The Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme GMT makes a play for a truly affordable sports watch
Russell SheldrakeIt’s clear to see the sports watch segment of the market is pretty full. You have options from nearly every brand, and they come in all shapes and sizes to suit every taste and price point. While the top end of this market is well documented, when we talk about accessible sports watches that offer the same level of robustness, toughness, and functionality as those at the pricier end, it can be hard to find examples that tick all of those boxes. Here it feels like Alpina has managed to pull it off. While the concept of a diver GMT is nothing new, the ability to make this type of tough timer accessible to far more people is an extremely attractive offer.
The case
This watch represents a couple of firsts for Alpina. It is the first time we see the brand’s Extreme line enter the Seastrong family and this in turn has led to its first-ever dive watch that meets the requirements of ISO 6425, making it a true dive watch. This rounded square case measures 40.5mm across and 12.65mm thick, all while withstanding 30 bars of pressure. This is as a high a water resistance rating as you will ever need in daily life. Heck, it could be argued it’s overkill unless you have your PADI certification and get your scuba kit out regularly. These impressive figures are partly achieved through the three-part construction of the case which is a popular way to build dive watch cases in the industry. And to have this level of robustness paired with a ceramic insert for the bi-directional bezel, you can see the value proposition going up and up. And that’s even before we’ve got to the additional functionality of this piece.
The dial
Stamped with Alpina’s triangular texture and punctuated with applied, lume-filled markers everywhere bar 6 o’clock where you find a date window. It comes in two dial options, one in black and the other silver. They both stay pretty monochrome, with some red flashes on the GMT and seconds hands, and dial text. I lean towards the black dial here as it feels more authentic to the dive watch segment, and plays far better with the black ceramic bezel insert. The date window is balanced out nicely by the inverted Alpina logo that marks 12 o’clock, and while the date disc hasn’t been colour-matched to the dial, having it in white makes it look more like one of the markers than anything else.
The movement
At first inspection, the Sellita based movement isn’t anything to write home about, but the fact that we are able to have a GMT movement inside a watch that has such a high level of water resistance without breaking 13mm in overall thickness is quite a feat. This makes the watch far more wearable in the long run, and the fact they have used such a widely adopted base calibre means that it will be far easier and cheaper to service and maintain. Spec-wise, it’s a 4Hz, 50-hour power reserve automatic, though Alpina doesn’t specify any particular grade of base movement that was used.
The strap
Mounting the Seastrong Diver Extreme GMT on a rubber strap works perfectly with the intended function of this watch, along with its folding clasp. While I do feel like a metal bracelet would have added even more to the overall aesthetic of this watch, the rubber strap is definitely the practical option here.
The verdict
It’s great to see a brand like Alpina doing watches that offer fantastic functionality at accessible price points. I’m sure some will find this piece a bit too chunky for them, and that’s fine, the case shape and ability to go so far underwater will always lead to a bigger wrist presence. But for those who need this watch to go anywhere and do anything, without having to reach too far into their pocket, this is a fantastic option.
Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT pricing and availability
The Alpina Seastrong Extreme Diver GMT is available now from Alpina retailers. Price: US$2,695
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT |
| Case Dimensions | 40.5mm (D) x 12.8mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 300 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Black or white, patterned |
| Bracelet | Black rubber strap, steel folding clasp |
| Movement | AL-560, Sellita base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$2,695 |