Hands-On with the Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic

Divers watches are among the most popular types of watches but perhaps also the least diverse. Due to their function, they all tend to look alike. Those that don't often either become a hit or a miss. With the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic, Alpina clearly has a hit on its hand, with the orange version as one of the most prominent members of this collection.

The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic's cushion-shaped case sets it apart from other divers' watches. It is an intricate combination of angles and finishes that is quite complex but gives this Alpina a high-end feel without compromising its sportive nature. For practical reasons, the dial and diving bezel are kept round, resulting in a pleasing dynamic with the cushion-shaped case. The diving bezel has a good grip, but as the case of the Alpina isn't round, doing so with gloves on is slightly challenging. Here, the thick engraved numerals and minute markers of the bezel itself offer some assistance as you can push down on those with your diving glove and turn the bezel as such.

While we always approach divers watches as instruments to dive with, they are mostly just a category of good-looking watches used for everyday life. For most of us, that doesn't include diving, but if it does, the 30 ATM/300 meters water resistance of the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic is sufficient. Out of the watches is this Alpina very good looking. Apart from the case and the charismatic diving bezel, the dial is also very appealing, with its deep waffle texture mimicking the Alpina logo. It also adds a pleasant bit of depth to the dial, as the bold hour markers, filled with Super-LumiNova, lay on top of it. The date window is integrated at six o'clock for a balanced look.

What makes a difference with this specific Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic is that the flange is in bright orange matching the tip of the minute hand. This makes for quite a bold statement, especially with the matching rubber strap. While it might be a bit of a color overkill for some, it does make this Alpina a nice statement, as the overall result is still quite balanced. The black bezel and dial prevent the orange from taking over all together, while this extrovert color matches nicely with the cushion-shaped case.

The sapphire insert in the caseback allows us to view caliber AL-525, which is a modified Sellita SW200. This atypical workhorse movement that is quite fitting for a watch like the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic, standing out mostly thanks to its customized oscillating weight. Overall is this Alpina an interesting choice in the world of divers watches. It stands out due to its shape and use of color, but not too much that it becomes eccentric. It can be taken through its paces underwater but it is also a practical and good-looking watch on dry land. Alpina has paid a lot of attention to get the details right, and especially the finishing of the case is above par for its retail price of $2,295

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