A DIVE WATCH WITH A STORY
The Alsta Nautoscaph has long been associated with durability, purpose-driven design, and a connection to adventure. From its introduction in the 1960s, during the boom of diving and nautical sports, to its appearance in Jaws in its cushion-shaped version known as the Nautoscaph Superatomatic (1975), the Alsta Nautoscaph remains a watch with both history and character.
After a period of dormancy, Alsta was revived in 2017 under the stewardship of Angus MacFadyen, bringing back its most recognizable timepieces—including the Nautoscaph—for a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts.
A WATCH ROOTED IN THE GOLDEN ERA OF DIVING
The Alsta Nautoscaph first emerged in the 1960s, an era that saw rapid advancements in dive watch technology. Built for underwater exploration, it featured a highly legible dial, strong water resistance, and a unidirectional bezel, making it a reliable tool for divers.
Its cultural status, however, was cemented in 1975, when a cushion-shaped Nautoscaph Superautomatic appeared on the wrist of Matt Hooper, the marine biologist played by Richard Dreyfuss in Jaws. This placement became a lasting reference point for watch collectors and horology fans.
For decades, the watch remained unidentified—its brand and model only confirmed in 2010 by brothers Gary and Christian Stock, who meticulously traced its origins. By then, the Nautoscaph-Superautomatic had already gained cult status among enthusiasts of both vintage dive watches and film memorabilia.
Like many independent brands of its time, Alsta did not escape the quartz crisis of the 1970s, which led to the company ceasing production. However, its reputation endured, and in 2017, Angus MacFadyen brought the brand back, ensuring the Nautoscaph’s design and purpose remained intact while adapting it for today’s wearers.
THE NAUTOSCAPH TODAY: DESIGN AND CRAFTMANSHIP
The Alsta Nautoscaph IV continues the legacy of its predecessors while incorporating modern materials and engineering.
A Dial Designed for Clarity – Inspired by classic dive watches, the Nautoscaph’s dial remains easy to read in both daylight and low-light conditions. Luminous markers and hands ensure visibility underwater or in challenging environments.
Built for Performance – With high water resistance, a corrosion-resistant stainless steel case, and a unidirectional bezel, the Nautoscaph stays true to its origins as a functional dive watch.
A Balance of Tradition and Technology – While the design retains the look and feel of the original models, the movement ensures accuracy and reliability for contemporary wearers.
For those who appreciate understated, functional design, the Nautoscaph collection offers a connection to the past without sacrificing performance.
THE CURRENT ALSTA NAUTOSCAPH COLLECTION
The Nautoscaph IV remains faithful to Alsta’s original dive watches, featuring a domed crystal, stainless steel case, and a luminous dial. It reflects the evolution of the model while staying grounded in the design principles that made the Nautoscaph a favorite among divers and collectors alike.
Alongside the Nautoscaph IV, Alsta continues to produce the Superautomatic, a tribute to the early 1970s model that gained recognition through Jaws. With its distinct cushion-shaped case, this version holds a special place in the brand’s history and has gained a place on its own in Alsta’s current product lineup.
While each Nautoscaph model offers its own unique details, all share a common purpose—reliable, well-crafted timepieces designed to be worn in real-world conditions.
The Nautoscaph is more than a collector’s piece; it’s a watch designed to be worn, whether for diving, everyday use, or as a reminder of a time when watches were built to last.
With each new iteration, the Nautoscaph stays true to its origins while adapting to the needs of modern wearers. We invite you to explore the collection and see how this classic dive watch continues to evolve.
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