The Chronograph shares a new handset that is distinct from the original Extreme Diver 300, but is shared with the new orange-tinted version of the Extreme Diver also from 2013. Alpina decided to “go red” with the minute hand, which looks fine with the dial as there are other red elements. Though it does make the watch feel a lot sportier. This is good if you are doing something active, but if you are like many people and like to “dress up” your dive watches, this can prove awkward with the wrong outfits. That is why monochromatic dive watch dials tend to be more fashionably versatile.

From a design perspective, the 44mm wide Extreme Diver case is really nice, especially for the price. It returns here being slightly more portly because of the thick chronograph movement on the side. Yeah, I’ll say it, this is a thick case. The case is nevertheless lovely to look at with interesting angles and cool looking chronograph pushers. The large crown is nice as well. Despite the water resistance, Alpina was even able to give it a sapphire crystal case back window. The rotating bezel is easy to grip and contains luminous minute markers.

Inside the Alpina Extreme Diver 300 Chronograph Automatic is their caliber AL-725 movement which I believe is a base Sellita SW500 with a custom Alpina rotor. The SW500 is more or less a Swiss clone of the ETA Valjoux 7750 – so this is a chronograph movement that is quite common and robust. With the watch, Alpina includes a thick black rubber strap with a good looking sort of Breitling-style deployant. Alpina also includes a nylon Velcro strap for diving. It isn’t pretty, but it is comfortable and highly utilitarian.

Having said that, Alpina makes it clear that the Extreme Diver 300 Chronograph Automatic is also compatible with the three-link or Milanese (mesh metal) bracelets. Like the three-hand version of the Diver, you can get the watch on the strap or bracelet (either three link or Milanese) – but it might be nice to have both.  Despite the thickness, the watch is a great chrono diver with a legible dial and solid feature set. Price is $2,895 on a rubber strap and $3,095 on either of the two bracelets. alpina-watches.com