For almost 140 years, the Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina has been intimately linked to nature, the great outdoors and their respectful exploration. In 2020, the Maison unveils its new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic line, worthy heir to this commitment and made from plastic waste. Technological innovation, craftsmanship and an ecological manifesto are the driving forces behind these five models launched to support the World Ocean Day (on June 8th, 2020). On this occasion, the Brand goes even further by announcing its partnership with the start-up Gyre Watch, which is responsible for sourcing the recycled material, and with Surfrider Foundation Europe, a non-governmental organisation which has become a reference in the fight for the preservation of the ocean and its users.

The New Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic

A composite case made from fishing nets

If humanity is caught in a climatic whirlwind that is difficult to slow down, the same is true of the ocean, where between 8 and 10 million of tons of plastic waste are dumped every year. Where does it go? Mainly into ocean gyres; vast vortices formed by different sea currents and distributed across the globe. They toss our plastic waste, propelling it over huge areas and into the abyss.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic Watch Review
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic

Now, Alpina is harnessing the power of these gyres in a new and actively engaged range within the Seastrong collection. Its name? Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic. For the first time in the history of the Maison, the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range features a case comprised of 70% plastic debris derived from fishing nets collected in the Indian Ocean. To ensure its durability, it has been strengthened with 30% fibreglass.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic

This line as well as its name draw their inspiration from the encounter between Alpina and the watch journalist Bernard Werk, in the Netherlands, three years ago. Personally, involved in the preservation of the oceans, he created the concept as well as the name "GYRE", in reference to these giant circular ocean currents - and consisting in reusing the ghost fishing nets from the Indian Ocean. In order to protect an environment dear to Alpina as well as to GYRE-founders Bernard Werk and Jorrit Niels - and leave a sustainable footprint - the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic line is the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Gyre Watch and the Maison.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic Blue dial
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic

It is also the first time that this eco-responsible blend has complied with EU REACH legislation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). Its aim is to control the use of chemical substances in order to improve the protection of human health and the environment, while promoting a high level of innovation – objectives perfectly expressed by the new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic

A creation in ocean-inspired colours

The Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range now comprises five variations, including: three men’s models (44 mm) and two ladies's models (36 mm). They share three dial finishes evoking the reflections of the sea, in blue shades, turquoise and dyed mother-of-pearl, complete with luminescent hands. The seconds hand is finished with the famous triangle from the Alpina logo, which also features as an index hour marker at 12 o’clock.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Ladies Automatic
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Ladies Automatic

Completing the look are three two-tone NATO style straps made from recycled plastic bottles. In addition, Alpina is offering a black vegetable leather strap comprised of recycled apple waste with every men's model.

Each model is powered by the AL-525 automatic movement featuring three hands and the date, housed in a black composite case (70% PA6, 30% fibreglass) and presenting a unidirectional bezel that recalls the nautical pedigree of the Seastrong collection. Each piece is certified water-resistant to 300 m.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic

A limited and committed edition

These timepieces will be made in strictly limited series of 1,883 pieces each, in reference to the year that Alpina was created. They will be presented in an exclusive and eco-friendly gift set comprising an inner box of FSC Mix paper housing a case made entirely from recycled plastic (ABS) with lining made from recycled plastic bottles (rPET). Completing this gift set will be a single leaflet (guarantee and certificate of authenticity) printed on FSC Recycled paper.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic Dial
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic

To reduce its ecological footprint further still, Alpina has also opted for a paperless user manual, accessible via a QR code. The latter will direct buyers to a dedicated site presenting the concept behind their watch and its materials, as well as the instruction and maintenance manual.

Supporting a global cause

Lastly, the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range embraces an ecological manifesto: Alpina has decided to launch these five new models to support the World Oceans Day (designated by the UN, on June 8th, 2020). The aim is to draw the attention of the international community to this event, which brings together all the initiatives aimed at cleaning up and protecting our oceans in a lasting way.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic Full Box for sale
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic

Founded in 1883 by a collective of leading Swiss independent watchmakers known as the “Alpinists”, Alpina has been intimately linked to nature, the great outdoors and responsible exploration for nearly 140 years. The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range is the worthy heir to this commitment.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Ladies Automatic
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Ladies Automatic

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Ladies Automatic

Technical specifications:

Reference: AL-525LNSB3VG6, AL-525LMPLNB3VG6

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Movement:      

·       AL-525 caliber, automatic

·       26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28,800 alt/h

Case:  

·       2-parts case made with recycled PA 6 (70%) and glass fibre (30%)

·       60 min unidirectional stainless steel with black PVD bezel and black color luminous markers

·       Diameter of 36 mm, thickness of 11,75 mm

·       Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal

·       Water-resistant up to 30 ATM/300m/1000ft

·       Engraved case-back

·       Screw-in crown

Dial:    

·       Smoked blue dial or Light blue mother of pearl dial, applied silver indexes with white luminous treatment

·       Date window at 3 o’clock

·       Silver color hours and minutes hands with white luminous treatment, white color seconds hand with light blue triangle at the base

Strap: Two-tone blue NATO strap made from rPET (recycled plastic bottles)

Giftbox: Made from recycled plastic, FSC certified paper and rPET fabric

The price for the Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Ladies Automatic is Euro 1,295 for the Smoked blue dial version and Euro 1,395 for the Light blue mother of pearl dial version and is limited edition to 1883 pieces for each version.

The New Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic
Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic

Technical specifications:

Reference: AL-525LNSB4VG6, AL-525LNB4VG6, AL-525LNB4VG6BLK

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Movement:      

·       AL-525 caliber, automatic

·       26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28,800 alt/h

Case:  

·       2-parts case made with recycled PA 6 (70%) and glass fibre (30%)

·       60 min unidirectional stainless steel with black PVD bezel and black color luminous markers

·       Diameter of 44 mm, thickness of 12,15 mm

·       Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal

·       Water-resistant up to 30 ATM/300m/1000ft

·       Engraved case-back

·       Screw-in crown

Dial:

·       Smoked blue dial or Blue dial, applied silver indexes with white luminous treatment

·       Date window at 3 o’clock

·       Silver color hours and minutes hands with white luminous treatment, white color seconds hand with light blue triangle at the base

Strap:

·       Two-tone blue or Two-tone blue and black NATO strap made from rPET (recycled plastic bottles)

·       One extra strap made of apple leather is coming with the watch and is protected by a pouch made from rPET.

Giftbox: Made from recycled plastic, FSC certified paper and rPET fabric

The price for the Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Gents Automatic is Euro 1,395 and is limited edition to 1883 pieces for each reference.

For more information please visit Alpina Watches Online.