Alpina Watches

Alpina Watches: At the Forefront of Sports Watch Revolution

The humble beginnings of Alpina started when Gottlieb Hauser united Swiss watchmakers in  cooperation. The original goal of Hauser was to reduce the price of necessary resources for watchmaking. Since then, the company has become one of the leading brands in the watchmaking industry. Alpina produces some of the most reliable and precise watches that can withstand even the most extreme environments.

Since its revolutionary start, we’ve seen Alpina watches travel across the globe on the wrists of athletes, divers, skiers, and climbers alike. Prominent members of the Hollywood elite, including William Baldwin, have also been spotted sporting Alpina men's watches. There’s no denying that the company is an icon within the world of high-quality sports watches.

From its classic Alpina Startimer pilot watches to its contemporary Alpina Horological Smartwatch range, every single one of Alpina’s masterpieces offers optimal functionality while being effortlessly stylish.

How much is an Alpina Watch?

So, you must be wondering, how much is an Alpina watch? Depending on the collection and model, Alpina watch prices can range from $389 USD up to  $2,795 USD.

Alpina Watch Collections

Prices for the Alpina Startimer: An Aviator’s Companion 

For years, Alpina watches have accompanied pilots in their cockpits. The 1920s and 1930s saw the height of popularity of Alpina men’s watches among aviators. But this wasn’t just among nomadic pilots or recreational aviators, who took the excitement of aviation across regions. Even military aviators held these watches in such high regard. The brand even supplied several nations’ air forces with watches they could take to the sky. These military watches needed to be extremely precise and provide ultimate shock resistance. Not only did Alpina deliver these requirements, but it also equipped their pilot watches with anti-magnetic cases. On top of that, the high-contrast dials with oversized luminous numerals and luminous hands made it easier for professional flyers to tell time instantly. This is no matter the sky’s conditions.

Nowadays, the brand continues to honor its tradition with the Alpina Startimer watch collection. This specific range stays faithful to the essence of its predecessors. They are still as accurate and dependable as vintage Alpina watch models before them. However, they now feature more modern and sophisticated designs that you can take outside of the cockpit.

The Alpina Startimer Pilot collection is available in automatic, chronograph, manufacture, and heritage versions. They still all boast the same oversized luminous numbers for easier hour tracking and with large luminous indexes that purposefully provide that aviation instrument feel. Newer models stray away from the military-inspired designs and feature rose gold-plated steel with dials available in either navy blue or grey. Wondering how much is an Alpina watch in the Startimer range? The watch prices for this collection vary per model.

The Alpina Startimer Pilot AL-372N4S6, one of the brand’s best-selling models, cost about $895 USD. Its design takes inspiration from the heritage look and features a date window at the six o’clock marker, and a chronograph dial. Meanwhile, the Alpina Startimer Pilot AL-240S4S6 is one of the cheapest Alpina watches for aviators at heart. This 42mm diameter timepiece features a date window at three o’clock and an engraved caseback. On top of that, it still boasts high functionality, durability, and style just like other Alpina men’s watches, but with a more affordable price tag. Meanwhile, the Startimer AL-727SS4H6 goes for approximately $2,795 USD. It’s undeniably one of the most expensive Alpina watches from the brand. It features a 42mm barrel case design and has an engraved closed caseback to protect the watch against extreme and everyday elements. 

Prices for the Alpina Comtesse: Timeless Watches for Women

First launched in 1963, the Alpina Comtesse watch collection provides women with the perfect balance of sportiness and elegance. Regardless if they’re hiking in the mountains or deep-sea diving, these Alpina watches add a touch of feminine style to the traditional sports watches we know and love.

The more recent addition to Alpina’s women’s watches, the Comtesse collection has finely crafted mother-of-pearl dials and diamond detailing. These timepieces are available either in stainless steel or in yellow gold-plated stainless steel. Featuring a 34mm diameter case, the newest Comtesse watches are not overly bulky. So, the watch won’t weigh you down no matter what activity. Made with ultra-strong, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it can endure the harshest environments, while remaining stylish.

Ticking away inside the Alpina Comtesse watches is the Alpina AL-240 quartz movement. This caliber features one jewel, three-hand movement with a date window at the six o’clock marker. Moreover, the standard battery life can last up to 45 months.

So, how much do these exquisite Alpina women’s watches cost? The Alpina Comtesse Seastrong Diver AL-240MPN2VC6 retails for around $995 USD. This timepiece features a 34mm stainless-steel case and a stunning blue mother-of-pearl dial. Its dark blue bezel and midnight blue rubber strap are eye-catching no matter where you are. It can withstand water penetration up to 300m, thus it’s the perfect watch to take on your underwater adventurers.

Meanwhile, one of the most expensive Alpina watches in the women’s collection comes in a two-tone gold plated and stainless steel bracelet. The Alpina Comtesse AL-240MPWD2C3B features an elegant white mother-of-pearl dial with eight diamond markers. It has luminous indexes in yellow gold. The 34mm stainless steel case of this watch comes with a convex sapphire crystal glass that’s proven to be scratch-resistant. 

Prices for the Alpina Seastrong Collection: A Diver’s Must-Have Watch

Released in 1969, Alpina’s 10 Seastrong Diver watch was a professional diving watch that was well ahead of its time. It had a self-winding 17-jewel caliber. Additionally, the 10 Seastrong featured two crowns, one of which determined the decompression time through a 60-minute rotating bezel. Meanwhile, the other crown was used to adjust the watch’s time. Alpina covered both crowns with waterproof seals. At the time, the 10 Seastrong Diver watch was water-resistant up to 200 meters underwater and antimagnetic. Thus, divers wouldn’t need to worry about any timing issues or inaccuracies while in the depths of the sea.

Nowadays, the Alpina Seastrong collection can withstand up to 300 meters in depth. Designed for water sports enthusiasts, these dive watches can easily handle the pressure and depths of the sea. If you plan on snorkeling or scuba diving, you should always choose a water-resistant watch that can withstand at least 300 meters in depth. These robust and reliable diver watches come equipped with all the necessary features to provide the ultimate underwater experience. Its luminous hands, indexes, and bezel markers guarantee high readability.

Are you eyeing to buy this watch and wondering how much is an Alpina watch in the Seastrong collection? Well, it will depend on the model you prefer. The Alpina Seastrong collection comes with various models and iterations. We have the Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 that boasts all the noteworthy features that an Alpina diver watch should have — strong lines on the oversized case, luminous indexes, and a unidirectional bezel. All of these provide equal and optimal readability in any condition. These Alpina watches cost from $795 USD to $1,795 USD, depending on the model. Meanwhile, the Alpina Seastrong Heritage versions take design inspiration from vintage Alpina watch collections. First launched in 2017, these pieces pay tribute to the classic Swiss watchmaking aesthetics while adjusting to modern standards. These timeless watches can range between $1,695 USD and $1,795 USD.

If you’re an environmentalist looking for a diving watch, the Seastrong collection offers a more eco-friendly option. The Alpina Seastrong Gyre series features cases made of recycled materials collected from the ocean gyres. For every Gyre piece sold, Alpina donates $100 of its profit to the National Park Foundation, the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service. Depending on which size you want, prices will vary between $1,495 USD for a 36mm model and $1,595 USD for a 44mm watch.

Prices for the Alpina Horological Smartwatch: Your Innovative Sports Watch

Many consider smartwatches to be the future of watchmaking. And as one of the leading brands of Swiss watchmaking, Alpina surely did not get left behind. Introduced in 2015, the Alpina Horological Smartwatch collection marries traditional watch designs and wearable smartwatch technology. Essentially, you get the timeless aesthetics of classic Alpina men’s watches, but with all the functions of modern smartwatches. Since then, Alpina has continued to release models of the best luxury sports smartwatches with cutting-edge technology.

An Alpina Horological Smartwatch can track your activity, including step counts, distance traveled, active time, and the number of calories burned. It can also monitor your sleep pattern and stages. This smartwatch’s sleep alarm algorithm will help you figure out when's the best time to wake up based on your sleep pattern. Thus, you will always feel well-rested and rejuvenated after a good night’s sleep. Meanwhile, the dynamic coaching feature ensures you receive the best suitable recommendations, tips, and information curated specifically for you based on your activity and sleep goals. On top of these, the world timer captures 24 time zones, a feature perfect for globetrotters. By registering your city into the accompanying app, the smartwatch can easily help you track your hometown’s time. This way, you can readily call your loved ones during business trips abroad at a suitable time. You can also control and adjust all of these features with the watch’s crown.

The prices for these watches are between $399 USD and $599 USD. They are available in both Seastrong and Comtesse models. The Alpina Horological Smartwatch Quartz for ladies will set you back around $599 USD. It features a 39mm stainless steel case and bracelet with a black guilloche triangle pattern dial. The rose-gold-tone accents stand out against the black dial and bezel. It features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and silver-tone luminescent hands with nine diamond hour markers. It runs on the Alpina caliber MMT-281-1 and can handle up to 100 meters underwater. Meanwhile, the Alpina Seastrong Horological Smartwatch AL-282LBB4V6 comes in a black fiberglass and stainless steel 44mm case. It is also one of the cheapest Alpina watches at only $399 USD. The Alpina Horological Smartwatch features a unidirectional turning bezel with luminous hands, indexes, and markers. This makes the watch perfect for visibility when you’re 100 meters underwater. 

Prices for the Alpina Alpiner: Setting the Standard for Modern Sports Watches 

In 1933, Alpina first began manufacturing sporty wristwatches. Alongside this, they introduced what would become the standard for modern sports watches. The Alpina 4 timepiece was antimagnetic, antishock, water-resistant, and rust-free thanks to its stainless steel casing.

The current Alpina Alpiner collection embodies the original Alpina 4 sports watch. They present strong and sturdy watches that can endure the most unfavorable conditions. However, it still manages to remain true to the vintage Alpina watch aesthetics. The Alpiner sports watches are the essential timepieces for all outdoor adventurers. Especially for those who value elegance but don’t want to compromise on functionality.

Over the years, there have been several models and limited-edition versions of the Alpiner watches that graced gentlemen’s wrists. One of the most popular models is the Alpiner Regulator Automatic. Unlike other watches with the standard three central hands, this Alpina automatic watch features an atypical display. The hours, minutes, and seconds on these watches come in separate counters. In effect, this makes it easier to tell the time. This is because the hands will no longer regularly overlap with one another. Depending on if you opt for a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap, these Alpina watches prices can cost between $1,895 USD and $1,995 USD. Not the cheapest Alpina watches out there, but the build and quality surely make them worth every penny.

In 2020, Alpina released the limited-edition National Park Foundation Alpiner Quartz. Continuing their partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the company’s limited-edition watches feature a forest green dial and brown leather strap. The timepiece delightfully embodies the essence of the U.S. national park’s trails and rivers that the NPF is protecting. The limited-edition Alpiner watch comes in a sophisticated 42mm diameter case that's protected by a scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal. Any hiker or backpacker will have to love this Alpina watch on their wrists during hikes. The Alpiner National Park Foundation Edition Quartz comes in a custom box with an NPF patch. 

So, how much is an Alpina watch in this limited edition collection? It’s available for purchase for $795 USD. Thus, this makes it one of the cheapest Alpina watches available. Moreover, for every watch sold, Alpina is also donating $100 USD profit to the NPF. As such, the NPF can continue to protect acres of national parks for newer generations of park enthusiasts to enjoy.

How Alpina Revolutionized the Watchmaking Industry

The story behind Alpina started in 1883 when Gottlieb Hauser founded the “Kooperation der Schweizer Uhrmacher,” or the “Alpina Swiss Watchmakers Corporation.” In doing so, he united the leading Swiss independent watchmakers, who eventually were collectively known as the “Alpinists”. At the time, it was costly for watchmakers to obtain high-quality parts and accessories for their watches. Hauser wanted to negotiate more favorable conditions for watchmakers from manufacturers and dealers. Thus, the corporation joined together all independent Swiss watchmakers to appeal to dealers for more affordable parts and materials.

Shortly after, the buying syndicate then started producing their in-house calibers and chronometers. By 1903, Hauser and his son took Alpina to Russia in hopes of establishing a foothold in the empire of the Tsars. In 1909, the union expanded their watch manufacturing to the Germans. From there, the company’s growth reached other European lands like Austria, Belgium, Holland, Italy, and Spain. By the 1920s, at the end of World War I, an estimate of 2,000 dealers sold Alpina watches throughout Europe.

In 1938, Hauser introduced the Alpina 4, which soon set the standard for all modern sports watches. This watch was revolutionary at the time of its release. It came equipped with four essential qualities of the best sports watches. It was antimagnetic, so you wouldn’t have to worry about magnetic fields possibly interfering with the accuracy of the watch. The Alpina 4 was sealed in a watertight case. As such, you no longer had to think twice about water accidentally getting on it. It was also antishock, this made them more resistant to damage when dropped or when subjected to rigorous and harsh motion. Lastly, the rust-free stainless steel case guaranteed the user that the watch was durable. In effect, this made it more appealing for the long-time investment in Alpina men’s watches.

Investing in the Perfect Sports Watch

There’s no denying how Alpina set the benchmarks for precision and quality in the best luxury watches. Asides from this, though, why should you buy Alpina watches? The quick answer is the level of quality that the company provides to its patrons. Alpina’s unwavering dedication to excellence reflects the superior quality of all their watches. Regardless if you purchase the cheapest Alpina watches or the most expensive Alpina watches, you can rest assured that you are getting exceptional craftsmanship per timepiece.

Alpina does not take any shortcuts when manufacturing their watches. They meticulously inspect each watch before it can leave the factory. It guarantees that all watches are as perfect as they could be before resting on your wrist.

Another reason to buy Alpina watches is that they are more affordable than their higher-end counterparts. Even the most expensive Alpina watches still cost considerably less than other luxury brands. As such, they’re the perfect entry-level Swiss luxury watch you can buy. However, a vintage Alpina watch can sell for a couple of thousand dollars more than the original price, making them good investment pieces.

On top of this, even though Alpina has existed for almost 140 years, the brand isn’t very well known. There are only a few retailers around the world that offer their timepieces. Because of this, there’s a certain level of exclusivity in owning Alpina watches. 

Alpina: Pioneer of the Sports Watch

The release of the original Alpina 4 in 1938 set the standard for all Swiss sports watches as we know it today. Its waterproof seal allowed users to wear it while partaking in water or snow sports like skiing. Snowsports were a massively popular hobby among the Swiss. Its antimagnetic properties maintained the precision of the timepiece. This is even if you come in contact with magnetic fields that are found in everyday electrical objects or high grounds.

Additionally, the anti-shock feature allowed the Alpina 4 to absorb the force of the impact during strenuous activities. Lastly, the stainless steel case, which was steel alloy at the time, possessed a 10.5% chromium content by mass. This resulted in robust cases that wouldn’t get scratched or damaged easily.

The Alpina 4 is credited as one of the most legendary sports watches in the modern era of watchmaking. Modern Alpina collections, such as the Seastrong Diver, Alpiner, Smartwatch, and Startimer, all embody these essential qualities. Regardless if you’re a sports enthusiast, professional diver, adventurer, or pilot, Alpina watches can face the most demanding of external conditions. Yet, they never compromise on precision and, of course, style.

History of Alpina

Alpina’s story started when Gottlieb Hauser had difficulty sourcing parts and materials for his watches. In effect, he founded the Alpina Swiss Watchmakers Corporation. He brought together a group that shared one goal: to produce the best innovative timepieces of top quality.

Despite the history of Alpina dating back to 1883, the brand name wasn’t official until 1901. The now-signature red triangle logo of Alpina has become an icon in the realm of luxury Swiss watches. Taking inspiration from the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland, the iconic Alpina logo features a stylized dial and the brand’s name. The mountain has one of the highest summits in Europe at 4,478 meters above sea level. Its picture-esque peak and snow-covered slopes make it one of the most visually appealing sights in the Alps. You can spot the signature logo at the 12 o’clock marker in all modern Alpina men’s watches and women’s collections. Over the years, the red logo has developed into the mark for exceptional workmanship and precision.

Continuing their journey of setting the standard in the horological industry, Alpina was also the first Swiss watch brand to offer an international guarantee. Beforehand, the corporation already offered a guarantee in 1908 for Swiss buyers. However, this soon extended throughout the world in 1926. Today, most watches come with an international warranty.

Unfortunately, in the 1970s, Alpina wasn’t spared during the Quartz Crisis. The crisis strongly affected European and American mechanical watchmakers. In 2002, Dutch couple Aletta and Peter Stas, owners of Frédérique Constant, bought Alpina, allowing Alpina to continue the horological legacy of Gottlieb Hauser that continues today.

Athletes Love Alpina Watches

Markus Eder

Hailing from the Italian province of South Tyrol, Markus Eder. This ski racer won the 2019 Freeride World Tour. In 2020, he joined Alpina's “Alpinists” team as the brand’s newest ambassador. We have seen him with the oversized Pilot Chronograph watch in navy blue  from the Alpina Startimer collection while on the snowy mountains. Meanwhile, he ditched the Vintage Alpina watch-inspired piece for the modern AlpinerX Alive smartwatch during his bike ride along the streets of Tauferer Ahrntal in his hometown.

Rafael Fernández Caballero

Rafael Fernández Caballero is a renowned deep-sea photographer. Since he was young, the beauty of the ocean has always called out to him. This was especially because his father is an underwater photographer, as well. It’s no surprise that he too jumped into the water to showcase the beauty of our oceans. Due to the demanding depths, he has to sink himself into, he is a fan of the Diver Gyre line from the Alpina Seastrong collection. These Alpina automatic watches are water-resistant up to 300 meters underwater. Thus, they are perfect for adventures under the sea. On top of that, Alpina uses 70% recycled Polyamide (PA6) material and 30% recycled glass fiber for the 44mm case. What better diving watch to use than an eco-friendly watch to help keep our oceans clean.

Charlotte Chable

Charlotte Chable discovered her love for the snowy mountains at the age of two. Since then, she never looked back. She made her World Cup debut in 2015 and soon after; she became a national athlete and a member of the Swiss-Ski Federation. We have seen this is Swiss ski racer wear a Horological Smartwatch from the Alpina Comtesse collection on her wrist when sloping down the Alps. This Alpina automatic timepiece is the perfect active Swiss watch for active women, just like Chable. 

Rebecca Rush

Dubbed as the “Queen Of Pain”, Rebecca Rusch is a professional mountain biker. She, alongside Alpina Watches Ambassador, Patrick Sweeney, took the challenge of reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on their mountain bikes. The goal was to raise money in favor of the World Bicycle Relief. Both wore the Alpina Horological Smartwatch during the challenging climb up the 5,895-meter mountain. This Six-Time World Champion and firefighter also enjoy whitewater rafting, orienteering, and cross-country skiing.

William Baldwin

Straying away from the world of sports, we have actor William Baldwin, who in 2012 became the face of the Alpina Extreme Diver Collection. William or Billy, as the industry fondly calls him, exudes a cool and courageous vibe. This persona of his matches perfectly with the Alpina brand. As such, it’s a no-brainer why Alpina made him the face of the then-latest Alpina automatic diving watches.

Alpina: The Inventor of the Modern Sports Watch

Despite paving the way for the best sports watches we all know and love today, Alpina surely isn’t finished innovating the horological industry. Even after almost 140 years, the brand continues to produce the best luxury sports watches out in the market. And they are still only in the middle of their journey. No matter if you purchase the most expensive Alpina watches or the more affordable ones, looking at the iconic red triangle logo is enough to guarantee that the Swiss watch on your wrist can face even the most unfavorable environments.