Alpina Debuts the Startimer Pilot Solarmetre and Two Route du Rhum Watches

Alpina introduces its latest new models at Geneva Watch Days, including the Startimer Pilot Solarmetre. The model introduces the brand’s solar technology to its aviation collection for the first time while debuting a new 38mm case size to the Startimer Pilot line. The Swiss sports watchmaker also marks its role as official timekeeper of the 13th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe withtwo limited editions: the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic x Route du Rhum, limited to 313 pieces, and the solar-powered Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre x Route du Rhum, limited to 513 pieces.

Startimer Solarmetre

First introduced in the Alpiner collection, Alpina’s Solarmetre technology now takes flight with its integration into the Startimer Pilot collection. Developed by Swiss manufacture La Joux-Perret, the AL-140 solar quartz caliber is powered by natural or artificial light and can run for up to ten months in total darkness on a full charge. The technology uses a translucent dial to allow light to reach solar cells beneath its surface, where the energy is converted into electricity and stored in a rechargeable battery.

The introduction also brings a new 38mm diameter to the Startimer Pilot collection, offering more universal proportions while preserving the aviation-inspired aesthetic introduced at Watches and Wonders 2026. Three new variations showcase the versatility of the solar dial: a stainless-steel model with a black grained dial and black leather strap; a stainless steel model with a navy blue grained dial and matching Cordura fabric strap; and a champagne-colored PVD stainless steel version with a brown grained dial and sand beige NATO strap. Blue accents on Alpina’s signature triangle distinguish the solar-powered models.

The black and navy blue stainless steel versions each retail for $1,495, while the champagne-colored PVD version with NATO strap retails for $1,695.

Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic x Route du Rhum

Alpina also looks to the sea as official timekeeper of the 13th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, the challenging solo transatlantic race departing Saint-Malo for Pointe-à-Pitre on Nov. 1, 2026. The brand, which also supports French skipper Éric Péron, marks the partnership with two individually numbered limited editions inspired by the demands and visual identity of offshore sailing.

The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic x Route du Rhum is limited to 313 pieces, a reference to the race’s 13th edition, and introduces a turquoise dial to the model for the first time. The grained dial is decorated with a pattern inspired by Atlantic Ocean currents, while a compass-graduated bidirectional bezel with carbon fiber insert, race-route engraving on the case back and red “13” in the date display reinforce the maritime theme. Housed in a compact 39 x 40.5mm stainless-steel case, the automatic diver's watch offers 300 meters of water resistance and is paired with a two-tone turquoise and black textured rubber strap. It retails for $2,295.

Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre x Route du Rhum

The Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre x Route du Rhum, limited to 513 pieces, brings the brand’s solar technology to the partnership in a compact 37.5 x 38.9mm stainless-steel case. Its black solar dial features Alpina’s signature triangle pattern with turquoise detailing, complemented by a carbon fiber bezel insert, black rubber strap and case back engraved with the transatlantic race route. Powered by the AL-140 solar quartz caliber developed with La Joux-Perret, the watch can run for up to ten months in complete darkness after a full charge. It retails for $1,495.