{"product_id":"alpina-disco-volante-rare-double-signed-black-gilt-dial-circa-1938","title":"Alpina ‘Disco Volante’ – Rare Double-Signed Black Gilt Dial, circa 1938","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptionally rare Alpina ‘Disco Volante’ from the late 1930s, featuring a beautiful black gilt dial with an unusual double signature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat makes this particular example especially interesting is the original signature of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eC. Ismer \u0026amp; Co., a prestigious watchmaker and jeweller established in Shanghai, China, in 1886\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. During the 1930s, the company was located at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e134 Nanking Road, Shanghai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, one of the city’s most prominent shopping streets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe retailer’s name appears directly beneath the Alpina signature on the dial, making this an exceptionally interesting double-signed example. In over 25 years of dealing in vintage watches, we have never encountered another Alpina with this particular retailer signature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe watch features a distinctive 31 mm lugless case made from Staybrite stainless steel, giving it a remarkable wrist presence despite its modest dimensions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe beautiful black gilt dial features golden numerals, a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock and attractive signs of natural ageing. Another remarkable detail is the original faceted plexiglass, rarely encountered on watches from this period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowered by an Alpina manual-winding movement, this is a wonderful example of pre-war Swiss watchmaking, made even more special by its fascinating connection to historic Shanghai.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA truly rare and highly collectible Alpina with an extraordinary double-signed dial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alpina","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59824353444165,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1089\/4363\/8853\/files\/do01014443.jpg?v=1792505886","url":"https:\/\/cosimo-watches.com\/products\/alpina-disco-volante-rare-double-signed-black-gilt-dial-circa-1938","provider":"cosimo-watches","version":"1.0","type":"link"}