Jewellery & Watch News
Another new watch brand we have the pleasure of introducing to you this month is Alsta! This iconic luxury watch manufacturer became legendary during the 1960’s and 1970’s for engineering stunning timepieces for men and women of intellectual and creative substance, however after the quartz crisis of the late 70’s, the company sadly went out of business, and along with many other respected names, Alsta disappeared.
We are incredibly excited to announce that Alsta is now back and better than ever, and C W Sellors is an official retailer of all their latest releases. Since 2014, Alsta have been carefully concentrating their efforts in designing and manufacturing the first Alsta watch in over 40 years, and in 2017, we were treated to the legendary Alsta Nautoscaph II dive watch. This breathtaking vintage-inspired divers instrument was designed after the very same Alsta watch worn by Richard Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper in the classic movie, Jaws. Alongside this, we have also witnessed the release of the Nautoscaph III, the Surf n Ski and the Nautoscaph Superautomatic which are all available to order on the C W Sellors website.
Let’s take a look at some of these Alsta watches in more detail…
Alsta Nautoscaph II Watch
Since the Alsta Nautoscaph had become the brand’s most legendary design back in the 70’s, it made perfect sense for the Alsta Nautoscaph II to be the first timepiece to lead the revival of Alsta. Its gorgeous vintage aesthetic is inspired by the very watch worn by Richard Dreyfuss in Jaws, but the brand made a steadfast decision to ensure they didn’t create just a carbon copy of an old watch but a reliable re-edition that used modern materials and technology.
Still assembled entirely in Switzerland, the new timepiece now includes a larger case size, a Japanese-made Seiko automatic movement and several other incredible technologies to ensure it can withstand the pressures of any underwater, mountain or adrenaline filled adventure. The case is engineered from 316L grade stainless steel, measures to 40mm in size and fitted with a triple-lock mechanism crown to ensure its water resistance of 300 metres. It has a sporty jet black dial, like the original, and Superluminova coffin-shaped indices and hands housed beneath mineral glass.
Shop the Alsta Nautoscaph II here
Alsta Nautoscaph III Watch
Following in the footsteps of the Alsta Nautoscaph II, the Nautoscaph II remains inspired by the diver’s watch seen in Jaws but this time with an extraordinary black PVD coated stainless steel case. The timepiece has also been released as a limited edition of only 50 pieces and has been designed in collaboration with San Francisco-based outdoor gear provider, Huckberry, who have ensured its robust design can withstand the pressures of the ocean floor, the knocks of climbing mountains and the vibrations of racing on the water or track.
Like it’s stainless steel Nautoscaph II counterpart, the Alsta Nautoscaph III watch measures to 40mm in size but is instead decorated in a matte black non-reflective PVD finish. The coating has been carefully applied using a special chemical plating process which ensures optimal robustness and durability in all environments. The unidirectional bezel has also undergone the same treatment and features a 60 minute diving scale and luminous accents. The dial is also decorated in black and protected by hardened mineral glass.
Shop the Alsta Nautoscaph III here
Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic Watch
While the other two Alsta Nautoscaph watches were inspired by the original 1970’s Jaws watch, the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic has been designed to be an almost exact re-interpretation of the piece. Its design is remarkably faithful to the original, with only a few modern improvements made including a case size increase from 36mm to 38mm and a quality automatic movement powering the hour, minutes, seconds, and date function.
The cushion shaped case remains crafted from 316L graded stainless steel renowned for its high corrosion resistant properties and resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments and is fitted with a triple-lock mechanism crown to ensure a water resistant rating of 300 metres and a unidirectional rotating bezel. Another improvement made to the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic is the use of scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass to replace the original mineral crystal. The sapphire glass remains in a vintage-inspired dome shape and provides exceptional legibility and scratch resistance.
Shop the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic here
Alsta Surf n Ski Watch
The Alsta Surf n Ski watch was the second timepiece to be released by the brand on its revival in 2017 and it is designed to target the glamourous ski crowds of Aspen and St Moritz and the adrenaline junkies of the Californian surf scene. Its sophisticated, sporty aesthetic is based on an original Surf n Ski watch released in their past and brings to life the same technical prowess the brand remains famed for. These include quality materials and movements like its 40mm 316L grade black PVD coated stainless steel case and the NH35A automatic calibre manufactured by Seiko.
Similarly to the rest of the Alsta watches we have looked at already, the Surf n Ski promises only the best in terms of durability, robustness and comfort. As well as showcasing a highly durable case that can withstand the vibrations of skiing and the pressures of surfing, the unidirectional bezel allows for diving in pressures up to 300 metres while the gorgeous black calfskin leather straps exudes an appearance of elegance and beauty for even the most formal of occasions. The black dial is detailed with stunning gold-toned indexes and hands and is protected by hardened mineral glass.
Shop the Alsta Surf n Ski watch here
