For the first time in a regular release, Alpina is bringing the Extreme case to the Seastrong line. What we get is an expanded integrated bracelet and cushion case, a mashup of both lines. It is an interesting take from Alpina, and it’s refreshing to see the brand take the risk of merging product lines. Not only did it make the Seastrong a 300m ISO 6425 certified diver, but it also brought a GMT to the table, as well, sharing the same identity. A first for the brand, which is quite impressive from the spec sheet. Alpina officially introduced the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic & Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT to the world at Watches & Wonders 2024.
Both models share the same case DNA: a brushed and polished stainless steel case. With a diameter of 39X40.50 mm and a height of 12.65 mm (12.8mm for the GMTs), the case strikes a balanced size suitable for various wrist sizes. And compact, which is the most striking to most people when they first try the Extreme case. Enhancing visibility and durability, they feature an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, ensuring clear legibility, especially while diving. Where the two cases differ are their bezels. The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic has a ceramic matte black unidirectional rotating diving bezel, which adds a sporty touch while serving a functional purpose in tracking dive time. The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT has a ceramic black bidirectional GMT bezel. They both have a water resistance rating of up to 30 ATM/300m/1000ft, making the watch well-equipped for aquatic adventures and across time zones. The threaded solid case back features Seastrong pattern engraving, while the screw-down crown helps ensure 300m water resistance. Alpina also released a smaller, more compact case for the Alpiner Extreme Quartz, which comes in at 34mm X 35.24mm, and only 8.35mm thick. However, it only has 100m water resistance and features a Swiss quartz.
Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic
The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic comes in three colorways: a dark gray dial with a dark gray outer ring, a navy blue dial with a navy blue outer ring, and a black dial with an orange outer ring. All three have a triangle pattern. The first, in shades of gray, comes on a brushed and polished integrated bracelet, with a folding buckle with a push button. The navy dial comes on an integrated navy blue rubber strap, with a folding buckle and a push button. The black and orange come on an orange integrated rubber strap, with a folding buckle and push button. The first two have silver-colored indexes and white lume. They also have hand-polished silver hands, filled with white lume. The second hand has the Alpina red triangle that comes with all its watches. The black dial with an orange outer ring has silver-colored indexes and white lume. It has hand-polished silver hour and an orange minute hands, both filled with white lume. The second hand triangle is polished here instead of red. All three have a date at 6 o’clock.
The movement here is the AL-525 caliber, which is just a modified SW200-1. It has a 38-hour power reserve and 26 jewels. I’m not a huge fan of when companies call off-the-shelf movements their own caliber when they only put on an engraved oscillating weight.
Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT
The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMT comes in two colorways: a silver-color dial with a silver-color outer ring, and a black dial with a black outer ring. Both models come on a black integrated rubber strap with a folding buckle and a push button. On both, the hour and minute hands are hand-polished silver color and filled with white lume treatment. Complementing these, the polished silver color second hand features a distinctive red triangle. Additionally, a polished silver color GMT hand, also adorned with a red triangle filled with white lume, enhances the functionality of the watch, allowing for tracking of a second time zone easier. At 6 o’clock, a date is present on both.
Powering this is the AL-560, which has 50-hours of power reserve. Again, the same situation here with modified movements. But at least it has a longer power reserve. It also has 25 jewels.
This is a great step forward for Alpina. Seeing the Seastrong with an Extreme case only shows what is next for Alpina. It’s quite refreshing for smaller brands to push boundaries and try something different. I would have loved to have been in the room with the Dr. Viktor Frankenstein Mad Scientist person who first suggested this mashup. While these both come in at higher price points, you’re getting a pretty good spec watch. What is next in store for Alpina? The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic starts at $2,295 USD for the navy dial on navy rubber strap (ref#: AL-525N3VE6), and for the black dial on orange rubber (ref#: AL-525O3VE6). While the gray dial on bracelet is $2,495 USD (ref#: AL-525G3VE6B). The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic GMTs are both $2,695 USD (silver dial ref#: AL-560LG3VE6, black dial ref#: AL-560B3VE6). Both models available In May. For more information, please visit the Alpina website.