Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic Watch AL-525NN4S6

The Watch
This is Alpina's standout automatic release of 2017, unveiled at Basel as part of the Startimer collection. It combines exceptional quality with the brand's signature military-sport aesthetic - and a price-to-performance ratio that's hard to beat. Dress it up or keep it casual; this watch effortlessly bridges both worlds without ever letting you down. Its robust stainless steel case measures 44 mm in diameter and 11 mm thick, making it the perfect fit for the sporty, strong-wristed man. Built to last, the steel pairs with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for crystal-clear legibility - a material renowned in watchmaking for its exceptional durability. The screw-down case back and 3 o'clock crown ensure maximum water resistance. The case back is engraved with a mountain range and a fighter jet, nodding to the watch's dual identity: military aeronautics and Swiss horological tradition.

The Dial
This round black dial delivers a sporting yet elegant character that will win over even the most discerning gentlemen seeking quality and versatility in their timepiece. Three central hands indicate the hours, minutes, and seconds, working in tandem with white baton hour markers and Arabic numerals, plus a white minute track running along the dial's perimeter. These bright elements stand out boldly against the dark background for exceptional legibility. Luminescent material is applied to the hour markers as well as the hour and minute hands, enabling easy time-reading in the dark after exposure to a light source. A date window sits at 3 o'clock, and a pop of red on the triangular base of the seconds hand adds a sharp accent of color. The brand name is displayed at 12 o'clock, with movement and water resistance references at 6 o'clock.

The Movement
This watch is powered by a Swiss automatic self-winding movement. Delivering outstanding quality and remarkable precision, the AL-525 caliber features 26 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, a 38-hour power reserve, and displays hours, minutes, seconds, and date.

The Strap
This Alpina model comes on a vintage-inspired black leather strap with white stitching. It fastens with a classic silver-tone pin buckle and features a 22 mm lug width.

Water Resistance
With water resistance to 100 meters (10 ATM in watchmaking terms), this bold timepiece is as much at home in the water as it is at a gala. Feel free to wear it in the shower, the bath, or while swimming - even during an energetic workout. That said, our team of watchmaking experts wants to be clear: this model is not designed for scuba diving (free-diving or with tanks) or high-pressure water cleaning. Remember - shower, bath, and swimming only, and never operate the pushers or crown while underwater.