This watch

An exceptionally preserved and eye-catching Swiss full hunter pocket watch from the acclaimed Alpina Union Horlogère, distinguished by its stunning, intricate Niello silver work and an incredibly clean dial.

This is a show-stopping timepiece from the early 1930s, an era when the Alpina Union Horlogère was consolidating its reputation for high-quality Swiss watchmaking. The watch is housed in a very desirable full hunter case crafted from solid silver which is further enhanced by exquisite Niello decoration.

The Niello technique involves inlaying a black mixture of metals (sulphur, copper, silver, and lead) into engraved lines on the silver surface, which is then fired and polished to create a high-contrast, permanent design. The detailed, geometric patterns on this case perfectly capture the spirit of the Art Deco movement. It is in fantastic, almost unused condition, a rarity for Niello work which is often prone to chipping. The case also maintains a surprisingly slim profile for a full hunter.

Opening the cover reveals a stunning original Eggshell dial with crisp gilt breguet style Arabic numerals—a traditional font that offers maximum legibility along with foutaint pen / open diamond style hands, The dial is signed "Alpina". The movement is a high-grade Swiss lever calibre, fully signed by Alpina, a company that by this time was transitioning into an independent manufacture.

This watch is a testament to the artistry of early 20th-century Swiss case makers and the high standards of Alpina.

Extra Points

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 introduced 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 the Swiss and German markets. Frederique Constant bought 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 which included Arnold & Son under La Joux-Perret.

Vintage Alpina Pocket Watch in “All Quiet on the Western Front”, image credit: Netflix

Read the Oracle Time article on the above HERE!

What We Think

The quality of the Niello work on this watch is what truly makes it a unique antique gem. The process was highly time-consuming, costly, and toxic, making genuinely well-preserved examples extremely scarce today. The level of detail and the sheer pristine condition of the black inlay on the silver base suggests this watch saw very little use throughout its life—it is a collector's dream.

Alpina's background as a watchmakers' cooperative (Union Horlogère) gave them access to a wide range of top-quality components and specialized suppliers. While Alpina is historically known for its rugged "Alpiner 4" sports watches, this pocket watch demonstrates their commitment to high-end, decorative pieces in the luxury market of the 1930s.

The combination of a clean, reliable Swiss movement with a spectacularly decorated case makes this a real show stopper. The crispness of the dial and the lack of wear on the intricate Niello pattern mean this watch looks almost as perfect as the day it was sold nearly a century ago.

Spec Stuff