Now here is a smart and tasteful watch that doesn’t cost the earth. The Alpina Startimer Automatic Chronograph has been around for a short while - no, we don’t only feature new models on this blog. I like the dial; it is very busy, but because of the black and white design, Alpina pulls it off beautifully. In particular, I like the black semi-circle at the top. I would buy this watch for that alone.

Only one drawback, a minor one though: it is automatic.I have a thing for manual winding. Yes, I know, call me a conservative fogey, old before my time. It’s just one of those things. There is, to me, something terribly quaint about a manually wound watch.

That aside, if you come across this watch on your travels, give it a second glance. It is worthy of that at the very least.

This watch also comes in a stainless steel bracelet, but these do not look quite as distinctive as the leather ones.

Specs. Movement: AL Caliber 750, 28,800 vph, 25 jewels, 42 hours power reserve.