Alpina has introduced the Startimer Pilot Automatic Chronograph, in three versions, a black pilot’s watch type, and two other models in dark green and navy blue that symbolize army and navy aviation respectively, The case is 44 mm in diameter, with a 10 bar/100 metre water resistance, a solid caseback and a leather strap. The crown is large and conical, and it is screw-down for optimum water resistance. The bezel is narrow to give maximum space on the dial. All three models share one important characteristic: Alpina have decided to do away with the continuous seconds subdial. So there is a subdial for minutes at 12 o’clock, and for hours at 6 o’clock. This permits a simple and uncluttered dial design, with logo, automatic chronograph phrase and date on a horizontal line at the centre.

AL-725 movement

Alpina has used the Valjoux 7750 movement, simply removing the small seconds hand. The oscillating weight has also been personalized, but it’s not visible to the owner (engraved steel caseback). The balance runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and the movement provides 46 hours power reserve.

Startimer Pilot Automatic Chronograph – black

The black version of the watch differs from the other two in that the dial is simplified even more, bringing it closer to the pilot’s watch appearance. So there are no fifth-second divisions on the seconds scale, and the two subdials are also left as simple as possible. This reference is AL-725B4S6, price €2,150.

Startimer Pilot Automatic Chronograph – green

In the dark green and blue versions, there is a fifth-second chronograph seconds scale, interrupted at the top by the red pilot’s watch triangle. Reference AL-725GR4S6, price €2,150.

Startimer Pilot Automatic Chronograph – blue

Reference AL-725N4S6, price €2,150.