On World Ocean Day, Alpina unveiled two new limited series - one for women and one for men - of its eco-responsible watch, the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic. Not only does this line feature an environmentally friendly case, strap and packaging, it also symbolises the Brand's commitment to associations fighting to protect the environment.
Introduced in 2020, the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic not only brought a breath of fresh air to the Brand’s diving watch collection, but also launched the Brand’s groundswell of support for more responsible, environmentally friendly watchmaking. Widely adopted by a new generation of divers, surfers and sea lovers, this creation presents a very contemporary look.
This line and its name were inspired by the encounter and collaboration between Alpina and the watch journalist Bernard Werk in the Netherlands four years ago. Personally involved in the preservation of the oceans, he co-created the concept and the name "GYRE" with fellow journalist Jorrit Niels, in reference to the giant circular ocean currents - and the reuse of "ghost" fishing nets from the Indian Ocean.
At the top of the eco-responsible wave
There is no reference to a glorious past, no vintage spirit here. This "Gyre", as its fans call it, is a piece for the future: the future of the oceans, the future of the planet and, to some extent, the future of watchmaking. Why is it so? Because it is a creation that emphasises eco-design. Its case is made up of 70% plastic debris from ghost fishing nets collected in the Indian Ocean (and of 30% glass fibre, thus forming an ultra-resistant and lightweight whole).
As for the strap, Alpina has developed an eco-responsible NATO-type made from recycled plastic bottles. A second strap is supplied with the men's model, this time made from "apple leather", one of the first “vegetable leathers" used in the watch industry.
The exercise does not stop there, as each version is delivered in a new-generation giftbox, also made entirely of recycled plastic. It contains a single guarantee and certificate of authenticity sheet printed on FSC Recycled paper. The instructions for use have been dematerialised, further reducing the weight of the case and the use of paper and ink. It can be accessed via a QR code printed on the lining of the box, which is also made of recycled plastic bottles (rPET).
Oceanic inspirations
These two new limited editions feature new shades of blue, a colour with multiple variations that continues to inspire Alpina designers.
On these 44 mm and 36 mm men's and women's models, which are water-resistant to 300 metres thanks to their screw-down crowns, the idea is to offer a striking contrast between the darkest seabed, where the light can no longer penetrate, and the surface waters which, depending on the region of the world, range from intense blue to the most sparkling turquoise.
The black dial features a turquoise minute track with silver luminescent markers, so that the time can be read even underwater in reduced light. A detail that Alpina collectors will not fail to notice: the counterweight of the seconds hand, the famous Alpina red triangle, has been made exclusively for this model with the same turquoise tone.
The unidirectional 60-minute graduated bezel, made of steel with a blue PVD treatment, gives pride of place to this colour, a symbol of the great depths, where the sunlight no longer reaches. Markers for each ten minutes are placed on it. Black in appearance, they are in fact luminescent and will enable the wearerto determine the time of immersion or decompression by adjusting the bezel opposite the two large luminescent hour and minute hands.
The NATO-type woven strap is the perfect synthesis of the colours expressed on the watch, with a black central band and a turquoise edge. The second strap delivered with the men's model is entirely black, reproducing the look of leather but in a vegetal way, for a more urban and classic watchmaking look. Each model is equipped with the AL-525 calibre, offering 38 hours of power reserve, and will be exclusively limited to 288 pieces.
About Gyre Watch
Gyre Watch has been founded in The Netherlands in 2017 with the aim to produce a watch made out of recycled ocean plastic. After 2,5 years they found the solution by using recycling ghost fishing nets, saved from the Indian Ocean. Local fishermen collect the fishing nets from the sea and deliver them to the recycler. For this they receive a fee, which means Gyre also contributes to the local economy. The nets are then cleaned and made into pellets for the watch case.
