The Alsta Orca strap, aptly named after the robust killer whale but also after Quint's iconic boat in "Jaws", is a testament to the transformative role of rubber in watchmaking.
Initially discovered for its waterproof, flexible, and mouldable qualities, rubber was perfect for industrial applications. However, its transition into watch straps marked a significant shift, aligning with the prominence of watches in outdoor sports like diving, sailing, and skiing.
The evolution of rubber, from its natural form to the robust vulcanised variant and the versatile synthetic rubbers, revolutionised its uses. Synthetic rubber, in particular, found its place in footwear, belts, and recreational equipment. Its arrival in watchmaking offered a waterproof alternative to leather and a lightweight, resilient option to metallic bracelets.
The mid-20th century experienced a surge in recreational diving, largely influenced by televised underwater adventures. This led to a boom in the dive watch industry. High-end sports watches typically featured metallic bracelets, but the trend of offering optional rubber straps was growing among various watch brands.
Alsta embraced this trend, offering models like the Bronze Black, Bronze Silver, and All Red from the current Nautoscaph line on rubber straps. By the 1980s, luxury rubber straps with precious metal buckles had become a common feature across the industry.
Despite silicone rubber being less common in high-performance watch straps, Alsta stands out. We offer silicone rubber straps on diverse models, including our own Alsta Orca, maintaining our commitment to innovation and quality.
