The Alpina AlpinerX is a ?connected? watch that combines a sporty aesthetic with outdoorsy features like a compass, altimeter, UV gauge, and a host of fitness tracking capabilities. The AlpinerX will convert your body?s functions into data-rich charts in its associated app; meanwhile text and phone call notifications from your phone show up on the watch. Connected, indeed.
Though its myriad digital complications are the main story, as a physical object the AlpinerX is a curious item. The hi-tech steel and glass-fiber case material in matte navy blue makes this watch appear to be plastic (to be clear, it is not plastic). There are untidy seams between different sections of the case that look and feel like the edge of cut plastic, and the overall vibe is Swatch-y. That?s unfortunate, given that this hi-tech case, which is incredibly durable, is meant to inspire confidence and adventurousness.Fit is predictably big at 45-millimeters, and I like that Alpina didn?t shrink the lugs out of proportion to try to make the AlpinerX fit more folks. If you?re one who shies away from larger watches, then shy away. The strap is a great piece of matching blue rubber, and the folding clasp is particularly nice in navy blue anodized aluminum. The slightly domed sapphire crystal and solid case back help provide 300-meters of water resistance.
The bi-directional bezel is also rendered in handsome navy blue anodized aluminum. It clicks 120 times per rotation, and when combined with the...