New Releases Bring Solar Technology to Alpina’s Aviation Collection and Celebrate the Brand’s Role as Official Timekeeper of the 13th Route du Rhum
GENEVA (September 2, 2026) — Alpina introduces its latest novelties 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 Pilot Solarmetre: Solar Technology Takes Flight
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 10 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.
Alpina Celebrates the Route du Rhum With Two Limited Editions
Alpina also looks to the sea as official timekeeper of the 13th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, the legendary 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 caseback and red “13” in the date display reinforce the maritime theme. Housed in a compact 39 x 40.5mm stainless steel case, the automatic model offers 300 meters of water resistance and is paired with a two-tone turquoise and black textured rubber strap. It retails for $2,295.
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 caseback 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 10 months in complete darkness after a full charge and retails for $1,495.
Together, the Geneva Watch Days novelties extend Alpina’s sports watchmaking across its worlds of air, land, and sea, combining solar technology, compact proportions and purpose-driven design with the brand’s longstanding focus on exploration and endurance.
For complete product details, technical specifications, and high-resolution imagery, please access the Alpina Geneva Watch Days press kit.
ABOUT ALPINA
THE ORIGINAL SPORTS WATCH SINCE 1883
Alpina considers each of its watches a true companion for exploration. Sporty by nature, the Maison is in constant pursuit of new summits, cultivating the spirit of the alpinist’s roped party: supportive in each other’s efforts, sharing both risks and successes. A philosophy founded on absolute trust between a team moving forward together, united by the same ambition. The Manufacture’s standards are radical and without compromise.
The Alpina Maison was founded in Switzerland in 1883 by Gottlieb Hauser, seeking to bring together various stakeholders from the watchmaking industry. It was originally named “Union Horlogère Suisse.” Guided by the principle that strength lies in unity, the idea was to join up the watchmaking professions and create an unparalleled environment for innovation and reliability.
From its beginnings, the Maison asserted an uncompromising vision: to create watches that withstand extremes. At the beginning of the 20th century, in a storm of new ideas, Alpina developed a series of major in-house advances dedicated to robustness and fine workmanship. Water resistance, corrosion resistance, anti-magnetism, shock resistance. Alpina stands among the pioneering brands that helped chart the course of modern watchmaking.
Today, each watch is still designed to withstand the most demanding environments. A promise embodied across three worlds: air with the Startimer collection, sea with the Seastrong collection, and land with the Alpiner collection. Launched in 2023, the Heritage collection enriches the Maison’s offering by paying tribute to its history and iconic models.
Alpina embodies the pursuit of transcending limits and responding to the call of wide-open spaces. The Maison builds strong partnerships to support exceptional athletes and adventurers who push their limits in the quest for achievement. Radical in its choices and true to its values, Alpina advances without compromise, joined by those who dare to face the extreme. In 2016, the Frederique Constant Group, of which Alpina is a part, joined the Japanese Citizen Group to further its international development and foster new synergies.
For more information, visit us.alpinawatches.com.
