The new Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic marks a comprehensive evolution of one of the brand’s most recognisable collections, revisiting its aviation roots through updated proportions, refined finishing and a renewed mechanical base.
Originally introduced in 2011, the Startimer line drew inspiration from Alpina’s early pilot’s watches of the 1920s and 1930s.
Founded in 1883, the brand became an official supplier of military timepieces for aviators at a time when precision, robustness and legibility were essential.
Large Arabic numerals, luminous displays, oversized crowns and practical straps defined these early instruments. Fifteen years after its return, the collection undergoes a complete redesign for 2026, both aesthetically and technically, while remaining anchored in this functional heritage.
The new generation is presented through four distinct versions, each sharing the same construction but offering different visual interpretations.
The collection includes two black dial models. The first adopts a more vintage-oriented approach with a black PVD-coated steel case, beige luminous elements and a brown leather NATO strap (ref. AL-525BW4SB36).
The second features a stainless steel case, lighter-toned luminous markers and a black Cordura textile strap with red stitching, giving it a sportier character (ref. AL-525BW4S36).
These are complemented by two additional models with dials in petrol blue (ref. AL-525NW4S36) and khaki (ref. AL-525KW4S36). Both are housed in stainless steel cases.
The petrol blue version is paired with a light brown leather strap, while the khaki version comes on a dark brown leather strap, both secured to the wrist with a steel pin buckle.
Across all versions, the redesigned case measures 40 mm in diameter and 10.14 mm in thickness, representing a reduction of nearly 10% compared to the previous generation.
Despite the more compact dimensions, the watch retains a strong presence on the wrist, supported by carefully executed finishing.
The bezel features a circular satin-brushed surface, while the case middle and lugs are vertically satin-brushed, contrasted by polished bevels along the edges.
The construction is completed by an aviation-style crown designed for ease of use, and water resistance is rated at 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet).
The dial has been entirely reworked to improve both readability and visual depth.
A grained, velvet-like central surface is framed by a stepped flange carrying a precise minute track, white or slightly yellowed depending on the version.
Applied Arabic numerals and indexes are formed from solid blocks of luminous material, accompanied by silver-toned hour and minute hands with luminous inserts and a seconds hand distinguished by a red triangular tip.
A date aperture is positioned at 6 o’clock.
Luminous tones vary across the collection, ranging from beige “old radium” to blue-green and green, reinforcing the individuality of each reference while ensuring enhanced legibility in low-light conditions.
Powering all four models is the automatic calibre AL-525, based on a La Joux-Perret movement.
Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), it comprises 198 components and 24 jewels, with a thickness of 4.45 mm and a diameter of 25.6 mm.
The movement delivers an extended power reserve of approximately 68 hours, reflecting the emphasis on reliability traditionally associated with aviation timepieces.
It is housed behind a solid screw-down caseback decorated with a stamped aviation motif inspired by early pilot instruments, rendered in an Art Deco style that recalls the period when Alpina first established its presence in this field.
With the new Startimer Pilot Automatic collection, Alpina presents a refined update of an important model, combining revised proportions, careful finishing and an automatic movement with extended power reserve, while prices ranging from €1,295 to €1,395 remain notably competitive for this level of execution. alpinawatches.com
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