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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAt Geneva Watch Days 2024, Alpina’s reported releases ranged from vintage-inspired Heritage Automatics to a 200 m-rated open-worked Alpiner Extreme, while Frédérique Constant’s lineup ran from quartz rectangular watches to limited-run Manufacture models with a tourbillon or moonphase and date. The comparison below follows the models covered in Fratello’s August 30 report; it is not a complete inventory of either brand’s launches.
What Geneva Watch Days 2024 was
The fifth edition ran from August 29 to September 2, 2024. The event describes itself as a collaborative, self-managed gathering: participating brands share an exhibition while retaining the freedom to present at decentralized venues. Its official post-event release named both Alpina and Frédérique Constant Group among the participants. The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie also partnered with the event and scheduled guided tours and watchmaking demonstrations. Geneva Watch Days’ official post-event release and the FHH programme announcement provide the event details. Phillips reported that more than 50 brands took part and described the edition as the largest and most successful to date; that superlative is Phillips’ characterization, not an independently verified record. Phillips’ event coverage.
The model details and euro amounts below are those reported by Jorg Weppelink for Fratello on August 30, 2024. Prices are historical launch prices, not current quotes or confirmation of present availability. Read the contemporaneous Fratello release overview.
What Alpina presented
Heritage Automatic: two restrained, retro-styled versions
Both reported Heritage Automatic variants use a 38 mm straight-lug stainless-steel case, a box-type sapphire crystal, 30 m water resistance and a reported thickness of 10.15 mm. Inside is the AL-520 automatic caliber, based on the Sellita SW200-1, with a 38-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Both are paired with black calfskin straps and use blue PVD-treated hands.
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- Beige dial: black printed Arabic numerals and a seconds/minutes track.
- Beige-and-silver dial: a beige center, silver-colored outer ring with sunray finish, and bronze-colored printed numerals.
Alpiner Extreme Skeleton Automatic: sporty and more water-resistant
The open-worked Alpiner Extreme is the sportier contrast in Alpina’s reported releases. Its brushed and polished steel case measures 39 mm across and 11.5 mm thick, with a screw-down crown and a 200 m depth rating. The AL-520 Skeleton caliber is visible through a sapphire display back.
- One version has a gray open-worked dial and steel bracelet.
- The other has a blue open-worked dial and blue rubber strap.
What Frédérique Constant presented
Classics Carrée Small Seconds: compact quartz dress watches
The three reported Carrée Small Seconds models share a rectangular 25.2 × 36 mm case, 5.85 mm thickness, 30 m water resistance and FC-235 quartz movement. Fratello reported a 25-month battery life. Two variants have steel cases and matte silver-colored dials with black Roman numerals:
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| Version | Reported details | 2024 reported launch price |
|---|---|---|
| Steel case, black calf-leather strap | Matte silver-colored dial; black Roman numerals | €895 |
| Steel case, seven-row steel bracelet | Matte silver-colored dial; black Roman numerals | €995 |
| Diamond-set version | 158 diamonds totaling 1.185 carats | €3,895 |
Fratello said the Carrée models were not aimed exclusively at women and suggested they could also suit men with smaller wrists. That is the article’s assessment, not a universal fit guarantee; wrist proportions and personal preference matter.
Classic Tourbillon Manufacture: blue aventurine and a tourbillon
The covered white-gold version pairs a blue aventurine dial with a 39 mm case measuring 10.99 mm thick and rated to 30 m water resistance. Its automatic in-house FC-980-4 caliber has a 60-second tourbillon, a silicon escapement wheel and anchor, 188 parts, 33 jewels and a reported 38-hour power reserve. Fratello described a 36-piece limited series with a blue alligator strap and a 2024 reported launch price of €39,995.
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Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture: malachite, pointer date and moonphase
This white-gold execution has a green malachite dial displaying a pointer date and moonphase. The case measures 40 mm across and 12.4 mm thick, with 30 m water resistance. The automatic FC-716 caliber is reported at 28,800 vibrations per hour, 26 jewels and a 72-hour power reserve. The report described a 36-piece limited series and a 2024 reported launch price of €29,995.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare the reported releases
| Watch | Case and water resistance | Movement or defining feature | Reported wearing configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpina Heritage Automatic | 38 mm; 30 m | AL-520 automatic; 38-hour reserve | Black calfskin strap; two beige-based dial treatments |
| Alpina Alpiner Extreme Skeleton Automatic | 39 mm; 200 m | AL-520 Skeleton; open-worked dial | Steel bracelet with gray dial, or blue rubber strap with blue dial |
| Frédérique Constant Classics Carrée Small Seconds | 25.2 × 36 mm; 30 m | FC-235 quartz; reported 25-month battery life | Black calf-leather strap, seven-row steel bracelet, or diamond-set version |
| Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Manufacture | 39 mm; 30 m | FC-980-4 automatic; 60-second tourbillon | Blue aventurine dial; blue alligator strap |
| Frédérique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture | 40 mm; 30 m | FC-716 automatic; pointer date and moonphase; 72-hour reserve | Green malachite dial |
The clearest practical divide is purpose and complication. The Alpiner Extreme is the only watch here with a 200 m rating; the remaining reported models are rated to 30 m. The Carrée is the smallest and thinnest described case and the only quartz watch in the group. At the more complicated end, Frédérique Constant’s Manufacture models distinguish themselves through a tourbillon or combined date-and-moonphase display. Dial material or finish and the included strap or bracelet further separate versions that otherwise share a model family.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
