's exactly the kind of patina I've grown to appreciate. A watch that has survived some 80 years doesn't need to look brand new to be fascinating.
A unusual piece of Alpina history, and certainly not one you come across every day!
————
Brand: Alpina
Model: Antimagnetique
Reference: -
Year: 1940’s
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 35mm diameter (without crown)
Crystal: Acrylic
Caliber: Alpina 586
Bracelet/Strap: Period correct leather strap
