Alpina Seastrong Diver 300: Hidden Gem in Plain Sight
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- Alpina wathes was a name I knew, but really didn’t know anything about their watches when I was discovered their Seastrong Diver 300 model. Very affordable Standard Horology worth considering.
I’ve always been a fan of the (former) independent watch makers at this level. Most of them are now owned by larger companies (Oris is an exception) but this helps with stability. Alpina makes a very good watch. Thanks for highlighting them!
That's great to hear Tod. They're an excellent watch for the type and especially for the price. Take care, Bill
I own this watch and purchased the quartz gmt version to swap the bracelet onto my automatic version. Very rarely see them compared to other popular divers. Thanks for all you do Bill, it is always a pleasure to see your take on holological matters. All the best, keep up the great work.
It sounds like they did a quality job on the quartz version as well, Bill. The automatic that I reviewed was a solid watch at a great price. Take care, Bill
Thanks for reviewing this watch Bill. After listening to you I decided to purchase a new one and got this exact model but in blue. I just received it today and it looks like a wonderful automatic watch for the $550 I paid. I realize this is not a high horological watch but hopefully it will prove to be reliable and of good value for years to come. Thanks again for doing this review.
Hi Kevin, I'm very happy to hear to like it. If found it great, not only for the price but for any price. I was pleasantly surprised. Take care Bill
I liked your review of this watch so much that I went ahead and purchased one of these for myself. It's a big watch with a lot of wrist presence but I absolutely love it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Steve, I'm very happy you liked it! It was a great buy and a 'surprise' watch that offers so much more than it costs. Take care, Bill
looks like a pretty cool beater watch, I have an Alpina, but from the 60s great watch still ticks :D Thanks Bill
Was Alpina an independent in the 60s are part of another watch group, Abdul? Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci It was an independent group, they stopped producing in the quartz crisis and they made a comeback after that
@@AbdulRWatches Yeah, in 2002 Frederique Constant bought the naming rights to Alpina and brought it back to life. They stopped production somewhere in the 70s. Similar story to what happened to Blancpain where the naming right was bought by Biver. The Citizen Group itself has a lot of movements also in the high horology or "higher end" standard horology range but somehow they only sell them in Japan 😐
@@thomasa.243 Hi. Your comment about the Citizen Group is very interesting. Where can I review their higher end standard horology movements? Thanks.
@@tardis9905 Yep, sure. In the past, they have released watches under the Chronomaster line in Japan with modified/more decorated Miyota movements. Then, they switched to high end Quartz watches. Also with nice movements and cases but Quartz (if you like that) and Japan only. This year, they have introduced with La Joux-Perret (owned by Citizen) the caliber 0200. Beautiful movement, thin, 6 o'clock subseconds. But at 4Hz, which I know is not preferred by Bill 🙈
Looks like a great watch for its class. I would not wear a watch more expensive than this as an every day watch. Selleta is a well known movement. I consider this a fine watch and would be proud to own this one.
Given the quality and price (even before discounts) of the Seastrong, it's a great everyday watch or just a sport / field watch. Take care, Bill
Great 👍 review on a very cool and overlooked diver. Thanks as always Bill!
Glad, you liked it Bruce. I'll soon return to watches none of us can afford!😉 Take care, Bill
Thanks Bill !
I always thought 44mm would be too big but recently bought a Seiko Samurai and it wears great . Great review 👍
I know how you feel, Junior. When I first got my Easy Diver, I thought the same thing, but it turned out great. Take care, Bill
Alpina makes excellent divers and use them all the time.
Thanks for that information Abdul. It's always good to hear from someone with experience in that area. Take care, Bill
Bill your amazing , i really like your explanation and neutral judgement regarding every video of yours. Thanks man, take care. And i request you to make a video on 6r35 movement by seiko and citizens series 8. It wil be really knowledgable other than swiss movement.
Yikes Zubin! I know something about the 4L family of Seiko movements through interest in the Soprod A-10, but otherwise I know little of the others. Take care, Bill
I'm thinking of getting one. The price like you said is great. I've been racking my brain between Certina, Longines, Chris Ward, and Oris dive watches. Most all have about the same Automatic movements as the Alpina. You might have saved me some cash. If not thanks for Video anyway! Cheers🍻
Those brands are certainly good ones, Chance...choices, choices.🤔 Take care, Bill
@@watchartsciHi Bill. I should have told you I did by the Alpina seastrong 300 auto on steel bracelet about 6 months ago. It has turned out to be a fantastic timekeeper and it's worn everyday. Very glad I ran across your channel! Thank you cheers🍻
@@chancevonfreund9145 Glad to hear you like it Chance! Terrific watch for the money.
Alpina is a respectable mid tier watch brand.
The Seastrong Diver is a great one for the money 💰
I would definitely agree with that, Watch Monkey! Take care, Bill
I was able to pick up an Alpina monopusher chronograph that retails for $2500 for just $800 at a Citizen watch sale. It's a beaut!
Hey Spring, that's great to hear...especially a mono pusher. Take care, Bill
Do you agree that because of the relationship with Fredrick Constant, they used better or more upscale treatments on this particular watch like the smoother bezel clicks, has a click very similar to my Tudors I own. Cushion case, exhibition back, cleaner dial and hands etc? I own this one and bought it simply because you don’t normally see these better features on a diver at this price point.
Good question Wade. Both Alpina and FC are owned by Citizen Watches, and they may indeed give each a quality boost. I got an Alpina for my brother, and it's been a gem... and he's far more outdoorsy than I. Take care, Bill
Thank you, Bill. I agree with you that it’s a hidden gem. And if you’re a bigger guy and can handle the 44mm case then it’s a true winner for the money. I can’t even think of a close second in the market right now.
Th "Alpia" reminds me of an unknown performance car the "A110 Alpine," by Renault. An unknown watch and likewise auto. Both with considerable potential. Thank you. Good clip.
Hi NRS, thanks for bringing 'Alpia' to my attention...to make a long story short, "whoops!" I fixed it ... not unlike covering up a crime.🤫Take care, bill
It is distressing to see somebody dismissing any watch as a Sellita clone. ETA and Sellita make manufactured movements which are time tested and well engineered. At the offering price point, this watch offers good value. Just because a watch has a manufactured movement does not necessarily mean that the movement is popped in without any tweaks or enhancements. This Alpina reference has many virtues.
As ever Howard, very well stated. My beef with ETA/Sellita has not been their quality, but rather the companies that use them and try and pass off their watches as high horology with the associated pricing. However, your point is well-taken; they're good movements ... and their highest grade ones are very good. Take care, Bill
Some watch cases were base metal like brass and chrome plated easier to machine and when worn and used got scratched resulting in brassing. So Stainless steel is a major improvement in durable, corrosion resistant and maintained its look better.
Hey Dom, thanks! Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci Thank you Bill, for another great review always look forward to watching them and always pickup good knowledge especially the historical info it adds so much to the brand.
I have that one in smartwatch variation. Nice for daily wear
Hi Daniel, I noticed that they had some smart watches. Good daily beater ... that's super accurate. Take care, Bill
Oké i am a bit late but i got an Alpina startimer classic pilots three hander with the same movement rated at 1000 euro for 500 and a few years later i got the same watch but as a Chronograph from 2700 euro for 1400 it has the 7750 but the sellita version of it in it. Both hold exceptioneel time... And are waterresist to 100m that's important because i like to take a shower...
Hi Charly, I think that the Alpina is a much overlooked brand, and the result is some very good buys. Take care, Bill
A number of Alpinas have caught my eye over the years, but they all have been too large for my sub 7" wrist.
Yes, they are big boys. My Easy Diver is 46mm, but I don't mind a bit. Take care, Bill
The watch wears smaller than the 44 mm size suggests. The comfort case design combined with the short, highly angled lugs make it wear like a smaller watch.
They also have a variety of pocket watches!
Thanks John! Take care, Bill
have a couple like them well made easy to read wear a little top heavy happy to loan one to you they make one out of a carbon resin case i kind a like
Hi William, thank you for that information. I was surprised (in a good way) of the quality of the Alpina...solid as a rock and quite reliable. Take care, Bill
Where do find it at 699$?
Today the price is 1490€ !
Here's one that's new for $589, Captioned: www.ebay.com/itm/225637079445?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D251364%26meid%3D89e0d595f1624987a8fef149d7ff6268%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D255957257083%26itm%3D225637079445%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D4429486%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithLambda85KnnRecallV1V4ItemNrtInQueryAndCassiniVisualRankerAndBertRecall%26brand%3DAlpina&_trksid=p4429486.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A22563707944589e0d595f1624987a8fef149d7ff6268%7Cenc%3AAQAIAAABQNaJCFP3eaFlNU%252FMPxRY0TCMczVKEUB5MsBytoCwPnd71M08lfrVO4PuTCchnU42KC4W4fZqxBROE%252BM7tSL%252BgZgL1kWiIUBRsEpydVTA61DhOJDUizwNgM7HKYQEqSaBlLJpf4hBP8gOCQW7GvYUNKNMkHeMwLCK7xd9Bzds96tLjFTByXMYsDF5Wy3Ke6hyms4p%252FHabQkG1a4dkOEAOnKwTQJ8BUeaW3%252FH5T71yMHiGfGmu%252Fqwz2axMFk8NxP6F9t7qH3ujWn%252BTLl%252BVcCmXYs%252FXiIlDJK83xp0IHHsYyRkX5C5TVo%252FSD8FzPmlukQBaPswwwXikOEn6neYgSM5DPvgoJgAlixxUQF%252BRMAt%252F%252F81zE%252BAQbc62xvECDbC%252FNgC96Z%252FkFYQAiw8SQl2xIowAbEekL3SwbO8fZAOFR1bb%252BMTh%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A4429486&epid=18011389551 Good hunting, Bill
Hum i prefer the seastrong 300 diver! 😢😊
@@claptoned0 Good hunting...
Hi Bill, Still love the content your producing very much. I am thinking of buying a Brellum Tripple date watch for my retirement in August limited to 15, them seem very good watches but like to know what you think ?
Kevin from Grantham Lincolnshire, England ..
Well.., the Brellum has a base of an ETA 7751. What about a Bremont MKII White? That way you won't get the 20% nip since it's UK. The Bremont may end up about the same price. I do, however, like the bleu Brellum Pilot DB.CH.210. ... there's also the option of going pre-owned with a Swiss watch from a local shop or online retailed. Good hunting. Take care, Bill
Alpina have great watches but too big. 38-40mm would be perfect
F0o0rest, I think a lot of collectors would agree with you. Take care, Bill
Depends on your paws ;}
Just got the brown one from touch of modern for $460. Genuinely curious to see how it is
Florida Man, be sure to let us know what you think. I got an Alpina Seastrong for my brother and he loves it. Take care, Bill
What did you guys think longterm?
Just bought this one for same money, my first Alpina.
@@MrBacchus18 so what you think
@@HeyhitmeBAM oh I literally just purchased i haven’t received it. I’m expect to like it.
That's a good looking watch, I like it.
Question for you (& anyone else reading) - I'm looking to move up to an Omega, my current daily is an Oris Aquis 43.5, and I'm torn between a Seamaster 300, Seamaster Diver and the Railmaster (the Railmaster is ahead a bit, but I can't understand why it is pricier than the Diver & obviously want my money's worth)... So my question is which would be the toughest & most versatile? (if I get either of the dive watches then the Aquis will go, but will keep it if I get the Railmaster.) I'm not looking for alternatives, got my heart set on one of those Omegas.
Thank you Bill, appreciate your wisdom and enjoy your videos. Cheers mate 👍🏻👍🏻
Just looking at all three, in my opinion, I would say the Railmaster is the most versatile because the 39mm size and the ability to dress up or down. They all appear to have rugged movements with more antimagnetic protection in the Railmaster but more WR in the Railmaster 300. The Railmaster and the Oris...very nice combo in my opinion, Mr. Fox.
Steve, I happen to like the Seamaster and Railmaster equally well, but Rob's point about the Railmaster makes sense. Take care, Bill
@@robdavis1248 thank you Rob. Appreciate your detailed reply. 👍🏻👍🏻
@@watchartsci yes, it does....& I'll get to keep my Aquis too 😁
Thank you for your reply Bill, keep up the good work mate 👍🏻👍🏻
You really can’t go wrong with any of the three pieces to which you refer. They’re all more than sufficiently water resistant for most people’s use and all three have excellent movements; tough, reliable and very accurate. At 15000 gauss they’re also antimagnetic to an extent that’s far in excess of anything you could possibly throw at them in the real word. So it basically comes down to aesthetics, and for me personally the Railmaster is the one I’d choose. Enjoy whichever one you decide to buy.
Great review, does anyone k ow what battery this takes. Thanks
It's an automatic, fully mechanical Razwan. No battery. Whenever you see, "automatic" it refers to "self-winding" with a rotor ... not a battery. Take care, Bill
Would love to join you guys also with the limited timepiece your building but that 20% added VAT in England kills us until we strike upa deal with the whitehouse going forward now we are outside the EU..
Hi Kevin, a lot of places have the Customs Bite. By taking each part one at a time, maybe the bite will be less? Take care, Bill
No disrespect but I have to keep it real here.The date window is way too far from the inner bezel and when looking at the reverse of the watch it’s clear that the 25 mm movement would be better off in a 40 mm version of this watch. This is one of the fundamental criteria I look at when ever I look at anything else in terms of construction, quality of finish and design. It’s almost the equivalent of putting a V4 engine into a car that merits a V6 at least. I won’t bother to recall but even today there are high horology houses guilty of the same shortcut. It’s almost as if they’re trying to raise revenue by dumping existing movements into larger cases to keep up with The demand for ever larger sports watches et cetera.They don’t need to overly redesign any new movement they just need to tweak the best they’ve got and make it two or 3 mm larger.
I like the new intro to your videos by the way. It’s in keeping with the era where in a lot of younger guys and maybe even gals are coming into the horological appreciation sphere.
No disrespect at all E Whyte. I wish all comments that pointed out a perceived shortcoming in a watch were as polite and as articulate as you. In looking at the watch dial, I imagine that the date window placement was due to the better clarity to the left of the index track other than in the track itself. My own preference is ( if a date window is included), it should be nice and big so that it's easy to read at a glance. The Alpina's is too small for me. Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci 🙏🏽
why can alpina make 38mm 39mm diver watches , alpina s so annoyimg with their overly done 44mm 46mm watchesm reason why i dont invest on them.
Divers should stay away from Alpina Seastrong. It has no lume on the second hand. A diver deep in dark waters wouldn´t know whether his watch is working or not if he can´t verify the second hand moving. Clearly a deal breaker this watch for sincere amateurs and professionals. Also a pity for this rather appealing watch.
You know, Fimfengius that this was not recommended for Divers who actually dive, but rather the common 'Desk Diver.' If you visit a Dive Shop, none of the watches you will see there are mechanical-mostly smart watches. Take care,Bill
Looks and feels like a commercial. I don’t feel you needed go do this.
Hi Erik, I am sorry. I didn't mean it to. I was really excited because my expectations had been so low, and my brother's experience with it had been even better because he's more of an outdoorsman. I do know what you mean, though. Take care, Bill
Your comment looks and feels like a counter-commercial, placed by a competing brand. I don’t feel you needed to do this.
@@joepipisitoface3380 oh you must be funny Joe 🤣
@@cedarcanoe admittedly, I was sent by Alpina as part of their commercial “clean up crew.” Saving face, and time, watch pun fully intended. 😇
A bit harsh don’t you think? Don’t knock it till you try it.