Two Broke Watch Snobs
Alpina Wants $1,372 for a Solar Quartz Pilot Watch. Hear Me Out
Alpina brings solar power to the Startimer Pilot with a compact 38mm case and a La Joux-Perret-developed movement with 10 months of autonomy.
Results for Alpina
100 articles · 2 videos found · page 1 of 4
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Worn & Wound
Alpina Expands their Solar Quartz Offerings with New Startimer Pilot Solarmetre References
As part of their Geneva Watch Days presentation, Alpina unveiled several new solar quartz references in their Solarmetre line, which effectively places solar quartz movements made by La Joux-Perret in familiar Alpina references. It’s about the most natural move possible from a business perspective. Alpina and La Joux-Perret are both owned by the Citizen Group, who of course make Citizen watches and have been leaning heavily into solar quartz technology for years. The Alpina watches sit at a higher price point than the average Citizen, so the expansion of solar quartz across Alpina’s collection naturally begins an interesting conversation about value for enthusiasts who might have an interest in both brands. The core of the release last week would have to be a trio of new Startimer Pilot Solarmetre watches. These are solar quartz powered versions of the still new Alpina pilot watch introduced earlier this year at Watches & Wonders. I think the value here is in the particular way these watches take advantage of the smaller La Joux-Perret quartz movement compared to their mechanical counterparts. The mechanical versions of these watches measure 40mm in diameter and a hair over 10mm tall, while the Solarmetre watches come in at 38mm wide and 9.3mm thick. That’s a meaningful difference in size, with the added grab and go benefits of solar quartz (Alpina says the AL-140 movements here will run for 10 months in total darkness, and of course it doesn’t take much light to...
Worn & Wound
A Night of Watches and Enthusiasm in Salt Lake and Officially Introducing Worn & Wound Recommended
On August 27, Worn & Wound headed west for an evening of watches, good conversation, and plenty of time spent with fellow enthusiasts. Hosted with Citizen Watch America at Morgan Jewelers’ Center of Brilliance in Murray, Utah, the event brought together members of the local watch community and Morgan Jewelers’ clientele for a night of exploring, learning, and, of course, talking watches. With rare and unique watches from Citizen, Bulova, Accutron, Alpina, and Frédérique Constant on hand, there was plenty to see and plenty of reasons to linger. Attendees were able to get watches out of the case and onto their wrists, compare notes, ask questions, and learn from both the brands and one another. And, as tends to happen when a room is full of watch people, the conversation quickly moved well beyond the watches on display. There were plenty of highlights, including the Citizen Eco-Drive Photon, celebrating 50 years of Eco-Drive, as well as the limited-edition Hand-dyed Indigo Washi Paper Dial. Accutron brought its Spaceview 314, while Bulova showed off the retro-styled Super Seville Precisionist. Frédérique Constant and Alpina rounded out the mix with everything from an in-house worldtimer to the solar-powered Alpiner Extreme. But the watches were only half the fun. Enthusiasts mixed and mingled with Morgan Jewelers’ clientele throughout the evening, sharing collecting stories, swapping wrist shots, and helping one another discover something new. Some left with new kn...
Hodinkee
Introducing: Alpina Catches Rays And Light With New Startimer Pilot Solarmetre And Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre X Route Du Rhum
What We Know Alpina, the value-driven, adventure and outdoor Swiss watch brand, is chasing the sun (and artificial light) with some of its new releases. The brand is now, across more models, utilizing solar quartz movements manufactured by La Joux-Perret, the Swiss movement maker majority-owned by Japan's Citizen Group, which also controls Frederique Constant and Alpina. Solarmetre quartz movements are now available in both the updated Startimer Pilot and Alpiner Extreme models. Solar quartz is a natural fit for Alpina, bringing more reliability, accuracy, convenience, thinness, and value to its lineup. Both Solarmetre quartz models are priced at $1,495, offering an aggressively priced entry point into the brand with a movement also found in LVMH-owned watch brands, including TAG Heuer. The AL-140 caliber, solar quartz by La Joux-Perret, runs for up to 10 months in total darkness after a full charge, boosting the grab-and-go appeal. The shift to solar quartz (both model lines remain available in mechanical automatic versions as well) makes these pieces more practical while shaving millimeters from the case measurements and significant dollars from the price. Let's start with the solar Pilot Startimer. The new look for the pilot watch model was unveiled at Watches and Wonders this year, and now, amid the slew of releases for Geneva Watch Days, Alpina is giving us the Startimer Pilot Solarmetre. Available in three versions: two steel-cased models and one in sand-colo...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Alpina Turned Its Compact Automatic Dive Watch Into a Navigation Tool
Alpina’s 39mm Seastrong Dive Watch pairs 300m water resistance with a compass bezel, Atlantic-inspired dial, and limited production.
Video
Alpina Startimer: A new challenger in Pilot watches
For inquiries and collabs: twtw.mike@gmail.com
Monochrome
First Look - The Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic Route du Rhum in Turquoise
After recent releases like the Startimer Pilot IFR Chronograph and the slimmer Startimer Pilot Automatic models, Alpina is back with a new watch. The all-new Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic Route du Rhum edition is another iteration of the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic introduced in 2024. This was an interesting release because it brought together Alpina’s […]
Hodinkee
Bring a Loupe: An Alpina-Gruen Techni-Quadron, A Universal Genève "Eric Clapton," A Cartier "Bebe Guillotine," And More
You're halfway through August, Baller. August. The mind positively reels that yesterday saw the first pre-season NFL games, and soon enough even pope-themed hats and baseball games will be in the rearview, and we'll be pulling coats from closets (for those of us in the northern latitudes, anyway). Scorekeeping from last week—the Zodiac Poor Man's Heuer sells tomorrow, the Seiko 7018 passed, and the JLC Master Calendar Meteorite is still available, as is the Patek 5000R. For those who want to know more about the 5000, I strongly encourage you to read this phenomenal article by Edouard Henn on Collectability about the model, which I would have linked last week had I been bright enough to know it existed. Strays Photo courtesy of Interencheres. This Tissot Antimagnetique is worth a serious look, even though it's missing its second hand. Certainly, we'll all be missing plenty of original parts when we're as old as the watch (also, as cool as the model is, it's not so precious that its value would be dinged too much by sourcing a close-enough replacement). If that Harwood from last week's strays got your attention, here's another lovely one. Cartier Pashas have never quickened my pulse, but man oh man, this one's got its hooks in me. Solid gold Polerouter? Solid gold Polerouter. Speaking of gold, this Gubelin is both a) nothing all that special and b) impossibly beautiful, and if those gold offerings still aren't enough for you, fine, here's a Patek 3800/1 from 1995 that come...
Teddy Baldassarre
Our Favorite Tuxedo-Dial Watches In Every Price Range
We pick our favorite watches with tuxedo dials with options ranging from brands like Oris to Serica and Alpina.
Teddy Baldassarre
Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic Review: A Cleaner, Leaner Aviation Watch
Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic goes leaner, cleaner, and more wearable than ever in the collection's latest revamp.
Fratello
Introducing: The Serious And Seriously Good-Looking Watch Angels × Alpina Startimer Pilot Chronograph Automatic IFR
There are pilot’s watches and pilot’s-watch-style watches, and the Watch Angels × Alpina Startimer Pilot Chronograph Automatic IFR falls into the first category. This is a serious watch for serious pilots, not an aviation-inspired chronograph. The watch doesn’t have a vintage-cockpit aesthetic; instead, it’s a mechanical tool watch designed specifically to assist IFR-rated pilots during […] Visit Introducing: The Serious And Seriously Good-Looking Watch Angels × Alpina Startimer Pilot Chronograph Automatic IFR to read the full article.
Video
I've Never Seen Releases Like This! 11 New Watches Just Dropped
11 new watches just dropped - from £1,379 to $72,800. Alpina Solarmetre, Nivada F77 Stone Dials, Straum Expedition Titanium, Grand Seiko SBGW325, Gallet Multichron via Breitling, IWC Ingenieur SL 50th, Lange 1815 Up/...
Monochrome
Introducing - The Watch Angels x Alpina Startimer Pilot IFR Chronograph, a Proper Pilot’s Instrument
Pilot watches have always occupied a special place in watchmaking and in our hearts. Large crowns, legible dials, chronographs, GMT indications, and slide-rule bezels all emerged from real-life needs. Yet despite many decades of looking up to aviation for clues, very few modern pilot watches can actually assist pilots in flight procedures. Most are stylistic […]
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Alpina’s New Startimer Pilot Automatic Leans Further Into Its Military Watch Roots
Alpina updates the Startimer Pilot Automatic with a slimmer 40mm case, bolder applied numerals, and four new dial options.
Fratello
Introducing: The Updated Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic Collection
Alpina revisits one of its most recognizable collections with a fresh update for 2026. The Startimer enters a new era with refined proportions and enhanced legibility. Most notably, Alpina reduces the overall case size by 10 percent. The stainless steel case now measures 40mm in diameter and just 10.14mm thick. As a result, the watch […] Visit Introducing: The Updated Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic Collection to read the full article.
Monochrome
Introducing - The Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic, a Slimmer and More Refined Update
When Alpina showcased the Startimer back in 2011, it revisited its early 20th-century pilot’s watches. A part of the catalogue ever since, the appeal was simple. Clear cockpit styling, solid specifications, and a price that did not push things too far. At the centre of this collection sits the Startimer Pilot Automatic, the uncomplicated three-hander […]
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic Brings A Rugged Redesign To The Swiss Brand's Aviator Watch
The Startimer redesign updates and improves the model that was first launched 15 years ago, paying tribute to the brand's first military watches in the early 20th century.
Time+Tide
Alpina updates its Startimer Pilot collection, celabrating 15 years of the modern collection
Alpina updates its Startimer Pilot Automatic collection with a redesigned case and dials featuring applied solid lumed indices.The post Alpina updates its Startimer Pilot collection, celabrating 15 years of the modern collection appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Monochrome
Introducing - The Snow-White Alpina x Label Noir Alpiner Manufacture Date Special Edition
Renowned for its rugged all-terrain watches for outdoor adventures, Alpina goes off-piste with its new Alpiner Manufacture Date watch made in collaboration with Geneva customisation expert, Label Noir. Reflecting Alpina’s close ties to the alpine world, the Alpina x Label Noir features a snow-white dial and an unprecedented (for the brand) hammered case. The 130-piece […]
Time+Tide
Alpina harnesses the power of the Sun in the new Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre
In a first for the brand, Alpina has placed a solar-powered movement inside its toughest adventure-ready watch.The post Alpina harnesses the power of the Sun in the new Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Monochrome
First Look - The 2025 Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic Freeride World Tour Special Edition
For its ninth year partnering with Alpiner Extreme Automatic Freeride World Tour Special Edition (FWT), Alpina introduces a fresh take on the Alpiner Extreme Automatic, a model positioned at the intersection of traditional Swiss watchmaking and high-altitude sport. While the brand has long aligned itself with alpine culture, this Special Edition, housed in the compact version […]
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Worn & Wound
Worn & Wound
[VIDEO] An Overlooked Vintage Style Dive Watch You Should Consider - Alpina Heritage Diver 300
The post [VIDEO] An Overlooked Vintage Style Dive Watch You Should Consider – Alpina Heritage Diver 300 appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Fratello
Introducing: The Europe-Only Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic With A Different Dial
It’s back - but only in Europe, with a limit of 100 pieces. The Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic Edition Europe exchanges the standard model’s Arabic numerals for stick indexes, creating a more sober and persuasive Art Deco look. Alpina has been on a retro roll lately. Earlier this year, the brand released the Heritage Tropic-Proof, […] Visit Introducing: The Europe-Only Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic With A Different Dial to read the full article.
Monochrome
Introducing - A New Art Deco Dial for the Europe-Only Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic
In a surprising and quite unexpected move, Alpina celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2023 by unveiling a highly limited run of Heritage Carrée Mechanical watches, featuring the authentic calibre 490 hand-wound movement from 1938 inside, restored and presented in a silver case. Following positive reactions and to ensure continuity, the brand introduced non-limited versions in […]
Monochrome
Introducing - The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic 39mm California Dial
Alpina gained a head start in the sports watch market in 1938 with its Alpina 4, a robust model featuring shock and water-resistant properties, anti-magnetic capabilities, and a sturdy steel case. The heavy-duty Alpiner Extreme, revamped in 2022, is the rightful heir of the Alpina 4. Designed for outdoor adventures, the Alpiner Extreme is also […]
Fratello
Introducing: The Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme With A Retro Touch-Up
If you’re looking for an affordable, outspoken sports watch that can handle rough situations, the Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme might be for you. However, the 39mm watch that debuted last year might be too boldly colored for your taste. Alpina fixed that by releasing two new versions - one with a black dial and another […] Visit Introducing: The Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme With A Retro Touch-Up to read the full article.
Monochrome
First Look - New Vintage-Styled Editions of the Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme
Alpina has steadily carved out a niche for robust sports watches that balance land and sea credentials, and the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic is a good example of this dual spirit. Introduced last year in a compact 39mm Extreme cushion-shaped case with 300m water resistance, it was already a natural fusion of the Alpiner’s rugged […]
Fratello
Delightfully Faithful - Hands-On With The Alpina Heritage Tropic-Proof
Alpina dropped two unassuming and atypically subtle watches during this year’s Watches and Wonders. So unassuming, in fact, that they got drowned out by all of the noise made by other manufacturers. Luckily, we had Fratello’s Mike with a keen eye for vintage spotting the Alpina Heritage Tropic-Proof. The two watches impressed him, so I […] Visit Delightfully Faithful - Hands-On With The Alpina Heritage Tropic-Proof to read the full article.
Monochrome
Introducing - The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic 39mm, Now in Titanium
Alpina flexed its powerful sports watch muscles early in the game with its 1938 Alpina 4, a robust model with shock and water-resistance features, anti-magnetic properties and a sturdy steel case. The heavy-duty Alpiner Extreme, released in 2005 and refreshed in 2022, is a worthy descendant of the Alpina 4. Combining its sporty, shaped case […]
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Worn & Wound
Worn & Wound
Tool/Kit: Trekking Through Patagonia with Alpina’s Alpiner Extreme Regulator and Skeleton Automatics
Last year, we introduced you to friend and adventure photographer Nick Stirbis. At the time, he was headed to Iceland and we outfitted him with Alpina’s Seastrong Extreme. A spectacular edition of Tool/Kit was the result. This year, when he notified us of an upcoming expedition to the Patagonia mountains of Chile and Argentina, it was thrilling to hear that once again, Alpina was eager to step up to the challenge. Alpina offered two models from their Alpiner Extreme collection so that both Nick and his climbing partner, Mylz Perry, could experience both the Regulator and Skeleton Automatics among the Patagonian peaks. The post Tool/Kit: Trekking Through Patagonia with Alpina’s Alpiner Extreme Regulator and Skeleton Automatics appeared first on Worn & Wound.