Evening fellas.
I’ve been eyeing up the Alpina Startimer Pilot 44mm auto for some weeks now as I’m really starting to get a fondness for pilot watches. From what I see and read Alpina make some nice quality pieces. I’ve found a seller called OhClock on eBay who has the exact model I like for a good price; OhClock check out and seem to have a good history as well as decent feedback.
Before I grab it though, what are the opinions of Alpina of the fine fellows on here?
Ta!
Last edited by Filterlab; 13th January 2018 at 22:23.
I had a modern Alpina chronograph and it was a great watch. Don't pay anywhere close to RRP though - even that eBay one you've linked to is overpriced. US sellers such as Gemnation and Jomashop have regular sales with massive discounts. 75%+ off a brand new watch is easily achievable.
$570 for this similar model and they've not even got an Alpina sales event on at the moment: http://www.gemnation.com/watches/Alp...S6B-43918.html
Last edited by Lampoc; 11th January 2018 at 19:30.
Cheers for the reassurance on the quality.
That’s the only one of that model I can find at a price anywhere near that. Gemnation don’t have it at all, Joma is £776 plus duty. Jura have it but it’s over £200 more. RRP is £1,160 on that model. That price from OhClock includes the duty.
I don’t like the grey dial version, but it’s a significantly cheaper model than the black dial version anyway.
Last edited by Filterlab; 11th January 2018 at 19:44.
Just hold out for the inevitable sale my friend. It will happen :D
Is 44mm very large for a 3-hander ?
Might be worth trying this on first.
I like large and clear dials.
The thread intention was to gain opinions of the quality of Alpina rather than that specific piece (which is the one I like).
Alpina is a very old, reliable and experienced watch manufacturer. They've always made high quality pieces.
Thank you for making that clear to me.Originally Posted by Filterlab
They're good!
Had loads and currently own a 40mm startimer LE
I think the approx 10yr old 7750 models were better finished, I have to say- don't see too many of them nowadays
I used to have this and it was my first Alpina
The quality was excellent and I was impressed. Sadly I'm a serial flipper but I got it for a good price. As Lampoc says, never pay RRP. I think the RRP for this one was about £1700 and I paid roughly half that, which represented fantastic value IMO.
I've had one of the Big Date Quartz Chronograph for a while. Well built and I was impressed with the AR coating on the crystal. The only thing I would say is that the crown was quite big and the shape made it dig into my hand a bit.
This is also a very nice pilot at 44mm with sapphire and automatic movement:
https://www.watchgecko.com/geckota-k...YaAvUmEALw_wcB
I just bought one and I am very pleased with it. The lugs are very nicely rounded and fit the wrist comfortably. Nice hefty SS case with engraved aircraft back. Individually serial numbered. And a screw down crown.
Last edited by Tiny; 11th January 2018 at 22:40.
Not really in the same league though. Nice enough, but …
True. But only a quarter of the price.
Thanks chaps, all seems positive. :0)
Was just checking out the in house AL-710 movement. Looks very well finished with blued screws etc. I would be interested to know the beat rate. Couldn't find any info.
Then I have to say something negative.
I had the Startimer auto chrono, which looked the business and got even compliments while wearing. However the big and sharp crown which sits low on the case was uncomfortable and the lume was a disappointment for a pilot style watch. This was an early model, maybe newer ones have better lume?
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I've seen a few lume shots, but it's not really important for me. The crown won't be a problem as I wear on the right wrist so it points up my arm.
Then it's all solved
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Same size as most pilot watches, it’s quite a common size 44mm.
I love 'em. I have a small collection of Alpina's and have has for a few years now. They are very well made and the Startimer range has one of the best screw down crowns on the planet. The dials are nicely made and everything is well put together. The AR coating is one of the best out there.
Negatives on their build quality at their price point? None that I can think of.
They are heavily discounted and at around 50% off retail, they are a complete bargain.
Last edited by j111dja; 13th January 2018 at 22:32.
That's probably because of the large dial, thin bezel combination. It appears to wear bigger than say a 44mm Panerai as an example.
I’ve got a 40mm Startimer which I really like. It’s a well put together watch for the money. The thin bezel means it does wear big, I wouldn’t want one any bigger.
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