Seastrong Diver Heritage Bronze Umber Ref. AL-525BR4H4

Vintage-style watches have been making significant waves lately and now is at full throttle. Early adopters like Alpina has launched many of its marvels throughout the years, and most recently tipping their toes into the bronze trend but with specific own tweaks. This vintage bronze package can be found now with their latest launch of its Alpina Seastrong Diver heritage Bronze Umber Ref. AL-525BR4H4.
 

Alpina  Seastrong Diver Heritage Bronze Umber Ref. AL-525BR4H4

A little more on its history. In 1969 Alpina produced a Super Compressor cased diver called the Alpina 10. This was one of many Super Compressor divers made during that era, and the Alpina 10 is a rare and desirable model for collectors these days. Just 50 years later, the highly regarded diving watch is back in the Alpina Collection, this time as the “Seastrong Diver Heritage.” Its illustrious predecessor from the 1960s recalled in two operating elements in the right case flank and the rotating ring which was (at that time, for a good reason) shifted into the inside of the case.

Internal rotating bezel

With the help of the crown, the rotating ring can be easily adjusted at “2”. The 60-minute division is also useful for non-divers. For example, the arrow can be positioned so that the approaching hour hand indicates when parking time is running out.

The dial of the Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage Bronze Umber Ref. AL-525BR4H4 is a work of art that blends with the bronze theme. It has to be admired in person to understand the beauty and work that has put into it. The sunburst “umber” (brown) dial, depending on the lighting goes from a deep espresso brown to a caramel palette; due to the sunburst finishing. The applied hour markers give the watch a more premium look.

Hand satin brushed case with delicate polished lines

Thanks to the modern watch manufacturing, the classic 41mm stainless steel case is entirely done with full Bronze PVD treatment that gleams the copper-ish bronze effect without going through the patina effect that could be dull for some. Further, as the watch is PVD treated, its engraved screwed case back is done in the same manner giving the whole bronze case through and though, while able to resists water pressure up to 30 bar, corresponding to a diving depth of 300 m/1000ft. Like most Alpina watch cases and not commonly seen for watches in this price range, it’s the case is still hand satin-brushed on all surfaces, except for an intricate, narrow bevel that runs along its length and a full polished bezel. The Alpina’s case finishing rates highly for watches costing even 2-3 times more.

SuperLuminova for super glow in the darkness

Ticking inside the modern AL-525 automatic caliber ensures timekeeping; primarily based on the reliable, robust, and accurate SW 200 from Sellita. Alpina has refined it with its customary attention to detail, giving the ball-bearing mounted rotor the asymmetric form signature to the brand. The balance wheel completes 28,800 vibrations per hour. Fully wound, it has 38 hours of power reserve.

The Alpina Seastrong Diver heritage Bronze Umber Ref. AL-525BR4H4, along with its collection, is probably one of the best value compressor divers in the market today. There are probably more upmarket brands reissuing similarly styled watches, but they usually cost a lot more than the Alpina. But don’t be mistaken, the Alpina is no slouch when it comes to the overall package. A bronze looking watch without the fuss of patina. For those who always wanted their bronze watch to look like new, this might be the answer. So, if you are searching for a well priced, superbly finished, Swiss automatic movement and can look past branding, this is the compressor diver for you.