Alpina is unveiling two new limited series of its Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture model, driven by the brand’s 6th Manufacture 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.
Extremely rare and unique. The Startimer Pilot Heritage is one of Alpina’s most exclusive lines, as was the timepiece it is inspired from and that can now no longer be found. Originally, not just a design, but also and mostly a movement. Its fans call it the “bumper”: a very rare automatic calibre that relies on a short travel oscillating weight. Instead of being wound by a conventional rotor turning 360° on itself, the “bumper” only travels a third of this distance, after which it is pushed back in the opposite direction by a return spring. An ingenious creation which, at the time of the first automatic movements, tested out an original way of optimising their winding. And a witness of the creativity of the Alpina watchmakers of the time.
Shared inspirations
Today, Alpina is offering two new limited editions that celebrate this watchmaking innovation, which is highly sought-after and extremely difficult to find. They supplement the two existing Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture watches in the collection, with two very different looks.
Their DNA is shared, embodying the continuity of 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.
Two very exclusive series
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 box 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.
As required by the history of the Startimer Pilot, 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.
Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture Reference AL-709AN4SH6 Technical Specifications
Reference AL-709AN4SH6 – RRP 2850€, Limited Edition Limited to 188 pieces
Functions
- Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement
- AL-709 in-house calibre,
- 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 colour dial with vertical brushed finishing, white graduation, and markers with beige luminous treatment
- Applied silver colour indexes
- Silver colour hour and minute hands with beige luminous treatment
- Silver colour second hand
Strap
- Brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching
Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture Reference AL-709ACH4SH5 Technical Specifications
Reference AL-709ACH4SH5 – RRP 2950€, Limited Edition Limited to 188 pieces
Functions
- Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement
- AL-709 in-house calibre,
- 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 colour dial with vertical brushed finishing, black graduation, and markers with beige luminous treatment
- Applied black colour indexes
- Black colour hour and minute hands with beige luminous treatment
- Black colour second hand
Strap
- Brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching
ABOUT ALPINA
SWISS MANUFACTURER OF ALPINE SPORTS WATCHES SINCE 1883
Founded in 1883 and famous for its iconic red triangle, Alpina is a Swiss watch manufacturer based in Geneva. The brand set out to design luxury sports watches offering exceptional accuracy and reliability in the most challenging sporting environments, like the Alps.
A true pioneer of the watchmaking industry, Alpina has been the source of numerous patents and innovative calibres over the past 138 years. At the beginning of the 20th century, Alpina became the official supplier of watches to military pilots, before revolutionising the concept of sports watches in 1938 with the legendary Alpina 4.
True to its long tradition of innovation, Alpina launched the first Swiss made Horological Smartwatch in 2015, creating a new segment in the luxury Swiss sports watch market. In 2020, the brand introduced the AlpinerX Alive, a new generation of connected watches equipped with a heart rate monitor and GPS, among other things. Also committed to protecting the planet, Alpina created the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range using recycled plastic from the oceans. In 2021, the brand is doubling down on its promise to get involved with organisations fighting to protect the environment. Joined together by the unifying principle We Shape the Change – the environmental equivalent of Reach Your Summit – Alpina will undertake a variety of measures aimed at drawing public attention to current environmental issues.
Inspired by the Alps from the very beginning, Alpina has always been heavily involved in outdoor activities and mountain sports. The brand has established strong partnerships demonstrating its commitment to this world, as well as a team of ‘Alpinists’, including athletes and friends of the brand working in the most challenging environments.