This watch punches way above its class. The finishing is amazing and the grey dial is so different. Love the gunmetal PVD and the applied numbers and batons, the hands on this watch belong on a 7k watch and the 28000 BPH movement is beautifully sweeping the dial. The leather band is also beautiful and it gives a suede vibe to the touch. Also the lume is great and there are two bright red accents one is the triangle at twelve and the other triangle counterbalances the second hand. I have a 40mm and it is perfect the anti reflective coating and the mat grey dial can look black grey and dark coffee. Love this watch on my wrist and is taking wrist time away from my Seadweller, Longines Big Eye and my Sinn 556. This is one of the best watches I've ever owned. I've owned Breitling, Tag, Omegas, Rolex Longines , Sinn, Tudor, GS and others and this one is on my top list. The price I paid for this watch just blows my mind, it is definitely a 1k watch with 5K pedigree. Negatives no lume on seconds hand and the screw down crown is a little herd to screw., a dome sapphire would have given this watch another dimension. This piece is a winner.
Great review, straight to the point and pleasant to watch, +1 for the light off mode where we can appreciate the light of watches' dials and different parts in the dark. Keep it up ! I was more on the STOWA Flieger 40 for my first real auto watch purchase but now I can't tell
Just ordered one and am waiting for it to hit the mailbox. Paid $250 on a black bracelet, new minus the box. A very clean design and it's probably going to end up on a black sailcloth type band.
I really like the applied numerals on the dial...I am not sure about the size but it is a really interesting watch. Thank you for another great review Rob. :) I don't think I have ever mentioned it but I love that you put the name of watch in Scrabble letters...it is just a fun cool touch 👍
Its a great watch, one of my initial purchases when I got into the "hobbie." Interesting how we move on to Omega, Nomos, Rolex, etc. pushing the price point higher. Thank you for the review, makes me appreciate this watch even more.
Great watches for the price. I have the AL 750 chronograph which looks really good with the panda style dial and accuracy is approx -1 second a day after nearly one year of ownership. Cheers Dave
Ordered one in blue from Gnomon for $865, they're an AD, always been treated well by them, as well as a goodie bag with simple and useful stuff. Good quality NATO's etc. for some odd reason they ship faster half way around the world, then many to just across the state line. Good order for Flieger Friday. From what I understand they are a Swiss division of Citizen. Yes I have seen them cheaper, none in blue unless on bracelet, and all from the grey market somewhat cheaper and all with a several week wait. From research it does seem to be a Selita. From what I also understand the newer or maybe Parallel version, without romans and some case's on bracelet sells for about $100 more. I am also talking new from an AD, of an in stock item. I happen to like the look of the blue version with the red triangle, I think that little bit makes the watch. FWIW went back to their website, most of bought the last one. They're now sold out.
There was a version, not sure which year where they did open caseback, movement looked really nice. The way to tell if it is open back or not is that you will see "Startimer" above Automatic line
Good review - I love the hell out of this watch, one of my absolute faves. (really should redo some of my first vidoe reviews, they kinda suck looking back).
Thanks for the review of this nice watch. The price on this watch is all over the place. I've seen the price as low as $295 for one day at a grey market dealer. Alpina prices in general seem to have a big range.
@@christianmalone1857 i guess but the brand has no cuatomer service what so ever. I had iasues a while back and will never get an alpina or fredrique constant again.
🤔 I have the older versions the three hand and the chronograph 'the startimer classic' both have display case backs i like that a lot more... Excellent watches...
Its a gorgeous timepiece. My only complaint is the lume. Not the greatest compared to other pilot watches. But nevertheless its a great time piece. Worth it.
I have my late stepfathers Alpina which used to belong to German officer from WW2 , it runs but needs a good service , I got in touch with Alpina, and they told me they are unable to service my watch because parts are not available any longer … needles to say, I won’t be buying any watches from Alpina , any time soon
My first "expensive" watch was a Startimer of some reference about a year ago. Found a new old stock one from a vendor on Chrono24. Similar to this one, but a lighter shade of blue and no numerals. The strap was really nice leather with a deployant clasp. Ran for about one month and the Sellita movement gave out. I guess that's what you get with the grey market. Luckily the vendor, and through Chrono24, gave me a full refund. But, as you said, these Startimers are great BUT the prices are all over the place. I haven't been able to find one in the right dimensions since.
They are owned by Citizen but they typically use Selitta movements. Citizen owns lots of brands like Arnold and Son, Frederique Constant, etc. but they continue to source or make their own movements outside of the group.
The only thing I don't like is the gap between the strap and the watch. Most Hamiltons are the same. The lugs are just unnecessarily long. I think these watches not only would look much better without this gap but also would fit better.
Hard to read date maybe a Cyclops? Or contrasting color! Too big stem cap better at 10 o’clock or stem at 4 o’clock? What’s wrong at 9 and 3 numbers? , logo too busy reduce size Maybe a clear back of case!🙈
This watch punches way above its class. The finishing is amazing and the grey dial is so different. Love the gunmetal PVD and the applied numbers and batons, the hands on this watch belong on a 7k watch and the 28000 BPH movement is beautifully sweeping the dial. The leather band is also beautiful and it gives a suede vibe to the touch. Also the lume is great and there are two bright red accents one is the triangle at twelve and the other triangle counterbalances the second hand. I have a 40mm and it is perfect the anti reflective coating and the mat grey dial can look black grey and dark coffee. Love this watch on my wrist and is taking wrist time away from my Seadweller, Longines Big Eye and my Sinn 556. This is one of the best watches I've ever owned. I've owned Breitling, Tag, Omegas, Rolex Longines , Sinn, Tudor, GS and others and this one is on my top list. The price I paid for this watch just blows my mind, it is definitely a 1k watch with 5K pedigree. Negatives no lume on seconds hand and the screw down crown is a little herd to screw., a dome sapphire would have given this watch another dimension. This piece is a winner.
Just bought the gold plated. It looks amazing.
Nice looking watch, like the two splashes of red on the seconds hand and at 12 o'clock.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for letting me send it in, now I have to look for a 40/42mm from them haha
So many of them are large
They launched a 40mm version of this one today!
@@DutchBulldog in the US?
@@Jon8931 you can order the 40mm watches directly from the Alpina website.
Congratulations! The best video about Alpina start timer
Great review, straight to the point and pleasant to watch, +1 for the light off mode where we can appreciate the light of watches' dials and different parts in the dark. Keep it up !
I was more on the STOWA Flieger 40 for my first real auto watch purchase but now I can't tell
When the 40mm version came out I was like "shut up and take my money!!"
I like the red triangle at 12 and the red triangle 🔺 counterbalance on the seconds hand. It is refreshing to see a new take on the type A pilot.
Just ordered one and am waiting for it to hit the mailbox. Paid $250 on a black bracelet, new minus the box. A very clean design and it's probably going to end up on a black sailcloth type band.
I really like the applied numerals on the dial...I am not sure about the size but it is a really interesting watch. Thank you for another great review Rob. :)
I don't think I have ever mentioned it but I love that you put the name of watch in Scrabble letters...it is just a fun cool touch 👍
Thanks much Jeffrey.
Doing the Scrabbles helps me prep. It is kinda silly, but I have a whole process.
A good strong looking watch that oozes simplicity with a touch of class.
The best watch I ever seen. Very brutal and solid
Best review on this model! Thank you!
It's a beauty. Who said pilot watches can't have a stylish, colourful aesthetic?
Noone? I've never heard that
I've been thinking about picking up an Alpina, this is a nice one!
The newer version at Gnomon is a 40mm diameter.
Alpina
Startimer Pilot Automatic Navy Blue 40mm Ref. AL-525NN3S6
Thanks for the great review!
Its a great watch, one of my initial purchases when I got into the "hobbie." Interesting how we move on to Omega, Nomos, Rolex, etc. pushing the price point higher. Thank you for the review, makes me appreciate this watch even more.
Oris for me
Great watches for the price. I have the AL 750 chronograph which looks really good with the panda style dial and accuracy is approx -1 second a day after nearly one year of ownership.
Cheers
Dave
I have the rose gold with a white face and I absolutely love it.
Just picked up PVD gunmetal version for $320 on eBay. Stoked!
Hi I’ve been wearing one for a couple of years now. Great watches not well known back in the day but starting to be recognised now. Good review
I’m wearing that same watch right now. Owned it for about a year. It’s build like a tank and I get a lot of compliments.
what is movement in this or alpina whatches in general? can you tell ? also how accurate is this watch ? thanks
Love the blue!
Ordered one in blue from Gnomon for $865, they're an AD, always been treated well by them, as well as a goodie bag with simple and useful stuff. Good quality NATO's etc. for some odd reason they ship faster half way around the world, then many to just across the state line. Good order for Flieger Friday. From what I understand they are a Swiss division of Citizen. Yes I have seen them cheaper, none in blue unless on bracelet, and all from the grey market somewhat cheaper and all with a several week wait. From research it does seem to be a Selita. From what I also understand the newer or maybe Parallel version, without romans and some case's on bracelet sells for about $100 more. I am also talking new from an AD, of an in stock item. I happen to like the look of the blue version with the red triangle, I think that little bit makes the watch. FWIW went back to their website, most of bought the last one. They're now sold out.
Have seen one of these at an AD in my home city in Austria. Great looking watch. I really like Flieger Style watches. Size is great!
I have this watch & love it. The Alpina brand has quality watches
I really love this brand, great price/quality ratio.
There was a version, not sure which year where they did open caseback, movement looked really nice. The way to tell if it is open back or not is that you will see "Startimer" above Automatic line
Good review. Alpina has some tempting offerings it's just hard to find sizes below 44mm.
Good review - I love the hell out of this watch, one of my absolute faves. (really should redo some of my first vidoe reviews, they kinda suck looking back).
Thanks for the review of this nice watch. The price on this watch is all over the place. I've seen the price as low as $295 for one day at a grey market dealer. Alpina prices in general seem to have a big range.
You probably saw a quartz
@@christianmalone1857 nah these go in the 300-400 range depending on colour.
@@christianmalone1857 automatic actually ive seen for 329-349.00
@@jeffd3802 damn those are pretty good prices when the msrp is above 1000
@@christianmalone1857 i guess but the brand has no cuatomer service what so ever. I had iasues a while back and will never get an alpina or fredrique constant again.
Wow this watch is really well finished for the price. Even in the closeups it's hard to find rough edges
Beautiful Piece!!! I’d rock it👊
🤔 I have the older versions the three hand and the chronograph 'the startimer classic' both have display case backs i like that a lot more... Excellent watches...
I have the gold rose one, and I like it even more than my longines hydroconquest
My next watch too! Love the rose gold look.
Alpina has great great quality for the price but only on the secondary market though. I have two Alpina’s & love them
Its a gorgeous timepiece. My only complaint is the lume. Not the greatest compared to other pilot watches. But nevertheless its a great time piece. Worth it.
Love my Alpina
Looks good. Good Relationship between Quality and Price. What's up with the Crown? Pushes into your Handback like the IWC Big Pilot?
Love that color blue. However a little too steep in price for me. Great review 😀
Hello, do you think the lume will last all night to be able to read the time in the morning ?
Such a well balanced piece. I kinda wish it was 42mm even though I have an 8" wrist.
They actually make a 40 mm, I have one after hunting for it. I love that thing. I stare at it, it's gorgeous
@@fmartmart8099 I ended up buying one as well. 👍 👍
I have my late stepfathers Alpina which used to belong to German officer from WW2 , it runs but needs a good service , I got in touch with Alpina, and they told me they are unable to service my watch because parts are not available any longer … needles to say, I won’t be buying any watches from Alpina , any time soon
How many seconds loses per month or gain?
Thanks for the review but dude... what’s with the stomping? It’s like every video. Shock mount mics work well 😉
40mm just got out, let's see review on it ?!
Man if they made this in 38mm it would have sold insanely well. 100% sure this has AR coating top and bottom
Are you saying there's no crystal gasket?
Is this watch a good watch for $350 brand new? They are 75% off at my local citizen store
My first "expensive" watch was a Startimer of some reference about a year ago. Found a new old stock one from a vendor on Chrono24. Similar to this one, but a lighter shade of blue and no numerals. The strap was really nice leather with a deployant clasp. Ran for about one month and the Sellita movement gave out. I guess that's what you get with the grey market. Luckily the vendor, and through Chrono24, gave me a full refund. But, as you said, these Startimers are great BUT the prices are all over the place. I haven't been able to find one in the right dimensions since.
Where did you get the clasp you had on your watch?
I do like how it is to with the bezel blends in with the glass.Hate rasied glass makes it look cheaper to me.
Diamond shaped crown!
Alpina launched a 40mm of this watch today!
Ebay has refurbished ones for 339. 11 available
Looking for a pilots watch....any thoughts on Junkers J1?
Trintec. Highly recommend
Isn't Alpina owned by Citizen? Do new watches produced since the takeover use Miyota movements?
They are owned by Citizen but they typically use Selitta movements. Citizen owns lots of brands like Arnold and Son, Frederique Constant, etc. but they continue to source or make their own movements outside of the group.
If they made it in a 40mm with lugs between 46-50 I'd be sold.
Like the Bulova Lunar Pilot, too damn big.
I own the white dial variant and I find the movement very loud. Anybody experiencing the same?
Nice watch/review, too big for me though at 44mm.
nice watch
The only thing I don't like is the gap between the strap and the watch. Most Hamiltons are the same. The lugs are just unnecessarily long. I think these watches not only would look much better without this gap but also would fit better.
This of the sinn 104? is my dilema!
Sinn 104
😍
This watch is gorgeous. The only thing I am not a fan of is the crown.
Gorgeous watch although I am not favouring that big crown and the price could be more palatable to pull the trigger on this Alpina.
Beautiful watch, missed out at $630..not so much at $1000.
Yup nice watch crown stick out too much tho to skin..
Overall yeah great price decent deal/watch
Alan H
Crow sticks out?
"not gonna read that"... blind man left the chat :)
Hard to read date maybe a Cyclops? Or contrasting color! Too big stem cap better at 10 o’clock or stem at 4 o’clock? What’s wrong at 9 and 3 numbers? , logo too busy reduce size Maybe a clear back of case!🙈
See them for 349.00 if only the lume was strong...
Come on Alpina! I like a lot of their watches but ALL of them are too bloody big
Date ruins it for me