A new design, a new complication, and most importantly, a new movement: a chronograph is joining the Startimer Pilot Heritage collection for the first time.

Alpina’s aeronautically-inspired Startimer collection offers aviation enthusiasts timepieces that correspond with the discipline’s demanding standards: robust, legible and practical with resolutely contemporary aesthetics. This iconic Alpina family is now embarking on a new chapter.

Drawing on the brand’s history, for the first time, the Startimer Pilot Heritage has been fitted with a single-push-piece chronograph based on a movement designed by La Joux-Perret.

Continuing the adventure
Until now, the Startimer Pilot Heritage was a model particularly appreciated by keen travellers given its date and second time zone. Available in four versions in blue, grey and bronze, the piece is characterised by its unique case within the Startimer collection, a clever compromise between a cushion-shaped case and the famous “Bullhead” shape, a design that ranks among the finest motorsport pieces.

Returning to the brand’s roots
The new Startimer Pilot Heritage Chronograph is returning to the essence of the sports watch invented by Alpina in 1883. The Startimer Pilot Heritage’s iconic case is solely fitted with a chronograph, the ultimate complication for all lovers of high-precision mechanical sports pieces.

This bicompax chronograph measures short time intervals (30 minutes) thanks to the AL-727 calibre, which oscillates at a high frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vib/h) to ensure accuracy and shock-resistance, two cornerstones of the Alpina spirit. This new Startimer movement also offers a 55-hour power reserve: almost 45% more than its predecessor. Last but not least, in the purest historical chronograph tradition, it has a single push-piece, just like the first Alpina sport chronographs almost a century ago.

One piece, two counters, three colours
The new Startimer Pilot Heritage Chronograph is currently available in three versions: pale grey and anthracite for an understated modern spirit, blue and grey for a young and dynamic look, and blue and grey with red hands for a sporty, racing style.

Each variation offers the same standard of Alpina’s beloved fine Swiss watchmaking finishes, with a case that is polished (on the sides) and satin-finished (on top), circular guilloché counters for improved light diffusion, hour and minute hands featuring Super-LumiNova for visibility in all light conditions, and a screw-down crown and case back for guaranteed water resistance up to 100 metres. This powerful heritage piece is thoroughly in tune with its time. For collectors, this is the first single-push-piece chronograph developed for the Startimer Pilot Heritage collection.

For more articles on watches and the world of horology click here.