Alpina, who raised its position to an upper level among the entry-level Swiss brands with its successful models that are released in recent years, introduced its latest pilot watch collection, Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage.
Just like many watch enthusiasts, I prepared myself for a classic Nav B Uhr style pilot’s watch after seeing the words Pilot and Heritage together in the new model’s name. However, what we have got here is quite different than expected as Alpina preferred 1970s style when designing its latest pilot watch instead of WWII era.
Alpina Dispomatic Alarm Automatic - 1970
Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage comes in a Tonneau style case, which has been opted by many brands in 1970s and often called funky like the fashion and art movements of the same era. The case that employs both satin brushed and mirror polished surfaces measures 42mm in diameter and 12mm in height. Despite the modern, largish size, the smooth lines and reasonable height of the case promises a comfortable wrist feel. Equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the front face and a solid case back decorated with an embossed Alpina logo at the rear face, the case does not compromise sportiness by being water resistant to 100 meters / 10 bars. There are a pair of winding crowns on the right side of the case.
The new collection includes four different dial options as anthracite, light blue, navy blue and salmon. Inspired by the 1970s like the case, the dials offer baton style hands and indices over Sun Ray finished backgrounds that bring the model’s retro character to the forefront. The dials are designed in sector style that we remember from models like Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox, offers a central sub-dial for displaying the second time zone and a date window at 3 o’clock. The center second hand is also finished in red to match with the model’s vintage vibes.
Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage is powered by the Caliber Ref. AL-555. Sellita based self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers a 38-hour power reserve when fully wound. 26 jewels movement manages to elevates the model to upper levels in its price range with the independently adjustable GMT module.
All models are offered on brown and black calf leather straps decorated with contrasting white stitches. Straps are secured by Alpina signed stainless steel buckles.
The MSRP for all models is 1.295 €, which is an aggressive figure in the price range where the collection belongs to.
