Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture Watch Review
As its name suggests, the Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture delivers a vintage vibe coupled with an in-house calibre. Moreover, with a distinct absence of dial clutter, the watch converses with its wearer succinctly.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Alpina AL-709 in-house calibre
In recent years, both Alpina and its sister company, Frederique Constant, have released some gorgeous and surprisingly affordable timepieces. While Alpina has procured movements from third parties, it has also produced several in-house calibres. The new Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture is one such example.
It features the AL-709 in-house calibre, an automatic movement presented in a becoming golden hue. Visible via an exhibition caseback, the movement at first glance resembles a manual movement due to its oscillating mass sharing the same golden tones as the automatic device bridge and mainplate. Alpina has clearly expended much effort making this movement look attractive. Subtle graining, blue screws and perlage are all in evidence, augmenting the model’s overall appeal.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
The Alpina Startimer Pilot
However, the Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture’s talents extend beyond its powerplant. The two-part stainless case is best described as barrel-shaped, incorporating arcing sides and various facets. Measuring 42 x 40.75 mm, the model is generously proportioned without being unduly cumbersome. Alpina has shunned traditional lugs, hence the strap nuzzles into the case, arcing sharply downwards, readily encircling the wrist. The crown is tucked in at 4 o’clock, mitigating the risk of gouging or chafing the arm.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Old radium
The dial does not bamboozle the wearer with lots of long words and unnecessary flamboyance. On the contrary, this Alpina’s display employs just a few judicious words, enunciated clearly and free of ambiguity. For example, the hour and minute hands are rectangular, unfussy and lined with beige luminescent treatment. This latter detail reminds me of old radium treatment typically used on watches of yesteryear, imbuing the dial with a deliciously retro feel.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Chemin de fer
A sea of navy blue serves as an attractive backdrop and the hours are denoted with plump Arabic numerals sans serifs. A chemin de fer frames the dial and features crisp white detail along with a combination of circular and rectangular indexes. A silver-toned central sweep seconds hand completes the inventory of functions. Personally, I like how Alpina has refrained from equipping the model with a date display, focussing purely on hours, minutes and centre seconds.
A vintage strap
The Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture is presented on a brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching. Consistent with other areas of the watch, it exhibits a vintage look. Furthermore, the double-stitching near the watch head endows it with a casual persona.
Closing remarks
Limited to just 188 pieces and keenly priced at €2,850, I suspect there will be many horophiles queuing up for this retro-themed, highly legible watch, especially considering it’s fitted with an attractively appointed in-house calibre.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture
- Reference: AL-709AN4SH6
- Case: stainless steel, dimensions 42 x 40.75 mm, height 13.25 mm, sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case back
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds
- Movement: AL-709 in-house calibre, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 26 jewels, power reserve 38 hours
- Strap: brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching
- Price: £1895 (RRP as of 12.1.2023)
- Limited Edition: 188 pieces