Snow-capped peaks and oceanic expanses. Two antipodal images that have nothing in common. At least apparently. In both cases, these are extreme environments, and tackling them requires preparation and courage.
Arkea Ultim Challenge Regatta
Exactly what moves participants in the Arkea Ultim Challenge regatta, or surfers dominating waves as high as a building. That, in a nutshell, is what connects a brand like Alpina, whose logo is an homage to the silhouette of the Matterhorn, with the sea and the most dangerous water sports.
In September, the Swiss brand, founded in 1883, will return to distribution in Italy after a long absence, and the many partnerships with the world of the sea are in line with the philosophy that has always moved the company. “We want the public to connect our name to these kinds of events because these athletes are perpetually looking for the best performance in the most challenging conditions, which is what Alpina has always tried to do with its products,” explains Alpina Ceo Oliver van Lanschot Hubrecht. In 1938, the Alpina 4 was launched that was resistant to the four main enemies of any watch: moisture, shock, magnetism and corrosion.
10 Seastrong as inspiration
In 1969, the 10 Seastrong was born, which met no less than 10 parameters of robustness, including resistance to pressure of 20 atmospheres, thanks to the Supercompressor case (which “self-sealed” by taking advantage of increased water pressure) and was equipped with an inner bezel operable via the crown at 2 o’clock. That legacy of technology and daring is the source for today’s models.
The Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage has the same look as its predecessor, complete with a double crown (screw-locked) and rotating inner bezel, but it withstands a pressure of 30 atmospheres and also comes in a pleasant green hue, while the contemporary version of the Alpina 4 is called the Alpiner 4, withstands 10 atmospheres and is powered by a Sellita SW 200 automatic movement with 38 hours of power reserve. Even more high-performance are the models in the Seastrong Extreme collection, named after the steel case composed of 4 elements. Steel solotempo or gmt resistant to the pressure of 30 atrmspheres, all equipped with Sellita automatic movement and recognizable by the dial decorated with the typical triangle motif, inspired by the brand’s logo.
Also belonging to this collection is the limited edition dedicated to the Arkea Ultim Challenge regatta (in two versions, blue or white of 150 pieces each) characterized by the event logo printed in red at 6 o’clock, above the date window. It was with one of these watches on his wrist that French sailor Eric Peron tackled the first edition of the Ultim Challenge, held between January 7 and March 13. A solo round-the-world race starting in Brest, heading south in the Atlantic Ocean, passing the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn to return to Brest. All on catamarans equipped with the latest generation of foils, but without any assistance. A pioneering feat that represents one of the toughest tests for men and means, including the Seastrong that accompanied Eric Peron during his epic crossing.
Francesco Patti
