Swiss watch brand Alpina presents two new limited series of its Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture model, driven by the brand’s 6th in-house movement that was introduced into the collection last year.
These limited series are distinguished by new dials: the first one is grey champagne, the second one is navy blue, and both have a brushed finish. Limited to 188 pieces each, these two watches pay tribute to the historic Alpina calibre, the “bumper”, whose mechanical inspiration can be admired through a sapphire back.
Both models embody the Startimer Pilot Heritage spirit: a cushion case (the only one at Alpina), a vintage “railway” type minutes hand, a crown at 4 o’clock, a calfskin strap with beige top-stitching and beige vintage luminescent indexes which reproduce the natural patina of the Startimers of the time. All of which are deployed on a brushed-finish dial.
The first version, in a gilded yellow gold-plated case, displays a grey champagne dial making the applied Arab numerals and hands very easy to read – a key quality for a watch initially made for pilots. The case is entirely polished, except for its upper surface which repeats the dial’s textured pattern.
The second version has an intense navy-blue dial, also brushed, in a steel case repeating the same alternation of polished and brushed surfaces. Since the dial is in a deep colour, the hands are silver in order to preserve the required readability.
These two Heritage Manufacture creations are driven by an Alpina in-house automatic mechanical movement, the AL-709 calibre, offering 38 hours of power reserve.
Entirely visible through a sapphire back, its oscillating weight repeats the iconic shape of the “bumper” model and follows in its footsteps, now turning 330°.
Each watch, measuring 2×40.75 mm, is certified waterproof to a depth of 100 metres and is limited to 188 pieces.
Technical details
Model: Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture, Reference AL-709AN4SH6
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement
AL-709 in-house caliber, automatic
38-hour power-reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 2-part case
Diameter of 42X40.75 mm
Height of 13.25 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
Water-resistant up to 10ATM/100m/330ft
See-through case back
Dial
Navy blue color dial with vertical brushed finishing, white graduation, and markers with beige luminous treatment
Applied silver color indexes
Silver color hour and minute hands with beige luminous treatment
Silver color second hand
Strap
Brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching
Edition
Limited to 188 pieces
Recommended retail price
2,850€
Model: Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture, Reference AL-709ACH4SH5
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement
AL-709 in-house caliber, automatic
38-hour power-reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished yellow gold-plated 2-part case
Diameter of 42X40.75 mm
Height of 13.25 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
Water-resistant up to 10ATM/100m/330ft
See-through case back
Dial
Champagne warm grey color dial with vertical brushed finishing, black graduation, and markers with beige luminous treatment
Applied black indexes
Black hour and minute hands with beige luminous treatment
Black second hand
Strap
Brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching
Edition
Limited to 188 pieces
Recommended retail price
2,950€
