If it's SS and in decent condition, $400 is going to be an OK price no matter what's inside. Keep in mind that service costs for chronographs can add up, and can easily double the real cost of these entry-level pieces
Alpha is currently an homage brand, but back in the day they were actually a quality brand. Like many makers, they used spec parts and self branded them. Most likely a Landeron or Val movement is inside, usually a stainless case, they made good stuff. I keep my eyes open for their vintage pieces when they pop up.
This is my Alpha skin diver- AS movement, stainless case- very well made.
If you decide to pass on it, PM the info.
It's been serviced and comes with a one year warranty. I almost bought it impulsively when I saw it but thought I'd do my due diligence. I'll buy it!!!
As Dan said, the price isn’t a “deal”, but it’s a fair price for what it is. Should be a nice watch. Just make sure it’s a stainless case, chrome case is only worth grabbing if it’s flawless and isn’t worth as much. I would offer a little lower if you feel comfortable
Ok, did some reading and it’s a Venus 210 movement, made up to 1963. By the style of the watch, I would put this at the very tail end of that. If it has “T” next to the “Swiss made” it is most likely 1963 specifically.
Yeah- off the shelf like a Valjoux 7730 or Landeron 148 which would have been the contemporaries. All workhorses that despite not being elegant, are durable as hell.
So the switch from radium to tritium was around 1963, some companies went a year or so earlier, some a few years later. Considering that movement ceased production in ‘63, and say alpha bought a large supply, it could have been made any time between 1962-1964ish.
Unfortunately, it's chrome-plated.
For $400, it’s a nice little watch. I agree I would prefer all stainless, but I have a few chrome plated chronos from the 40’s-early 60’s and they are great watches for little money.
Alpha is currently an homage brand, but back in the day they were actually a quality brand. Like many makers, they used spec parts and self branded them. Most likely a Landeron or Val movement is inside, usually a stainless case, they made good stuff.
If it's SS and in decent condition, $400 is going to be an OK price no matter what's inside.
As Dan said, the price isn’t a “deal”, but it’s a fair price for what it is. Should be a nice watch. Just make sure it’s a stainless case, chrome case is only worth grabbing if it’s flawless and isn’t worth as much.
It felt like stainless. I made a deal for it over the phone. It will be my new daily. Picking it up next week.
