Alpina Startimer Pilot Manufacture – Limited Edition for Horlogerie-Suisse Forum

The Swiss/French watch forum Horlogerie-Suisse collaborated with Alpina Watches to create a limited edition of just 50 pieces, in celebration of their 10th anniversary. The Alpina Startimer Pilot Manufacture, yes indeed like the name already indicates, is equipped with an in-house designed and manufactured movement. 

It can be bought, strictly online at Horlogerie Suisse, for an Anniversary Price 2001-2011 of CHF 2011.00. Just consider this, a brand new watch with a manufacture movement, for just 2011 Swiss Francs. Now that sounds like an absolute bargain and to be honest, it is. We heard there are only a few left…

Compared to the ‘normal’ Alpina Startimer Manufacture, the counter weight of the second hand is now green in stead of red. The name of the forum is also engraved in the case back.

The in-house movement, caliber AL710, can be seen though the sapphire crystal in the case back. This movement features an automatic winding mechanism incorporating Alpina’s trademark rotor; a salute to the designers (Straub & Co.) of Alpina’s first automatic calibre of 1945, the 582.

The movement’s plate shows “AL 950/1” which is the movement reference of another Alpina Startimer, the Manufacture Regulator. Alpina’s website does not  shed more light on this, however based on the fact both watches (Alpina Startimer Pilot Manufacture and the Alpina Startimer Manufacture Regulator) share the same pointer date at 6 o’clock, we believe these movements (AL-710 and AL-950) are almost similar in specifications and maybe even share the same plate.

The balance is held in place by a balance bridge in stead of a balance cock, which makes it more sturdy. Furthermore we see blue screws and Côte de Genève striping. The finishing is machined, but still looks nice, especially when considering its price. Caliber AL-710 offers a 42-hour power reserve.

If you like to own this watch for 2011 CHF than better check out the Horlogerie-Suisse forum.