Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage Automatic Gilt Ref. AL-520BY4H6

Vintage-style watches have been making significant waves lately and now is at full throttle. Early adopters like Alpina have launched many of its marvels throughout the years. This new vintage package can be found now with their latest launch of its Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage Gilt Ref. AL-520BY4H6.

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.
 

Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage Automatic Gilt Ref. AL-520BY4H6

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 300 Heritage Gilt Ref. AL-520BY4H6 is a work of art that blends with the compressor dive watch theme. It has to be admired in person to understand the beauty and work that has put into it. The black dial dances beautifully in different lighting conditions due to the sunburst finishing. The applied gold hour markers give the watch a more premium look.

Internal rotating bezel

Thanks to the modern watch manufacturing, the classic 42mm stainless steel case has a 12.3mm of height, and gleams good craftsmanship. It clads a beautiful sapphire box crystal on top, and flipping it over we have an engraved screwed case-back done in the same details. When all piece together, the Alpina diver has an whole case executed with a premium look, 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.

Ticking inside the modern 26-jewels AL-520 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.

Hand satin brushed case with delicate polished lines

The watch is then paired with a matching brown calf leather strap with matching stitches on both sides. Aiming for a more classy texture throughout in effort to elevate the overall look and wearing experience. An additionally beige leather canvas strap will be provided for an alternative option for a switch up in style.

The Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage Gilt Ref. AL-520BY4H6, 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. For those who always wanted a good vintage watch to have a modern built, 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.

Video is not available