Good From Afar, But Far From Good? Alpina Seastrong Heritage
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
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Thank you once more Ashley! And sorry once more Ashley! Honestly, I would have this one in my collection were it not for that bloody date frame and the weird crown positioning. So close to perfect, but they shot themselves in both feet. Cheers, Jody
I actually like the offcenteredness it adds a bit of character rather than something that is standard looking. It looks cleanly well done is all that matters to me honestly.
Exactly! it's because Alpina is a true Swiss brand not Ali Xpress.
The date window and crown positionings add some interest to the watch's look, especially how the date window and the lower crown align, so no moans and niggles from be on the looks.
You prolly dont care but if you guys are stoned like me atm then you can stream pretty much all of the new movies on InstaFlixxer. Have been watching with my girlfriend lately :)
@Rex Kaiser Yup, I've been using InstaFlixxer for years myself :)
I do love the date location so much that I bought two. Beauty can be subjective Mr Jody.
Sure can! I think it is awful! Ha!
it’s absolutely beautiful and its quirks are there to be lived with . Worth a grand of my money.
I have to say, those small details didn't really bother me. I'd put it down to character....😐
I have a seastrong and edges are sharp the heritage is better design
Just got one new (open box) for half price - 300m water resistance, well-finished Swiss automatic, sapphire, and as you say, it goes from the office to the pool with perfect aplomb. Even the strap manages to be dressy-looking while being water-ready. What's not to like? 😊 My lust for a Legend Diver has been tamped down, at least for now.
The date window doesn't bug me at all - I think they're easier to read when rotated down from the 3 position. It's an oddity that I find more charming than anything else. (Plus there's something to be said for the exotic factor: I know it's going to be the only one in the room.) Very happy to have this one - it's going to get a _lot_ of wrist time.
I dont mind the asymmetric design .I have 2 alpinas and have had 3 . Alpinas hit way above their weight class and this one is no exception.
I also like that most Alpinas are not just shooting homages of Rolexes or Omegas but are a bit different like their regulators .
Big fan of the brand.
Just ordered a starttimer with big date through an auction. Can't wait :-)))
It's weird, sometimes a watch just speaks to you, and kept looking at it :)
@@CyberBeep_kenshi congratulations , you wont regret it.
Since I posted this I got an alpina avalanche extreme at at total steal and I lvoe it, so now I have 4 watches and 2 are alpinas, one Hamilton khaki field and a g-shock gwg-2k
@@ROrneli cheers!
Alpina are great watches and underrated.
I don't see them as design flaws they were conscious decisions to match a square correctly in a circle and the lower crown to keep inline with the date window..
Your friend keeping it for two years must mean they are doing something right.
Nice review.
Well said. He wasn't paid for this video obviously.
Yep - its you.... I've gone past tolerating to actively enjoying the asymmetry. To avoid the obvious and play with conventions. Its the beauty spot, the fleck of colour in an eye that takes a girl next door, royal pretty soapy star and makes her a stunner.
But the asymmetry looks like an accident. Why would it be not aligned between indicies? Looks like a QC issue rather than some unique use of negative space. Look to the Nomos Metro Datum Gangreserve for asymmetry done right
@@iamsheep the nomos isnt bad, bit dull - but thats the nomos brief, homeopathic design. Here's the point if you arent going ot be aligned, dont be aligned - at all.
@@PeteMcConvill I'm with you on this one. I've learned the hard way - buying all the "fantastic specs" watches - and then promptly selling them!! In my experience, if you buy these things with your heart, you end up keeping the more interesting pieces. Tbh, I wasn't sure when I bought this one which way it would go, but I keep wearing it and smiling. So, it's another winner for me
@@iamsheep But you KNOW it's not a QC issue. 😏
I think lockdown has sent you stir crazy .It's a beauty and great value .Much more attractive and better spec'd than an Oris 65 tho I agree the hand set doesn't make it the most legible option out there.
If it said San Martin on the dial, he will highly reccomend lol
1:26 shocked me so much I spat out my cereal hahaha! Great vid again Jody.
In a wierd way, this watch being so f*cked up makes me want it even more.
Have this exact model and I absolutely love it! Get the check ns but they really don't bother me.as.it just feels so good on the wrist and it looks great either dressed up or casual. For me it's superior to the legend Diver due to better lugs and less busy dial.
Totally disagree this watch is class. The crown's and date window position are aesthetically pleasing to me. Only the 21mm would be a pita. Your OCD is your own problem Jodi. Get some counseling 😂👍
I've had a number of 19mm lugs, just buy 20mm straps and persuade them into place. Were I to buy this one it I'd get 22mm and do the same.
Thanks for the review- I love this watch and plan on picking one up soon. I like the date location, but I do tend to like watch features that are a little different than the norm.
I just got this watch and I think Jody is nitpicking a little bit. It's an awesome watch and looks great on the wrist. You'll love it!!
You'll enjoy it. It's very versatile. Goes will with just about any outfit.
I just bought one of these and I’m happy to see people complimenting this timepiece here. I buy watches for myself, and I loved the bronze pvd coating, but it makes me sad when other people don’t appreciate a timepiece like I do. Certain watches aren’t for everyone, but this is one for me!
Nice video as per usual, Sir. Not sure they stylistic moans are a big deal, imho. Overall, 300m and quality build for $1000? seems a great deal, esp. when compared to the Oris and Longines you mentioned.
Still love It. The crowns symmetry is a little odd, but the date position and date window shape makes sense to me. If you trace lines from the center of the dial to the sides of the "4 o'clock" crown you'll get a nice piece of pie encompassing de date window.
Pros: it looks like a white dial Vostok Amphibia
Cons: it’s not a white dial Vostok Amphibia
Exactly my thoughts 👍🏼
And it doesn't cost like a Vostok!
Mandatory Amphibia post, beat me to it
black dial looks better.
The Vostok looks, well typically Russian.
It's certainly no looker.
I dont mind the assymetry of the crowns. If its on the left wrist, the staggering sets them less in position to poke your hand. The hands dont sufficiently contrast with the dial and are out of proportion with it as you said. Other than that its very beautiful. I really, REALLY like the band too. Perfect size and framing for the watch itself.
Talking about Oris: Here in Europe the Alpina Seastrong Heritage's price point is about that of an Oris Chronoris. Although the latter has only 100m of water tightness, I'd prefer the Chronoris for the reasons you just mentioned.
Jody, have you ever reviewed the Oris Chronoris?
Hello Gert, no I haven't. Was offered a NOS one last year, but it wasn't quite cheap enough.... Maybe next time?!
I see your point, but I think the date is fine there because it is aligned with the second crown. My TOC with the symmetry is satisfied
Yep could easily add this to the collection but $1,000US? Good looking watch though! I love the cream/white dial 👍🏻 It’s in proportion to its disproportion! 🤪 I suffer a tad OCDC but it doesn’t really phase me on this watch! Maybe coz it’s not mine...🤔 💭
So close, but I'll stick with the Oris for now.... Cheers!
Just One More Watch I’d agree Jody!😎 I just bought a Seiko Presage 1964 special edition with white dial!😍 No dive watch but WOW!!!!!😱
Get a Nodus Duality if you want the correct version of this design
Hans Lankamp - This is the “correct” version as it uses their own vintage watch as a model...
The Nodus is nowhere near as good looking.
@@thomasmoll8822 Yeah, i see that "correct" probably wasn't the right term to use. I think that Nodus fixed most of the complaints Jody had about this Alpina with their Duality which has a very similar design
@@chrisb6003 I think the Nodus looks a lot better, but I guess that's more a matter of taste
Do my nut in ...😂😂😂 haven’t heard that phrase in a while .. I heard someone tell someone to ‘go swivel’ the other day 😂😂😂again, a classic.. great video Jodey ..stay safe
Go swivel is soooo old school! 😆😆😆
I have a different model (Alpina Seastrong Diver GMT w/ a red bezel) and I love it! It also has none of the cons mentioned here and was worth every penny!
I have it in the bronze. It's really gorgeous piece. So gorgeous those minor gripes that you're talking about are overlooked.
Selective OCD cracks me up! Must drive y'all bonkers to check the time when it's not exactly 12 or 6.
Thanks for the review!! I have this watch and it's a great watch. I didn't actually notice the crown positions until you pointed it out, but it's not really a big deal when on the wrist and not really noticeable either, at least for myself. Take care and stay safe!
I don't know the asymmetry is a bit like a beauty mark. It makes it all come together . The hour hand is a bit too small, I agree. Further more it is lacking in the lume department. I don't know about $1,000 but I like it.
I have noticed you are a bit of an F1 fan, why not make a video on the watches in F1 and your opinion on them. Also, another suggestion would be to do a top 10 motorsport-inspired watches video. Thanks for the content always great watching your videos.
good idea! within a set price range pls.
I don't think he'll be able to afford even just a single one, except for the Casio Edifice'ses of course. But F1 photographer Kym Illman did a YT vid on them if you would like to check it out.
Jody,
I love your channel and I really respect your opinion on all things watch and tee shirt related. But I although I hate to beg, I must beg to differ with this particular review. I was debating between the Longines and Alpina when looking for a compressor style diver. Once I saw them in person there was no comparison and I ultimately chose the Alpina. I continue to be chuffed to bits with my purchase and I think the trapezoidal date window gives this watch it’s own unique character. Keep up the good work, maintain your high standards of social distancing and stay safe!
I think this is an absolutely beautiful watch- YES... date window is off... but interesting!... for ME, if not a proper Dive look, THIS has enough looks for me- really stunning. HATE the 21 mm though... that's a bigger issue for me. Cheers,
The crowns sits in the same way on the Longines Legend Diver.
Asymmetry is amazing
Another great review - thanks! I've had white/creme dials with light colored hands in the past, several times because they are attractive. However, they all get flipped because they are just not readable at a glance.
My grandfather used to tell me, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing". Perfectly suits some. You've got the lift angle set wrong on the timegrapher for that movement.
Beautiful watch !!
Great super quick to the point video. Your date window shape & position on dial and crown positions points are very valid and a real spoiler.
I definitely see wht ur saying but they do really make solid watches for the money with their other collection IMO
I have an Alpina Alpiner 4, and I love it. Love the case and that blue dial. But this one has not appealed to me, from the hands to the things you mentioned.
Ditto, one of my favorite watches in my collection, have been looking at the GMT silver dial may pick one up as well.
Well , if you want more symmetry with any watch,
Just take the hands off.
Hello!! I’m a big fan of your reviews and I usually learn something new from almost every video. But for this review I’ve got to disagree with each of your criticisms. Especially the date window. I think these are exactly the details that distinguish this watch and make me love it. If you want conservative classic symmetry, you have tens of thousands of watches to choose from. I say we embrace those who dare to be different and pull it off so well.
I actually like the date position there as it doesn't cut into the indices. to each his on I guess. I think I enjoy my white dialed Vostok much more with 20mm lug width even!
overcritical for things most people wont notice. BUT I do appreciate your detail and views, and love your reviews. One thing you didnt notice is that the second crown lines up perfectly with the date window, which rests above the 4 pip. And the top crown rests below the 2 pip. Its taste, take it or leave it, but its done to a plan and i love it!
"Good from afar, but far from good" oof, now that is a solid poetic burn.
Don't mind it. Also don't mind the quirks, it makes it unique.
I like it and the trapezoid.
But I also like quartz.
For this style of "dress diver" I prefer my Longines Legend Diver. I have the black PVD version and it's one of my daily divers.
It’s a beautiful watch. It’s unusual in terms of design. So if those two elements ring your bell then I say it’s a good deal!
It is a beautiful watch! I have the seastrong 300 AL525X4TVS4/6 with the sellita sw200-1. I little bigger and some say plain. But I will tell you the engine is awesome. I love it.⌚
I could forgive most of your complaints. The dial color/hand color combination is a deal breaker for me. I need some contrasting colors to make things legible. Nice review Jody!
I understand your remarks but I found you’re nitpicking a bit too much.
How? He says it's great if it doesn't bother you like it bothers him. I think it's atrocious.
And for a grand I would prefer a watch that has been designed with angles and symmetry in mind
Move the date dial tuo 6 o'clock, add a little color on the dial, say red seconds hand and make it smaller for example 40 mm and then you'd have a banging watch.
I was thinking along the same lines myself.
I've got the Phoibos Eagle Ray gmt , pretty much all as you guys described except 3 o'clock date
Or buy an Oris 65
....and move the date window and make it more evenly between batons... That was the first thing I saw and just killed it for me on this watch.
Oh please don't destroy it with red also.
Deffo OCD but I see what you mean! The date lept out at me from the get go but the crowns needed pointing out by you. Not a mega fan of inner rotating bezels either and it’s pricey too. How come some micros can nail it yet bigger brands struggle? Newsflash - you have been doing it longer, you should be getting it spot on now. 🤓
Another great review. I actually own this watch. I too was concerned about those moans and niggles before I bought the watch, but they don't bother me at all, to be truthful. I think the date location was their attempt to visually tie it to the lower crown. The trapezoidal shape of the window was probably described by lines from the center to the crown ends. The asymmetrical location of the crowns...I honestly didn't notice this until you mentioned it! My 2 moans and niggles are 1. The crown is difficult to operate, and 2. the marks on the rotating bezel don't really line up to the dial. Otherwise, it's a beautiful watch. Especially in daylight.
they got close enough for me--i quite like it! BUT i am not in the market at $1000 or even $500--others will be, and i would congratulate them--it just looks classy. for a dress watch, i like the tissot visodate quartz--it's one fifth the price and always ready to go for an occasional wear piece. to each his own....
I agree Jody, the crowns not being even is the first thing I noticed and I'm not sure what possessed them to do that. The date window is a massive bugbear too, it could have done without imo. Great job on the review and shame about that lume, could have been a bit stronger.
Just got my phoibos 007B it’s a beautiful blue dial. I’m trying to up the quality of watch going into my collection.Trying to stay away from watchers in the $80-$100 category. They have their place but I have a ton of them. Maybe a couple of parnis because they are the exception to the rule very high-quality for what you pay.Thanks for all the high-quality videos you put out I know it’s hard work and takes time and I appreciate that please keep up the awesome work thank you and stay safe and have a wonderful day God bless you.
Now, at the end of 2021, there is a new version. The specs are the same, the crowns are also at the same position but the date is gone. It comes with a steel case, black dial and golden indices. It looks really gorgeous....
Nice looking watch, something different from the submariner homages. Could have come with s display caseback though
I own a alpina startimer; that one, I bought for its basic good looks.....the startimers automatic or quartz..... You can find really good deals on.
Love the date how it is not cutting the 3 - the crown are a bit questionable, but not a dealbreaker for me... 21mm lug width can be a pain, but there is plenty of stuff around - look at Watch Gecko or Cheapest NATO Straps... - found enough for my even stranger 19mm Longines Conquest...
The crown and date position criticism is a little harsh imo. Like you said after wearing it for a while you most likely will not notice it.
Woooahhh!! I saw the date problem straight away!!! And why no lumed indices? Daft as a brush.
Thanks for listening to the input 😊
Bought it and sold it a couple of weeks later. Good review, Jody!👌
Interesting Frank. So much going for this one, but those small details let it down. A real shame. Hope you are safe and well. Cheers!
@@JustOneMoreWatch Stay safe Jody and hope everything is fine with you and yours! I bought the Alpina on the looks alone, but I couldn't stand the horrible lume, the strange date frame, not too impressed with the movement in mine either, it was running at a + 16 sec a day out of the box, but what really killed it off, was the hand set. Didn't like it at all and the honeymoon period ended in divorce. Stay safe and take care, buddy!!
Thanks for the review! It’s funny, my review of the chocolate dial, bronze case version of this watch is publishing later today. I mention some of the very same things you say in your review! 😊 I believe this Alpina could be the Longines Legend Dover Killer. I believe the Longines has roughly the same uneven crown positions for some reason. I think a lot of compressor style watches do, I don’t get it but seems that is the situation. Thanks again!
Jody, I wasn't going to say anything but since you raised it... yes you have displayed elements of OCD but that certainly doesn't mean you go that one wrong. Excellent review.
I saw the watch in person, and yes once you see the date and crown placement, you cannot un-see it.
No lume on the hour markers is unforgivable.
Hi Jody, great video. yes lovely looking watch with problems.
The crown and the date window line up. So I’m assuming they compromised the position of both versus redesigning the movement and making it more expensive.
Obviously the date window is there Jody because it’s in line with the crown but I get your point totally. I love the brand but as you pointed out some very silly mistakes. Excellent review
So, a 1000$ watch where Alpina cheaped out and did not want to change the date ring, so they simply rotated the whole movement (setting crown and date window) to make it look as a successor. I think the setting crown would have collided with the lugs where they to put the date at 4 :)
I don't think you need to spend 1k $ on a watch then to force yourself to come to terms with design flaws in it. For a lot of us here 1k $ would be better spent on a new TV or fridge or PC, than on a watch
It's not a design flaw. The original has similar crown position as does the Longings. It may not be to everyone liking but faithful to the original and the genre.
Nice looking watch in the video-- LOVE the rotating bezel, LOVE the strap, but HATE the 'arrow head' on the minute hand... and, tbh, I like the date window, but its dial placement makes it look like an after-thought.
It's nice. But, imho, it's $500.00 usd-nice, not $1k-nice...
Thanks, Jody! Made me LOL! with the "WTF" comment! 🖒😃
very good review, I also think they could have put a little more thought into the hands, the minute hand looks like the diamond is just been stuck on the end of it the second hand though looks much nicer
I noticed the date frame right away. I didn't notice the crown spacing until you mentioned it. Then I couldn't unsee it.
Thanks for the awesome video!!
It took me a good 300mS to spot the suspect date window. The most bizarre "implementation" I've ever seen. A right Horlicks, mate! Nice strap though with a bit of a Planet Ocean vibe. Keep the strap, bin the watch.
I actually quite like this. Lithium has been know to help in mood stabilization.
Thank you Jodi
Great review .
Somthing did look alittle
off.
I actually really enjoy the odd positioning of the crowns and date window. I think it looks really interesting. I have more of a problem with the handset. That's one ugly minute hand!
Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
I'll see YOU in the next video!
Couldn’t agree more - 21mm is a total no-go.
Great review 👍 Seems to something of a theme with Alpina. I've considered several of their watches because they're well priced good looking pieces, but they often miss the mark a little and I don't pull the trigger.
For 980 bucks??? Err, no.
A year ago I wanted this watch badly. Your video stopped me. It’s a year later and I still love it’s look.
Rolex have the cyclops, Omega the Helium escape valve, Patek the 1960’s TV set styled case shape, which all have fans and haters. Why couldn’t Alpina own the « date at 3:45 + offset crowns » corner of the market if they so choose ?
And if you hadn’t posted this video, I guess many in the watchfam would never even have been aware of this watch, unless Alpina decided to be the last company to participate in BaselWorld 20.5 😄
All in all I reckon this is quite positive for Alpina.
Big rocks, like uneven shaped stones are put into ladscape parks, museums, to make us realize the beauty in other things, easier.
Just got my one more Phoibus 007. Blue dial and bezel.loving it .Got a brand new on eBay for 250
I had a very bad exeprience with a Swiss watch. A Tissot. I purchased it from an official store in Zurich. Was supposed to be water resistant to some meters. But wearing it on the beach once and it got spooled with salt water entering the crown. My Chinese watches fare better.
Totally agree.... The date window could be forgiven but placements of those crowns 🧐... Great video as always
Such a pity Jody. Love Alpina as a brand (their Startimer Auto Chrono is quite the looker, if a bit on the big side) but that squint case design ruins a possible alternative contender for the Legend Diver. The handset also just does not do the watch any favours. Hope you give the brand another chance and review another one of their watches!
Great review! Agree with you about the out of wack looks.
Should have aligned the crown at 4 and rotated the numbers 90 degrees anticlockwise, I reckon they compromised so as to not to rotate numbers too much.
I think you are being very severe now Jody... those quirky little details makes it very interesting, more so than the Conquest, and I am a Longines fan. Just not for me only because I like to be able to tell the time without reading glasses ;-)
I thought this was gorgeous until you mentioned the crowns, now I can't unsee it. BTW I have an original 60's one which is stunning.
I thought thin line had promise. BUT, for me, for a diver, the lume is SO weak.. and, the fact the dial is not fully lumed also seems very unusual and just not right. So, meh.. there are definitely a lot of other good and better compressor style divers for more and less $$.
Not a fan of the date window location, also, as u mentioned.
And, that's weird.. the 2 crowns are not equidistant from each other. Never noticed that, but that would be another big disappointment for me. Thanks.
Hey Jody, long Island watch sells a 21mm mesh strap if I recall? Great video...
I was going to say the same but you beat me to it I believe it's actually a 22 and he files down the ends to fit
I found a 21mm Milanese mesh strap on Watchgecko.com