The Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic Sunstar is a 44 mm automatic pilot-style watch, reference AL-525GB4S6, with a grey sunray dial, date display and reported 38-hour power reserve. Its exact reference matters: other Startimer models have different sizes and specifications.
Alpina Startimer Sunstar specifications
Published specialist-watch and dealer descriptions report the following specifications for the AL-525GB4S6. These are reported model specifications; the consulted sources do not include a current official Alpina product page for this historical reference.
| Feature | Reported specification |
|---|---|
| Model and reference | Startimer Pilot Automatic Sunstar, AL-525GB4S6 |
| Case | Stainless steel; 44 mm diameter; 10.2 mm height |
| Dial | Grey/anthracite sunray finish; applied luminous Arabic numerals and hands; minute track; triangle marker at 12 |
| Crystal and caseback | Curved, anti-reflective sapphire crystal; transparent caseback |
| Movement | Automatic Alpina AL-525; 26 jewels; 28,800 vibrations per hour; reported 38-hour power reserve |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, central seconds and date at 3 o’clock |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM / 100 m, as reported by model sources |
| Strap | Black leather/crococalf, reported as 20 mm wide; descriptions vary on the material wording |
The seconds hand has a red Alpina triangle detail. Together with the luminous numerals, hands and 12 o’clock triangle, it gives the dial its pilot-watch visual cues.
Is the Alpina Startimer Sunstar 40 mm or 44 mm?
The AL-525GB4S6 is reported as 44 mm across. A 2014 review contains a 40 mm mention in its narrative but explicitly corrects it, stating that the watch measures 44 mm; another source distinguishes a separate 40 mm version from this reference. Do not apply the smaller size to the Sunstar AL-525GB4S6.
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- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- MOVEMENT: The Machbuster Automatic is powered by a Japanese TMI NH35 24 Jewels 3 hands date self-winding automatic movement
- THE FINER DETAILS: Featuring a 41mm Stainless Steel Case , 22mm Rubber/ Leather Strap,Anti Reflection Coating Sapphire Lens and Water Resistance Of Up To 5 ATM.
- WARRANTY: 2 years International Warranty
What the specifications mean in practice
Case size and dial
At 44 mm, this is a relatively broad watch by case diameter. Its reported 10.2 mm height is a separate measurement and should not be confused with diameter when comparing fit. The sunray dial, large luminous numerals and clear minute track prioritize legibility, while the date at 3 adds a practical calendar display.
Movement and reserve
The reported AL-525 is an automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. That figure describes the reported reserve when fully wound; it is not a guarantee of identical running time in every condition. The available model descriptions do not establish further performance or accuracy claims.
Rank #2
- Movement: Japan MIYOTA 8215 Mechanical Automatic Movement, Automatic winding, second stop device, 40 hours of energy storage, quite accurate.
- Sapphire Mirror: The watch mirror is made of sapphire glass, which is Hard texture and less prone to scratches.
- Fashion watch: This Pilot watch is made of Stainless steel Lassa craft case, genuine leather strap, which not only ensures the comfort of the wrist, but also can easily match your clothes. Fits wrists from approximately 152mm to approximately 228mm.
- Waterproof & Luminous: The Aviator watch is water resistant to 50 methers, It can support daily hand washing, car washing, rain and other water contact sports. Luminous hands and markers, It can see the time in dark place or at night.
- As a gift: watches are suitable for outdoor sports such as running, sports, fishing, dating, new year, christmas, thanksgiving, hollywood, wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, father's day, birthday party, corporate events.
Water resistance
Sources list the watch at 10 ATM / 100 m. That is the published rating for this model, not a source-backed recommendation for a particular water activity. Check the watch’s condition and have its water resistance assessed before relying on it, especially when buying pre-owned.
Is the Sunstar still available?
Alpina’s current Startimer collection page presents contemporary models but does not show the Sunstar AL-525GB4S6. That absence does not, by itself, establish a formal discontinuation date. A dealer page and a secondary-market reference page have shown the model, but listings and search results do not prove that a watch is currently in stock. Check availability using the full reference, not just “Startimer.”
Rank #3
- Movement: Japan MIYOTA 8215 Mechanical Automatic Movement, Automatic winding, second stop device, 40 hours of energy storage, quite accurate.
- Sapphire Mirror: The watch mirror is made of sapphire glass, which is Hard texture and less prone to scratches.
- Fashion watch: This Pilot watch is made of Stainless steel Lassa craft case, genuine leather strap, which not only ensures the comfort of the wrist, but also can easily match your clothes. Fits wrists from approximately 152mm to approximately 228mm.
- Waterproof & Luminous: The Aviator watch is water resistant to 50 methers, It can support daily hand washing, car washing, rain and other water contact sports. Luminous hands and markers, It can see the time in dark place or at night.
- As a gift: watches are suitable for outdoor sports such as running, sports, fishing, dating, new year, christmas, thanksgiving, hollywood, wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, father's day, birthday party, corporate events.
What to check before buying
Use this checklist for a dealer or pre-owned listing:
- Confirm the reference is AL-525GB4S6 and compare the listing photos with the 44 mm Sunstar configuration.
- Check the case, grey dial, date position, hands, strap and visible condition against the stated model.
- Ask whether the box, papers and any service documentation are included; do not assume they are.
- Review the seller’s reputation, warranty coverage and return terms.
- For a pre-owned watch, ask about service history and condition; do not rely on the printed water-resistance rating as proof of present-day sealing.
- If replacing the strap, verify the actual lug fit and configuration before ordering a 20 mm strap.
How it compares with other Startimer watches
Compare exact references rather than treating the Startimer name as a single specification. Alpina’s current collection page describes newer automatic models and says the collection offers flight-inspired watches with clean, legible dials and redesigned cases. That is Alpina’s description of the collection, not evidence that newer models share the Sunstar’s dimensions or movement.
Rank #4
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE HAWKER HURRICANE CLOWES AUTOMATIC: Inspired by the RAF's No. 1 Squadron and the courageous Arthur "Taffy" Clowes, the Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic has been designed as a commanding, pronounced pilot's watch to honour their incredible accomplishments during WWII.
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: A commanding and pronounced modern pilot's watch - a stylish men's watch with Japanese automatic 3 Hands movement and date function
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic features a 46mm stainless steel case, 22mm genuine leather strap, sapphire lens with anti-reflective coating and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
For a meaningful comparison with another Startimer or pilot watch, line up case diameter and thickness, dial finish and night legibility, movement and power reserve, water-resistance rating, crystal, strap or bracelet, condition, provenance, warranty and current price. The Sunstar’s reported 44 mm case and 38-hour reserve are specific to AL-525GB4S6; verify the equivalent facts against the other watch’s own reference.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Movement: Japan MIYOTA 8215 Mechanical Automatic Movement, Automatic winding, second stop device, 40 hours of energy storage, quite accurate.
- Sapphire Mirror: The watch mirror is made of sapphire glass, which is Hard texture and less prone to scratches.
- Fashion watch: This Pilot watch is made of Stainless steel Lassa craft case, genuine leather strap, which not only ensures the comfort of the wrist, but also can easily match your clothes. Fits wrists from approximately 152mm to approximately 228mm.
- Waterproof & Luminous: The Aviator watch is water resistant to 50 methers, It can support daily hand washing, car washing, rain and other water contact sports. Luminous hands and markers, It can see the time in dark place or at night.
- As a gift: watches are suitable for outdoor sports such as running, sports, fishing, dating, new year, christmas, thanksgiving, hollywood, wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, father's day, birthday party, corporate events.
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.
