DIVE INTO THE PAST

Inspired by a piece from the end of the 1960s, the two divers watches from Geneva-based Alpina play with the warm shades of bronze and chocolate brown

Half a century ago, in 1969, Alpina released its first divers watch, a model named Seastrong 10 Super Compressor, water resistant up to 200?m, anti-magnetic and graced with two crowns, one of which operated the inner bezel. Its identity was so strong that the Geneva-based brand was inspired to create a Seastrong Diver Heritage collection in 2016, which today welcomes two new pieces having a clear physical link with their predecessor from the end of the 1960s.

Like the previous version, the case of the Seastrong Diver Heritage has two crowns: one at 2 oclock which operates the inner bezel and the other at 4 oclock which sets the time and date. Measuring 42?mm in diameter and made of bronze PVD-coated steel, in a beautiful golden copper color, it can withstand dives up to 300?m.

As for the rotating bezel, its white or brown ring, depending on the version, bears the essential diving markers in ivory or chocolate brown.

The dial, which picks out the warm shade of cocoa, is punctuated with baton-shaped index markers coated with a layer of rose gold. In the center, three luminescent hands, also in gold, display the hours, minutes and seconds. The date is indicated on a white background in an angled open window at 4 oclock.

These two watches are regulated by the AL-525 caliber, a self-winding mechanical movement designed around the Sellita SW 200. This engine which beats at a standard frequency of 4?Hz provides a power reserve of 38?hours.

Price: 1,595?CHF

By Sharmila Bertin