Another day, another retro diving watch. Don’t worry though, this isn’t the usual bandwagon hopper. In fact, back in 2016 Alpina was ahead of the curve with their 1960s-inspired Seastrong Diver collection. Now, two years later, they’re adding the finishing flourish to the range with the Seastrong Diver Heritage, bringing the collection full-circle.

This still isn’t a true re-edition of the 1969 model, but the new Seastrong Diver Heritage does take a more retro direction with its design. The biggest part of that design is the use of a rotating inner bezel rather than the more common unidirectional outer one.

Using an inner bezel is actually very practical; it can’t get knocked if it can’t be hit. It might not have the satisfying click of most diving bezels, but it looks a lot smarter. It’s adjustable using the upper crown at 2 o’clock, with the lower at 4 o’clock used for setting the time and date.

The system is set in a 42mm bronze-coloured PVD stainless steel case, joining the growing ranks of steampunky timepieces growing unique patinas over time. It’s still nice and rugged, but overall the case is a great deal more elegant than your average deep-dweller, a watch for every situation rather than just for when you’ve already strapped your scuba tank on. Even so, it’s water resistance to 300m, making it a professional tool.

Inside the Seastrong Diver Heritage is powered by Alpina’s AL-525 calibre, essentially a modified Sellita, with a 38-hour power reserve. It’s solid, reliable automatic movement without any frills. Still, at this price point you wouldn’t expect extraordinary levels of guilloche anyway.

Available with either a black or white inner bezel (IMHO the white is by far the cooler of the too), both with a chocolate brown dial, the Seastrong Diver Heritage is priced at 1595 Euros – just £1,430.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage

Ref: AL-525BR4H4 (brown dial), AL-525BRC4H4 (brown and cream dial)

Case/Dial: 42mm diameter x 12.3mm thickness, stainless steel with bronze colour PVD

Movement: Cal. AL-525, automatic

Power Reserve: 38h

Frequency: 28,800 per hour (4 Hz)

Functions: Hours, minutes, second, date

Water Resistance: 300m (30 ATM)

Strap: Dark brown leather strap and extra rubber strap

Price: £1,495

More details at Alpina’s website.