INTRODUCING: The Alpina Seastrong Extreme Automatic
Alpina just celebrated its 140th anniversary last year and it has had many notable moments throughout its history. One significant moment came in 1938, when it unveiled its first sports watch - perhaps the first one ever made. In keeping with its tradition of innovation, it brings two of its collections together in a spectacular crossover. Introducing the Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic and GMT.
THE BASICS:
BRAND: Alpina
Model: Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 39 x 40.5mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: AL-525 caliber, Automatic
Movement Specs: Power reserve of 38 hours; 26 jewels
Strap Options: Stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap depending on model
Model: Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 39 x 40.5mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: AL-560 caliber, Automatic
Movement Specs: GMT function; power reserve of 50 hours; 25 jewels
Strap Options: Black rubber strap
THE JUICE:
This seems like the perfect match; Alpina's Seastrong collection brings a tradition of diving watches while the Alpiner collection is home to the brand's iconic case - the Extreme. The Extreme is a cushion-style watch wherein the round dial and bezel sit within a rounded square case. This results in a distinct look that embraces both traditional and unique watch shapes. With the introduction of Alpina's Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic and GMT, we see the Extreme case's first interaction with the Seastrong collection.
From a visual standpoint, the Seastrong Extreme models offer a dichotomy of simplicity and complex aesthetics. In keeping with the simple side of the design, all hour indices are a circle, rectangle, or triangle shape. The minute markers are subtly included on the inner bezel; then the outer bezel includes major minute markers / numerals in keeping with dive watch tradition. Note that in the GMT, the outer bezel includes 2-22 hour markings for converting to military time. Where the aesthetic takes a complex turn is in the dial, strap, and details. Each model Alpina is releasing has an intricate dial pattern made of the brand's triangle logo. In the models with a rubber strap, the rubber is raised in a fine textured pattern. Details such as a similar rubber pattern on the crown and the different colors of the hour and minute hand add to the complex aesthetics.
Alpina proudly sized the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic and GMT models with a 39mm diameter to fit a variety of wrists and even allow for the timepiece to serve as unisex. Within the case lies an automatic movement - either a time and date movement in the Automatic models or a time, date, and GMT in the GMT models. Both models measure in at 12.65mm thick and are water resistant to an impressive 300m. To accommodate the water resistance, the caseback is of the screw-on variety and the crown screws down as well.
With the advent of the Seastrong Diver Extreme in both Automatic and GMT models, Alpina gives watch wearers a tough timepiece. But as is important to many weatch wearers, the watch has enough high-end design nods that it can also function as a casual watch. With the Automatic available in 3 bold colorways - including the first Seastrong to possess a stainless steel bracelet - and the GMT available in 2 bold colorways, there is a Seastrong Diver Extreme for everyone.
So how much are the new Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic and GMT Watches?
Price for the Diver Extreme Automatic starts at $2,295 USD and the GMT will come in at $2,695 USD.
Read more about the watch on the brands website here.