Alpina - Startimer Pilot Heritage

Alpina presented the new Startimer Pilot Heritage, the first model to feature the new AL-709 bumper movement. Price: €2,850 in steel €2,950 in yellow

Founded in 1883, Alpina has an important heritage that can often become a source of inspiration. Looking back to their "bumper movement" from the 1950s, the Geneva-based brand decided to develop its sixth Manufacture movement with this rare feature.

The original bumper movement used by Alpina in the 1950s

The bumper movement was characterised by an oscillating weight that instead of turning 360° like  contemporary rotors, turned 120°. On both sides of its course, a small spring served to send the mass back in the opposite direction and facilitate the winding of the movement. Despite its effectiveness, this concept gradually phased out in favour of the 360° rotor. Nonetheless, it remains highly sought-after by collectors.

The new AL-709 brings back the hallmarks of its predecessor with two main differences. First, the vintage version rotates 120°, while the new one rotates 330°. Secondly, the traditionally shaped springs originally used have been replaced by a blade for greater rotation. 

The first model to incorporate the new movement is the Startimer Pilot Heritage, recognisable for its  refined cushion-shaped case whose lines are highlighted by the alternation of polished and satin-brushed surfaces.

Available in a yellow gold-plated and a steel version, the Startimer Pilot Heritage measures 42 mm x 40.75 mm with a thickness of 13.25 mm and it is water resistant up to a pressure of 10 ATM (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet). To better integrate into the flow of the case, the crown has been placed at 4 o’clock.

Protected by a convex sapphire crystal, the silver dial reprises the look of the pilot's watches that Alpina created in the 1950s with the hour markers and the hours and minutes hands enhanced by a central red line, a detail that adds sportiness to the ensemble.

The AL-709 calibre can be admired through the open case back. Beating at the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), it offers a power reserve of 38 hours.

Matched to brown calfskin straps with off-white stitching, the new Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage models have prices of Euro 2.850 in steel (ref. AL-709SR4SH6) or Euro 2.950 in yellow gold-plated steel (ref. AL-709SR4SH5). Each edition will be limited to just 188 pieces. alpinawatches.com