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Alpina Heritage Tropic-Proof Handwinding Watch

Color: Black  · Ref: AL-480B2H6
$1,895
Color: Black
Authenticity
Authorized Alpina dealer
Warranty
Official Alpina warranty
Shipping
Free · DHL Express
Returns
30 days from delivery

Overview

Alpina Heritage Tropic-Proof Handwinding Watch with Black Dial.

The Heritage collection revisits models from the Alpina archive in stainless steel with sapphire crystals. The Tropic-Proof revives the adventurer’s watch Alpina built in the 1960s. The original was developed after the Second World War for tropical climates, with the ‘FB’ case by François Borgel. This stainless steel case measures 34 mm and is 9.25 mm thick.

The AL-480 hand-wound caliber powers the hours, minutes, and seconds beneath a glassbox sapphire crystal. The watch has a solid case back.

The glossy black dial features specific indexes. Hand-polished silver dauphine hands have beige Luminova details that recall the era of air travel. A beige Alcantara strap fastens with a pin buckle.

At a glance
  • Hand-wound AL-480 caliber · 42-hour reserve
  • Alcantara strap
  • Glossy dial · beige luminescent details

Specs

Type
Hand-wound
Diameter
34 mm
Crystal
Sapphire
Rating
3 atm
Type
Buckle
Country of manufacture
Switzerland
Movement
Type Hand-wound
Calibre AL-480
Power reserve 42 Hours
Frequency 28800 A/h
Jewels 17 jewels
Case
Material Stainless steel
Diameter 34 mm
Thickness 9.25 mm
Crystal Sapphire
Dial
Color Black
Water resistance
Rating 3 atm
Strap
Material Alcantara
Color Beige
Clasp
Type Buckle
General
Gender Unisex
Country of manufacture Switzerland
Warranty 3 years

Questions & Answers

Where do the Heritage designs come from?

They draw on models from the Alpina archive, updated with present-day materials such as sapphire crystal. Gottlieb Hauser founded Alpina in 1883, and Alpina produces and assembles its movements and watches at its manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva.

Why is it called Tropic-Proof?

The original was built to stay robust and reliable in tropical climates. It was born after the Second World War for travelers and adventurers, with a case by François Borgel and a Swiss caliber.

How often does it need winding?

The AL-480 runs about 42 hours from a full wind, so a few turns of the crown each morning keep it going. Stop turning the crown when you feel resistance.

How resistant is the crystal to scratches?

Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond, so few materials encountered in everyday wear will scratch it, and it stays clear for the life of the watch.

Still have questions? Talk to a specialist

Verified Reviews

FAQ

Yes, we are an Official Alpina Authorized Dealer, and an authorized dealer for every brand we carry.

With over 15 years in the luxury market, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every piece we sell.

Your order arrives brand new in its original Alpina packaging, with all official documentation and the Alpina warranty card, stamped and dated by us.

The warranty covers manufacturing defects. It doesn't cover normal wear and tear or accidental damage — and on watches, it doesn't cover straps, bracelets, or batteries.

Questions about a specific piece? Our specialists are happy to help.

Please contact our team.

You'll find availability on every product page, right above the Add to Cart button. Here's what each status means:

"In stock, ships within 24 hours" or "Only X units left" — the item is in our warehouse and ships the next business day after you order.

"In stock, ships within X days" — the item is held at our secondary warehouse. We allow a few days to inspect and authenticate it before it ships.

"Check delivery date" — the item is available to order, but we confirm the exact date with the brand. As soon as you order, we contact the manufacturer and email you an estimated delivery date.

Need something by a specific date? Tell us and we'll check before you buy. [Contact our team →]

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  • Orders from $150 to $249.99 ship DHL Express for a flat $9.90
  • Orders under $150 ship DHL Express for a flat $19.90

Every order ships with a tracking number, so you can follow your package every step of the way. Shipments are fully insured and delivered by DHL Express with signature required.

Most in-stock orders arrive within 2–3 business days, depending on your location.

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The price you pay at checkout is the final price of the item delivered to your address.

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No handling charges, no processing fees, nothing added at the door.

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  • Credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay — one-tap checkout, nothing to type
  • PayPal — with PayPal Buyer Protection on every purchase
  • Bank wire transfer — often the preference on higher-value orders

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Financing. Choose PayPal at checkout and you may be offered the option to split your purchase into payments or finance it over time, including interest-free plans on qualifying orders. You'll see exactly what's available for your order before you confirm — plans, terms, and eligibility are set by PayPal and subject to their approval, with no obligation to take it.

Paying by wire, or buying more than one piece? [Contact our team →] and we'll take care of you personally.

You have 30 days from delivery to return your order.

How returns work. Just let us know and we'll email you a prepaid DHL Express return label — you never have to arrange a shipment or pay anything up front. The return shipping cost is deducted from your refund. If the item arrived damaged or wasn't what you ordered, the return is on us.

Your refund options.

  • Store credit (issued as a gift card) — processed almost immediately once your return reaches us
  • Refund to your original payment method — typically 5–10 business days to appear, depending on your bank or card issuer

To qualify for a full refund, the item must:

  • Be unused and in perfect condition, with no signs of wear
  • Include its original packaging and outer box
  • Include all original documentation, accessories, and the warranty card

Not sure whether something qualifies? Ask us before you ship it back — we'll tell you straight. Contact our team.

TALK TO A SPECIALIST

Still have questions?

Our specialists are here before and after you buy — no pressure, no obligation. Authorized dealer, official warranty, and guaranteed authenticity on every piece.