I find this one overpriced π€ not even a pure bronze case, not a chronometer, ποΈπ§ resistance but not as impressive...
This movement is based (copied) on the Sellita SW200 and I don't π something ποΈ like a silicon hairspring, hi-beat from 5 Hz, huge power reserve, superior shock resistance, spectacular decoration or outstanding anti magnetic properties.
Lastly, I find a little bit misleading that 1οΈβ£ year manufacturer's warranty you get here. If you buy from an AD you get 3οΈβ£ years https://us.alpinawatches.com/pages/warranty
MarPablI suspect the 1 year warranty is possibly the Drop aftermarket warranty, when I have bought Alpina watches elsewhere with a discount they have come with 2 year "aftermarket", warranty. After reading a couple of online chats I got the impression that the manufacturers have a bit of control and input on what dealers will do, like Raymond Weil will only give their extended 1 year extra warranty upon registration with them, but only if it was purchased through a "registered dealer". At that time I bought the freelancer from Drop at $749 the orice from the registered local dealer would not go under $2400, which probably explains the 1 year non Raymond Weil warranty from Drop.
I think the reason this is not "true" bronze is maybe they just want that luxury bronze polished look ,so a PVD shouldn't patina. A bit like some of the Breguet models. But just a suspicion.
Itis very like the Longines Heritage diver particularly the two tone dial versions. Not sure how the movements stack up ,but the Longines invariably are more expensive; I would have thought this model would have hit the sale at around $900 or less.
JAoneIf the manufacturer will honor the warranty them I'm ποΈ & it's understandable that you get fewer years π§ I would π¬ that even the PVD would form patina π² otherwise this is almost identical to gold PVD π
I checked the Longines and it's indeed similar. The AL-525 caliber is based on the Sellita SW200 https://watchbase.com/alpina/caliber/al-525 and the Longines has the ποΈ ETA 2892 caliber so that one is better...
MarPablCheckout Panzera watches on google;they are pre-ordering a Pro-Diver Aquamarine with internal bezel and a very similar look, on mesh bracelet at 50% discount; for $330 usd. or so a really great deal. I am seriously considering. I have three of their watches, very good quality.
JAoneYou mean these https://www.panzera.shop/product-category/aquamarine-pro-diver/ π
Do you know which specific Miyota movement these have? The looks are indeed similar & I like the mesh version as well. The π§ resistance is the same as well as the internal rotating bezel. I've never used one of these diver bezels operated by a π & I'm curious about the feel, the way you get distinct clicks and how it feels being unidirectional π
MarPablI believe it's from the 820A series, I have had it in an Aquamarine and kept excellent time, and never ran out on my winder,where as sometimes my swiss movements after sometime need winding or movement topup.
I have only had the internal bezel on a Bulova Marine Chrono series which I on-sold; because the bezel was very loose and moved when you would nudge the crown: but these have screw down crowns so it shouldn't move when set;and the finish was not well "painted" on the said bezel. I can only hope it is like the Longines Heritage which I have looked at a while ago; can't remember it "clicking' ,but it was quite secure. At $460 aud which is around $330 usd. pre=order 50% discount deal I may just go for the mesh option. Certainly a hell of a lot cheaper than Alpina or Longines or the Oris option in a similar style. And at least it is built here in Australia to a high standard. Probably 10% to 20% cost of the Swiss options!