Alpina’s New Seastrong Diver 300 Automatic Calanda is Made of Recycled Steel

The whole idea of caring for our planet and using its resources in a clever, respectful way is now more and more of an established concept. Many brands have embraced this idea, some better than others. Alpina has, for instance, long devoted efforts to making watching using upcycled or recycled materials. The best example is, without a doubt, the Seastrong Diver Gyre, made together with a Dutch organisation. In support of World Oceans Day, the brand presents its first watch to feature a 100% recycled stainless steel case and a recycled PET strap. Here’s the Seastrong Diver 300 Automatic Calanda, marking a new step in the company’s eco-friendly policy. 

Alpina has been taking concrete action to preserve the environment, reduce waste, and protect our coasts since 2020, with the launch of the Alpina x Gyre watch. Its case was mostly made from plastic fishing net debris, while the strap was crafted from recycled plastic bottles. Its box is also made from recycled plastic (rPET). This year, the brand moves one step further in this strategy, by presenting its very first watch to be fitted with a recycled stainless steel case.

The whole case feels and looks rather traditional – which is good – yet it’s manufactured from a special material. Made from Thyssen Krupp’s ultra-high-grade recycled PuReSteel, it is certified 100% recycled and boasts one of the highest levels of quality available on the market. This steel is sourced from dismantled maritime carriers. As a tribute to Switzerland, the watch is named Calanda and takes on the imagery of the first ship to have ever flown the Swiss flag on April the 9th, 1941. It was also the very first ship to be recorded on the Swiss Boat Register, assigned Basel as its home and registration port. It was dismantled in 1953.

That being said, and since we know that the watch uses recycled stainless steel, the rest feels entirely classic and should answer the needs of recreational divers. The watch is based on existing models, such as this one. It’s a classic, slightly retro-style dive watch with a 42mm cushion-shaped case, short lugs and steel undirectional bezel with a 60-minute scale in positive relief. With a screw-down crown and caseback, the watch is water-resistant to 300 metres.

The dial of this Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Automatic Calanda also plays on retro vibes and is entirely different from the editions found in the permanent collection. It features a matte black dial with grained finishing and smaller, more traditional applied markers. These are filled with old-radium SLN, just like the hands. Inside the case is a tried-and-tested automatic movement, the calibre AL-525 – the internal name for a Sellita SW200-1.

This new Seastrong Diver 300 Automatic Calanda is worn on a rather cool two-tone recycled plastic (PET) strap. Each watch comes in a case entirely made from recycled plastic, alongside a single-page warranty and a certificate of authenticity printed on FSC Recycled-certified paper. The user guide, meanwhile, has gone paperless and is available in digital format via a QR code printed on the box’s inner packaging.

The Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Automatic Calanda is a limited edition of 300 pieces and is priced at EUR 1,695… See, recycled steel can be accessible, not like a certain Italian brand… For more details and orders, please visit alpinawatches.com.