Alpina Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre: Durable solar-powered watches from Switzerland

Solar Technology, Swiss Style

Light-powered watches come in all shapes and sizes, but I love adventurous models that make the most of being outdoors—and that’s exactly what Alpina has achieved by perfectly combining its most rugged design with a solar-powered movement. This is clearly a well-thought-out project, so let’s take a closer look at the details and get to know this latest Swiss innovation.

The standout feature of the Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre watch is hidden beneath the sapphire crystal. The dial is the most important part of any solar-powered watch, as it allows light to pass through to the solar cells beneath it. Early versions of these watches often looked as if you were wearing a solar panel on your wrist—a shiny black surface dominating the entire dial, which significantly limited design options. Alpina, however, has developed a dial that perfectly complements the existing Extreme design while still allowing enough light to pass through to power the watch.

The extreme design remains

The signature angular design found throughout the Alpiner Extreme collection remains intact. The concept of a sports watch with a bold, textured dial is now commonplace in watchmaking, and Alpina makes full use of it here. The wide range of dial colors is also a nice bonus—you don’t have to wait for your dream color to become available.

A practical dial with applied luminescent hour markers, including a triangular marker at the 12 o’clock position. This cleverly echoes the “lume pip” on rotating bezels and adds a playful touch. Just shine a light on the watch, step into a dark environment, and an incredible scene unfolds. The second hand adds the perfect finishing touch.

When it comes to durability, precision, and reliability, there’s no question about it—they’re the perfect companion for your next adventure. For an affordable price of less than 30,000 CZK, you can now enjoy Swiss-made precision to the fullest.

The date window is located at the 3 o’clock position. It doesn’t disrupt the symmetry at all; it’s just the right size and, most importantly, it’s practical.

While some watch dials are unnecessarily cluttered, Alpina opts for minimalism. The obligatory brand name, a nod to history, and a hint at new technology. That’s all you need to know.

Compact size, high durability

The round bezel is secured to the center of the case with screws that carry the triangular motif from the dial onto their heads. And if anyone were tempted to remove them, they would need a special tool. The same is true on the other side, at the case back. So this is a subtle signal from the manufacturer to say: “No, definitely don’t tinker with this watch—it will work just fine without your interference.”

Video Review: Alpina Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre

Although this type of case often looks bulky and can easily be mistaken for an oversized diver’s watch, the model has a diameter of just 37.5 mm and a thickness of 10.19 mm—ideal mid-size dimensions suitable for virtually any wrist. Even a woman’s wrist. You’ll appreciate its 100-meter water resistance, as this watch is designed to withstand all your summer adventures and let you make the most of them.

Everything here feels well-thought-out and technically sophisticated. Both the case and the crown are protected by steel blocks, which further emphasize the rugged look. That, in fact, is one of the things we love about Alpina. And that oversized crown really appeals to me.

AL-140 Solar-Powered Watch

The key metrics to consider for a solar-powered watch are the charging time and how long the watch retains its charge when fully charged. The AL-140 caliber does not disappoint in these respects. You can leave it in a dark drawer for 10 months without any light—as long as it was fully charged beforehand, it will be just fine. Once you take it out, it only takes 10 seconds of light to get it running again and just one minute of exposure to keep it going for a whole day. They can be charged by both natural and artificial light, so unless you happen to go down a coal mine for an extended period, the Solarmeters will keep ticking.

However, these are technical specifications that I wouldn’t worry too much about. Definitely wear them—they’ll reward you with a long lifespan. Every flower needs light, and the same goes for solar-powered watches.

The rubber strap feels perfect from the very first time you put it on. It’s comfortable, doesn’t attract dust, and feels very durable. Thanks to the integrated design that fits snugly into the lugs, you’ll enjoy wearing it every day. The watch stays securely in place and won’t slide around unnecessarily on your wrist.

Outdoor Without Compromise

Outdoor watches should be designed so that you can put them on and not have to worry about a thing. You don’t have to worry about scratches or the battery dying in the middle of the mountains. The Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre checks all these boxes perfectly.

When it comes to durability, precision, or reliability, there’s no question about it—they’re the perfect companion for your next adventure. For an affordable price of less than 30,000 CZK, you can now enjoy Swiss-made precision to the fullest. All that’s left is to choose the dial color…

Specifications

• Reference: AL-140N3AE6
• dimensions: 37.50 x 38.90 x 10.19 mm
• Power source: AL-140 solar
• glass: sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 100 m