For a sports watch, I generally agree, the large central seconds seems more apropos. Then again, my Nautilus is the one with the small seconds - and I don't mind that one at all. But then again, I don't see the Nautilus as a sports watch - whereas the Alpine Eagle feels sportier (it's closer to a mono bloc case design).
I should get on the hunt! Too many watches though - I've got watches that I haven't worn once in over a decade!