Brand Directory: Alpina

Gottlieb Hauser's story begins in 1883 as an independent watchmaker in Switzerland. His idea, was to create a union of members all being fellow watchmakers in Switzerland who could then share parts, materials and ideas together. This collective was called the “Alpina Swiss Watchmakers Corporation” and they became known as the “Alpinists”.

Inspired by one of the highest summits in Europe - the Matterhorn mountains in Switzerland gave rise to the Alpina Watch logo.

The trademark “Alpina” was registered in 1901, they celebrated its 25th Anniversary and the Alpina motif can be seen for the first time on their high-end calibres and watches created by Gottlieb Hauser.

In 1913 Alpina watches became the preferred supplier of Chronometers for the German Navy which grew to over 810,000 personnel at its peak in 1944.

In 1921 the Alpina watches became a renowned manufacturer and supplier of time instruments for military pilots and they started manufacturing the legendary pilot’s legs watch.

In 1926 Alpina watches introduce the international watch guarantee and became the first watch brand to do so. Seiko released the world's first commercial quartz wristwatch in 1969 and the infamous ‘Quartz Crisis’ began. Reducing the company to sell only to Switzerland and Germany markets. Frederique Constant brought Alpina allowing them to carry on their production from their factory.

In 2016 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd bought the Frédérique Constant Group.

Citizen Group continued to grow its brand acquisitions already owning Bulova as well as Swiss movement manufacturer La Joux-Perret SA that includes Arnold & Son under La Joux-Perret.