Jewellery & Watch News
We’re a big fan of Alsta watches and their Nautoscaph model in particular remains a fan favourite for a very good reason. Immortalised in the 1975 classic movie Jaws worn on the wrist of oceanographer Matt Hooper played by Richard Dreyfuss, the Alsta Nautoscaph became the epitomise of a formidable divers instrument and today, the original design is revitalised with a reliable Japanese movement and a 300-meter water resistance case. Meet the Alsta Nautoscaph IV Limited Edition…
If you’re new to Alsta, then we highly recommend reading our introductory feature here but in short, the brand became legendary during the 1960’s and 70’s for their diving watches with the Alsta Nautoscaph exclusively paving the way for their success. Then during the 1970’s amidst the quartz crisis, Alsta shut their doors until 2014, when after two years of research and engineering, they released their first modern-day Alsta watch. The watch was no other than a re-edition of the Alsta Nautoscaph, nicknamed the Nautoscaph II. It’s 316L grade stainless steel case, domed glass and fine link bracelet did a fantastic job at tributing its historic predecessor and later, the Alsta Nautoscaph III arrived dressed entirely in black PVD for a stealthy, scratch resistant look. Fast forward to 2021 and another fantastic re-edition full of nostalgia is here: the Alsta Nautoscaph IV Limited Edition.
Limited to 400 pieces worldwide, the Alsta Nautoscaph IV watch leans heavily on its past counterparts for inspiration and again wonderfully revives the brand’s most collectible watch. It remains entirely dedicated to delivering exceptional robustness and strength for on-land adventurers and underwater divers alike with a strong 40 millimetre case engineered from marine grade 316L stainless steel. This grade of stainless steel boasts high corrosion resistant properties, particularly to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. The case sits at 16.2 millimetres in height which includes the domed glass and is treated to a handsome brushed finishing.
Characteristic of the Alsta Nautoscaph is its unidirectional bezel and the Nautoscaph IV watch is no different. Crafted from stainless steel and treated to a black PVD coating, the bezel removes the risk of being accidently manipulated while underwater, something that could fatally cause a miscalculation of dive time. Its unidirectional functionality is then perfectly paired with an engraved 60 minute divers scale and a luminous triangle marker at 12 o’clock. At 3 o’clock, the Alsta Nautoscaph IV Limited Edition makes home for a triple-lock mechanism crown which helps ensure a water resistant rating of 300 metres.
Just like the original 1975 Nautoscaph worn by Richard Dreyfuss in Jaws, the Alsta Nautoscaph IV watch showcases a smooth black dial at its centre. However, to improve its durability, the dial is no longer protected by plexiglass but luxurious domed sapphire crystal which is almost completely scratch resistant and treated to an anti-reflective coating on the inside for instant legibility. The dial continues to ensure easy discernibility with C3 Superluminova hour markers, large luminous sword shaped hands for hours and minutes and a bold orange arrow-shaped pointer for the seconds. The dial also presents three Arabic numerals for 12, 6 and 9 with the number 3 replaced by a handy date window.
Almost all the components that make up the Alsta Nautoscaph IV Limited Edition are manufactured in Switzerland with the watch itself also assembled, tested and quality passed in the luxury watchmaking capital of the world. The only element that is not Swiss however is its movement. Hidden behind the screw down case back is the Japanese made Seiko NH35A automatic winding calibre which promises 24 jewels, a power reserve of 41 hours and a frequency of 21,600vph. To finish off the Alsta Nautoscaph IV, a spring loaded “Valencia” bracelet and a safety deployment clasp is added.
If you’d like to learn more about the Alsta Nautoscaph IV watch and get your hands on one of the limited edition 400 pieces, head over to the C W Sellors website here. You can also get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at sales@cwsellors.com.
Specifications: Alsta Nautoscaph IV
- Case Size: 40mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless steel
- Bezel: Unidirectional, PVD coated steel
- Glass: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside
- Crown: Screw down
- Case Back: Screw down
- Water Resistance: 300 metres
- Movement: Seiko NH35A automatic
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Black with C3 Superluminova hands and markers
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
- Buckle: Deployment
- RRP: £675
- Limited Edition: 400 pieces
