I do remember checking out a few years ago at Birks the limited edition Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage. I really liked its hinged case-back that would unveil a hand-wound movement, but the 50 mm diameter was way too big for my wrist. Now Alpina is bringing back the same model, still limited to 1883, but with an automatic movement and a few updates to the design. The case has now a more wearable 44 mm diameter, which still keeps the spirit of large diameter pilot watches, but it is adapted to a more down-to-earth life.

Presented against matte black, the hours and minutes stretch out in luminescent beige, carefully chosen to replicate the shade that was used on vintage dials. Large hand-polished steel hands in the same luminescent shade hover over a 24-hour counter designed with long-haul flights in mind.

There are few vintage details that you can’t miss noticing, the “Alpina” logo features the original font used by the Geneva-based brand founded in 1883, the triangle at 12 o’clock and the red counterbalance on the the seconds hand.

The hunter case-back is back and it’s decorated with perlage pattern, under the sapphire crystal window you can enjoy the AL-525 movement.

The brand has also revived the grooved design for the crown at 3 o’clock, making it easier to grip, even when wearing gloves. Finally, the brown calfskin strap is embellished with topstitching in the same vintage beige as the hands. As the watch develops a patina over the years, each piece takes on a life unique to its owner.

For more information go to alpinawatches.com