Named 'Régulateur 1883' in reference to the year Alpina was founded, Alpina introduced a new model in 2005. In 2002, Alpina Watch International SA was acquired by Frédérique Constant SA, returning the company to Switzerland, and Alpina watches were relaunched worldwide. In 1972, struggling Alpina Watch International SA was incorporated with new German investors, which purchased all shares in Alpina Union Horlogère SA and settled the company in Koln, Germany, limiting its distribution to the German market. Other major brands got together to form groups (predecessor of the Swatch Group), but Alpina tried to fight it alone without really succeeding. Alpina was unable to counter the emergence of electronic watches. The company generally managed its business well until the 1970s, when quartz watch movements emerged and had a severe effect on the entire Swiss watch industry. Lange & Sohne who even went so far as to take Alpina to court – unsuccessfully. In 1912, the first Alpina Chronometer Glashütte was finalized and this model competed directly against the watch making of the likes of A. Together with qualified manufactures, the Association started to develop its own calibres and to enlarge its distribution network. Quickly, the new concept gained acceptance. All representatives of Union Horlogère depended on the Association, which aimed to sell watches under the Alpina brand. A number of watchmakers joined together as the Union Horlogère Suisse to purchase watch components and organize their manufacturing.

Alpina watch company history