On November 1, 2026, sailors competing in the 13th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe will set off from Saint-Malo, bound for Pointe-à-Pitre. Their goal: to beat the existing record of 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes, and 25 seconds. Among the competitors is French skipper Eric Péron, who is sponsored by Alpina. As the official timekeeper, the brand will determine the race’s outcome. To mark the occasion, the Maison is presenting two limited-edition „Route du Rhum“ series: the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic (313 pieces), designed for sporting challenges at sea, and the Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre (513 pieces), symbolizing boundless endurance.
Two striking creations are being presented to accompany the legendary transatlantic regatta. The first pays tribute to Alpina’s maritime heritage. The brand’s first diver’s watch, the “Seastrong,” originated in the 1960s and has since become a standalone collection; it was therefore only natural for this icon to become a flagship model for fans of the Route du Rhum.
The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic „Route du Rhum“ edition—limited to 313 pieces to mark the race’s 13th edition—is a true collector’s item. For the first time, the watch features a turquoise dial engraved with a depiction of the Atlantic currents that sailors must navigate to reach Guadeloupe as quickly as possible. Three other nautical details stand out. First, the bidirectional bezel displays the four cardinal points and the 360 degrees of the compass—an indispensable tool for any sailor. The case back is engraved with the route that all competitors will follow from Saint-Malo to the Caribbean archipelago. Additionally, the number „13“ in the date window appears in red to highlight the race’s 13th edition. All of this is housed in a stainless steel case measuring just 39 x 40.5 mm, containing a proven automatic movement.
To withstand the rigors of the race, every element is designed for extreme durability: a bezel with a carbon insert, water resistance to 300 meters, and a rubber grip on the screw-down crown. A final nod to the ocean is the robust turquoise-and-black strap—matching the dial and bezel, yet primarily evoking the color of Caribbean waters—made of textured rubber with a Cordura-effect finish.
Water, wind… and sun. For every sailor, these three elements are inextricably linked. The first two take center stage in the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic, while the last powers the Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre. Solar technology has been an integral part of Alpina collections since 2025. It offers a potentially unlimited power reserve (provided the watch is exposed to natural or artificial light) thanks to a dial that—while appearing solid in color—is actually translucent, allowing sunlight to pass through. Beneath the surface, this light energizes the batteries, which store the power to drive the hour, minute, and second hands, as well as the date display. The result: the battery charges whenever the dial receives light. It only runs out of power after ten consecutive months of total darkness. Once exposed to light again, it takes just ten seconds to become operational. A single minute of light exposure provides enough energy for a full day of operation. This Swiss-made technology—developed jointly by La Joux-Perret and Alpina—is housed in a compact 37.5 mm stainless steel case that is water-resistant to 10 ATM and suitable for both men and women. The Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre „Route du Rhum“ edition reinforces its connection to the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic. It features the iconic cushion-shaped case, a bezel with a carbon insert, a turquoise accent on the flange, a rubber strap, a case back engraved with the sailing route, and a limited production run of 513 pieces. Through its partnership with the 13th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe and its sponsorship of skipper Eric Péron, the brand once again underscores its strong bond with outdoor activities. The limited-edition Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic and Alpiner Extreme Solarmetre serve as a tribute both to this extreme adventure and to the distinctive aesthetic and rugged durability of Alpina watches. With their iconic design, resilient materials, and avant-garde technologies, these timepieces embody the spirit of challenge and endurance that drives the sailors of the transatlantic regatta. Each individually numbered and meticulously crafted watch becomes a true collector’s item for enthusiasts.
