Alpina Watches

Alpina Watches

Alpina is one of those brands that flies just under the radar — but probably shouldn’t.

Founded before Rolex, rooted in rugged adventure, and responsible for pioneering the modern sports watch… yet most collectors still sleep on it.

And that’s fine by us. Because it means there are still deals to be had.

A Little History

Alpina was founded in 1883 in Switzerland by Gottlieb Hauser, originally as a cooperative of watchmakers who wanted to standardize quality parts

and build tough, reliable timepieces.

By the early 20th century, Alpina had developed its own calibers and started leaning into professional-use watches — for pilots, divers, and mountain

climbers. In 1938, they dropped the Alpina 4 — a game-changing concept that defined the four traits every true sports watch should have: anti-

magnetism, shock resistance, water resistance, and stainless steel construction.

Sound familiar? Yeah. That’s the blueprint everyone copied after.

What Collectors Love

Alpina has always been a “real watch” brand. No hype. No gimmicks. Just solid, purpose-built watches with great specs and classic designs.

Some of the standouts:

  • Seastrong — a heritage dive watch line that blends vintage cues with modern case construction. Legit 300m water resistance and killer legibility.

  • Startimer — pilot-inspired pieces with big Arabic numerals, crisp dial layouts, and tool-watch charm.

  • Alpiner — their take on the rugged field watch, with clean looks and solid Swiss movements.

Alpina also has a surprising amount of in-house manufacturing capability, thanks to being owned by the same group as Frederique Constant.

Movements like the AL-710 show they’re not just casing up someone else’s work.

Why Alpina Deserves More Credit

This is one of the few Swiss brands where you can still get a 200m dive watch, sapphire crystal, automatic movement, and real heritage… for under $1,000 on the secondary market.

They haven’t leaned into luxury pricing or artificial scarcity. They’ve just kept making quality watches. And in a world full of fluff, that’s refreshing.

Also worth noting: their fit and finish has improved a ton in the last decade. These aren’t budget beaters anymore — they’re legit Swiss sport watches that hold their own next to brands twice the price.

What’s New from Alpina

Recent releases have included updated Seastrong Diver Heritage models, flyback chronographs, and even some smart hybrid tech with connected

features. But the brand stays true to its roots: bold, legible designs, wearable sizing, and durability that doesn’t feel overwrought.

Collectors who want a watch they can actually use — not just admire in a display box — are starting to rediscover Alpina. And it’s about time.

Fed’s Take

I’ve always liked Alpina. It’s one of those brands I recommend when someone says, “I want a real watch, but I don’t want to overpay just

for the name.”

They’re no-nonsense, cleanly built, and way more interesting than most of the cookie-cutter stuff in the same price range.

I’ve sold a lot of Seastrongs over the years, and nobody comes back disappointed. That’s saying something.

Check Out Our Alpina Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Alpina watches — especially Seastrong and Startimer models.

If you have an Alpina you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

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