Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT Black Ref. AL-560B3VE6

Founded by Gottlieb Hauser in 1883, Alpina has been a creative swiss brand from the early 20th century where they manufactured watch movements and calibers for both the Swiss and the German market. They focus much on rugged tool watches that provide supplies even to the military back then and continuing their legacy till today. They are currently the sister brand of Frederique Constant, whose primary focus is classic watches. Alpina, on the other hand, specializes in sports watches, mainly the Alpiner (Land), Seastrong (Sea) and Startimer (Air) while consistently providing accessible luxury watches. Today, we are proud to be the first to introduce, the all-new Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme GMT Black Ref. AL-560B3VE6.
 

Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT Black Ref. AL-560B3VE6

Thanks to the modern watch manufacturing, the classic 40.5mm stainless brushed and polished steel case with its engraved screwed case back and signature screw down crown, can resists water pressure up to 30 ATM, corresponding to a diving depth of 300 m/1000ft. To finish up, the case is fitted with a screw-down crown with rubberized knurling to allow easy operation even with wet hands or heavy mountaineering gloves. The crown is then flanged with a bold looking crown-guard in which are balanced off on the other side of the case with the additional slab at 9'o clock. The watch measures an incredible 12mm thin and 46mm lug to lug.
 
Diving more into details of the intricate finishing of the watch, it features a mix of defined satin brush strokes which is highlighted by polished edges and mid-section. True to Alpina the case finishing rates highly for watches costing even 2-3 times more. The watch features a black 24 hours bidirectional rotating ring which can be quickly and easily adjusted in both directions for GMT functionality.

Black triangle pattern dial with applied indexes

Underneath the sapphire crystal belies a black textured dial surface, completed with a sharply stamped repeating triangular pattern that lends an almost architectural three-dimensionality to the design. The ridges and recesses formed by the trianglular pattern also work in conjunction with the dial, creating a dazzling array of highlights and shadows in the different lighting conditions. Alpina's modernist take gives a sense of refinement on the wrist, especially when paired with the applied indices and the brand's signatures red triangular seconds hand counterweight. It features a GMT pointer hand in red and a date complication replacing the 6 o'clock indices. A generous fill of white luminous material across the handset and indices makes this an instantly legible design even in darkness.
 
The modern AL-560 which base is SW330, a premium movement of the Swiss company, automatic calibre ensures timekeeping.  Alpina has refined it with its customary attention to detail ensuring perfect fit for the watch. The balance wheel completes 28,800 vibrations per hour. Fully wound, it has 50 hours of power reserve.

Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part

To complete the integrated sports watch design, the watch is matched with a black integrated rubber deployant strap. These straps marries both the toughness and comfortability, while the raised grid texture pattern gives the overall design a more luxurious, cohesive feel - tying the strap back into the textured pattern of the crown grooves.
 
The Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme GMT Black Ref. AL-560B3VE6.is probably one of the best value compressor diver in the market today. There are probably more upmarket brands reissuing similar 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. It probably can sit side by side with them and hold its head high. 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.

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