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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The Alpina Heritage Automatic pair covered by Monochrome Watches in September 2024 combines a compact 38 mm steel case with a no-date display and two distinct vintage-style dials. Reference AL-520BG3SH6 is all beige; AL-520SBG3SH6 adds a silver outer ring. Both use Alpina’s AL-520 automatic calibre, based on the Sellita SW200, and were listed at EUR 1,695 apiece in that 2024 article. That price is historical, not a current quote.
What distinguishes the two Alpina Heritage Automatic references?
The difference is primarily the dial: the beige version favors large Arabic numerals, while the beige-and-silver version uses a two-tone layout with numerals at the quarter hours. Both have blue PVD dauphine hands and share the same case, movement, crystal, water-resistance rating and strap. The descriptions and specifications below are those reported by Monochrome Watches on 23 September 2024.
| Detail | AL-520BG3SH6 | AL-520SBG3SH6 |
|---|---|---|
| Dial | Matte beige with large black Arabic numerals and a minute/seconds track | Matte beige center, satin silver outer ring, numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, long indices and an outer railroad track |
| Hands | Blue PVD dauphine | Blue PVD dauphine |
| Case | 38 mm polished stainless steel; 10.15 mm thick | 38 mm polished stainless steel; 10.15 mm thick |
| Movement and display | Alpina AL-520 automatic, based on Sellita SW200; hours, minutes and hacking seconds; no date window | Alpina AL-520 automatic, based on Sellita SW200; hours, minutes and hacking seconds; no date window |
| Crystal / water resistance | Box-shaped anti-reflective sapphire / 30 m | Box-shaped anti-reflective sapphire / 30 m |
| Strap | Black calf leather with matching stitching; pin buckle | Black calf leather with matching stitching; pin buckle |
| Price reported in 2024 | EUR 1,695 | EUR 1,695 |
Source for both references and all listed specifications and the article-era price: Monochrome Watches, 23 September 2024.
How the dials look and read
AL-520BG3SH6: all beige with large numerals
This version puts bold black Arabic numerals around a matte beige dial, paired with a minute/seconds track. Its comparatively uniform field makes the numerals the dominant visual feature. A reader comment on the review objected that a reversed numeral made it look as if the dial had “six o’clock twice a day”; another commenter explained that the 6 is reversed to avoid having two 9s. That explanation comes from the comment exchange, not from Alpina.
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#1 Best Overall
- The Seastrong Heritage model is inspired by the 1960’s professional diver design, a beautiful re-issue of this historic model. This timepiece features an automatic movement with a 60-minute internal rotating bezel. It also has a textured rubber strap, vintage white and black dial, screw down crown and an engraved caseback to protect the movement from everyday elements.
- 300M water resistant with uni-directional turning 60m diving bezel
- AL-525 Caliber - Automatic Self-wind Movement, 26 jewels, 38 Hours Power Reserve
- 42mm Case Diameter with Polished Stainless Steel Case
- Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
AL-520SBG3SH6: beige center and silver perimeter
The second reference breaks up the dial with a satin silver outer ring around a matte beige center. Numerals appear at 12, 3, 6 and 9, with long indices between them and a railroad track at the edge. Choose between the versions by the dial character you prefer; their reported mechanical and case specifications are otherwise the same.
Case size, wear and water resistance
Both watches are reported as 38 mm in diameter and 10.15 mm thick, with polished stainless-steel cases and raised, box-shaped anti-reflective sapphire crystals. The case profile and crystal contribute to the vintage appearance. Monochrome’s reviewer described the watch as comfortable and suitable for daily wear; that is the reviewer’s assessment, not a fit guarantee for every wrist.
Rank #2
- Joining the Heritage collection, which pays homage to Alpina's historic legacy, is this new model, faithfully restoring the aesthetics of the 1920's to 1940's, this timepiece boasts a compact 38mm diameter, dauphine hands, a solid-coloured caseback and a 2-part polished steele case.
- Anti-reflective glass box sapphire crystal.
- Biege dial with matte finishing, printed black Arabic numerals, printed black seconds graduation, and a blue PVD hour, minute and second hands.
- Comes on a black calf leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching and pin buckle.
The review does not give a lug-to-lug measurement, so diameter alone cannot establish how the case will span a particular wrist. If fit is decisive, seek that measurement from a current seller or try the watch on before buying. The article reports 30 m water resistance but gives no activity guidance; that rating should not be treated as evidence that the watch is suitable for swimming.
Movement and the no-date display
The AL-520 is an automatic movement based on the Sellita SW200. Monochrome lists 26 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and a 38-hour power reserve. The watch displays hours, minutes and hacking seconds, but has no date window, even though the article notes that the underlying movement has a date complication.
Rank #3
- Water-resistant to 300M, this 42mm Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage Automatic with steel case lets you measure your immersion time in hours, minutes and seconds. Its black lacquered sunray-brushed dial features gold plated luminescent hands, making it easy to read, even in the low light of the deep sea. Featuring a modern automatic caliber with 38 hours power reserve and an anti-scratch sapphire glass. Comes with two straps, one in brown calfskin leather and the other in beige topstitched rubber.
- Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- 30 Meters and 3 Year Limited Warranty
For a buyer, the practical distinction is simple: the dial stays clear of a date aperture, but the displayed calendar date is unavailable. The review also characterizes the SW200 as a clone of the ETA 2824; that is the article’s wording, rather than an independently established movement comparison here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and availability
Monochrome reported a price of EUR 1,695 for each reference in its 23 September 2024 article. Treat that as a publication-era price only: current local pricing, stock, continued production and authorized-dealer availability are not established by that report. Check the exact reference and dial with Alpina or a seller before making a purchase decision.
Rank #4
- Alpina presents the re-release of the historic 1965 Tropic-Proof design that embodies the adventurer's watch.
- At that time, transatlantic flight was becoming more routine to many, and watches needed to withstand international climate differences, which included the extreme moisture of the tropics.
- With an ultra-robust case and a design focusing on readability, it paved the way for the Alpina watches of today.
- A brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part, 34mm case with a gloss finish black dial, silver tone indexes, minute track with beige Luminova dots, hand-polished silver tone hour, minute and seconds hands also filled with beige Luminova.
- A threaded solid case back with an engraved Heritage pattern, and delivered on a beige Alcantara strap with tone-on-tone stitching and pin buckle.
The review describes Alpina’s Heritage collection as drawing on the interwar period and says the brand’s background dates to 1883; those historical characterizations are claims made by the reviewer. Erik Slaven, the article’s author, wrote: “Alpina’s expanding Heritage collection, however, encapsulates the best of the brand with style, history and value that we always like to see.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Alpina Startimer Automatic, inspired by its heritage look and incomparable precision.
- Hour, Minute, Second, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case, Brown Leather Strap
- Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and 2 Year Limited Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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