Alpina has really been on a roll this year, introducing quite a number of new watches. Some have been completely new things (say, like the AlpinerX), and others have called up the history and heritage of their brand. The latest is in that latter category, and shall forever be known as the Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage.
It was 50 years ago that Alpina introduced their Alpina 10 Super Compressor watch, which had (of course) a compressor case with 200m WR, and anti-magnetism to protect the movement. This current iteration has boosted the WR to 300m, but has omitted the anti-magnetism (if you want that, check out the Alpiner lineup). I do have a bit of a soft spot for internal timing bezels, as the first automatic watch I owned (a Magrette Regattare 2011) had that feature. For a dive watch, it does make sense, as it won’t be accidentally bumped while you’re on a dive. Just don’t try setting it (with the upper crown) while under the water.
Then again, the Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage may not be quite intended for true dives, paired as it is dark brown leather strap (the brand does include a rubber strap for those headed to the water). The case itself – though in modern proportions of 42mm – does give that vintage compressor feel, and the handset and relatively spartan dial reinforce that feeling. The brown and bronze color scheme may not be precisely period-appropriate, it does bring something to the table that we don’t see as often these days.
It is also worth noting that, while the Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage is certainly bronzed, the case itself is not made of bronze or brass. Here, it’s steel with a bronze PVD coating. That means those of you who consider yourself fans of patina need not really apply. The flip side of that coin is that the finish should remain relatively unchanged (and untarnished) over time, and you really would not run the risk of the watch turning your wrist green, which does happen to some folks with true bronze cases.
The Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage is available now for $1,795 which does put it firmly into the luxury range of dive watches. Perhaps a bit surprising from the brand, but we’re working on getting a loaner in to get some hands-on time, and see how it stacks up against some of the other offerings from the brand. alpinawatches.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage
- Price:$1,795
- Who we think it might be for: You’re a fan of vintage-look dive watches, but don’t like how bronze cases tarnish over time
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?Well, in terms of the entire Alpina catalog, no – I’d probably go more for the Alpiner 4 or GMT Business Hours
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Color-match the date disc
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The color scheme
Tech Specs from Alpina
- Reference: AL-525BR4H4
- Case:
- Stainless steel case with bronze color PVD with internal turning ring
- 42 mm diameter
- 12.3 mm thickness
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Water-resistant up to 30 ATM/300m/1000ft
- Engraved case back
- Screw-in crown and case back
- Movement:
- AL-525 automatic caliber (Sellita SW-200 base)
- 26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28,800 alt/h
- Dial:
- Brown color dial with applied rose gold-plated color indexes
- Internal brown color ring with beige markers
- Date window at 4 o’clock
- Rose gold-plated hours, minutes and seconds hands with beige luminous treatment
- Strap: Dark brown leather strap and extra rubber strap
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
