Alpina updates its Startimer Pilot collection, celabrating 15 years of the modern collection
Andrew O'Connor- Alpina updates its Startimer Pilot Automatic collection with a redesigned case and dials featuring applied solid lumed indices.
- The four new models consist of a PVD black model with beige lume, and three steel models with a black, blue, or khaki green dial.
- Steel cased models are priced at US$1,795, the steel PVD black model is priced at US$1,895.
Alpina’s origins date back to 1883, and the brand was pivotal in supplying watches for aviators during the 1920’s and 30’s. These watches carried the tenets of modern pilot’s watches, featuring a focus on legibility, large crowns that could be operated with gloves, and robust shock resistance. Alpina has been part of the Frederique Constant group since 2002, and Alpina launched its modern Startimer collection in 2011, drawing inspiration from the brand’s original designs from the 20’s and 30’s. 15 years later, Alpina saw fit to update the Startimer collection with a fresh re-design. With a redesigned case, dial, and updated movement, the Startimer collection enters a new age with modern features and contemporary aesthetics.
The cases of the new Alpina Startimers have a three-part stainless steel case, measuring 40mm in diameter, 10.3mm thick (10% thinner than the previous model), and have 20mm lugs. The finishing of the case has been updated, with a circular brushed bezel and vertically brushed case sides and lugs. The predominantly brushed finish is broken up with mirror-polished bevels on the outer edge of the bezel and lugs, giving the watch a more upscale appearance. The large crown is a new design, featuring a pronounced textured knurling providing easy grip. The screw-down solid case back is stamped with an aviator motif and is engraved with the specifications of the watch, along with the perimeter. The cases for the new Startimers are water-resistant to 100 meters.
While the general aesthetic of the dials remains the same, featuring Arabic numerals and the iconic pilot’s triangle at twelve o’clock, the big update is that the indices are now crafted out of solid pieces of luminescent material. Not only do applied numerals have an elevated look over printed ones, but being made out of solid pieces of lume increases low-light legibility, as they will be able to glow brighter for a longer period of time. If you’ve owned a modern watch with similar indices, you already know how fun this can be at night. Each new Startimer model also has a date function at six o’clock, with white numerals printed over a black date wheel.
Inside the new Alpina Startimers is the calibre AL-525, based on a La Joux-Perret movement. This automatic calibre operates at 28,800 bph, has 24 jewels, and has a 68-hour power reserve. Given that Citizen now owns the Frederique Constant group and La Joux-Perret, this choice in calibre makes sense and marks a departure from utilising Sellita or ETA supplied movements for the brand.
There are four models in total for the updated Startimer. The first features a black PVD case, black dial, beige “fauxtina” lume, and a brown leather NATO-style strap with PVD black hardware. Leaning into the vintage aesthetic with the beige numerals, the PVD case is meant to recall the gunmetal cases of Alpina’s early pilot’s watches. The remaining three feature steel cases, with the option of a black, blue, or green dial. The black dial features white lumed hands and indices, while the blue and khaki green references have green “vintage” lumed hands and indices. The black dial comes with a black Cordura strap with red stitching, the blue dial comes with a light brown leather strap with beige stitching, and the khaki green dial comes with a dark brown strap with beige stitching. Each of the models comes with a steel pin buckle and quick-release spring bars.
Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic pricing and availability
The new Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic models will be available beginning in Summer/Fall 2026. Price: US$1,795 (steel) / US$1,895 (PVD-coated steel)
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic |
| Reference | AL-525BW4SB36- PVD Black
AL-525BW4S36- Black dial AL-525NW4S36- Blue dial AL-525KW4S36- Khaki green dial |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 10.3 mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Grained dial with applied solid luminescent indices |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | AL-525BW4SB36: Brown leather NATO, PVD black hardware AL-525BW4S36: Quick-release black Cordura strap, pin buckle AL-525NW4S36: Quick-release light brown leather strap, pin buckle AL-525KW4S36: Quick-release dark brown leather strap, pin buckle |
| Movement | AL-525, La Joux-Perret base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Summer/Fall 2026 |
| Price | Stainless steel: $1,795 PVD-coated steel: US$1,895 |