Introducing the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary Limited Edition
Thursday - 11 March 2021
The legendary watch worn by Richard Dreufuss in the 1975 blockbuster movie Jaws celebrates its golden anniversary in 2021 with an exclusive 100-piece limited edition run. The new Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary watch looks almost identical to the original instrument strapped to the shark-hunting marine biologist’s wrist but now rocks a stylish gilt on black dial reminiscent of the retro timepieces seen in the 1950’s.
The Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic has become somewhat of an icon for the Swiss watch manufacturer, not only for its associations on the big screen but for its immaculate construction for diving. When the model was revived in 2017, after more than 40 years hiding in the archives, it instigated a huge turning point for the Alsta brand as historic collectors began noticing the brand again and new discoverers started to take notice. Now, the classic dive watch is back again, this time in celebration of the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic’s 50th Anniversary and we have high hopes this is going to be another sell-out limited edition.
History of the Nautoscaph Superautomatic
During the 1960’s and 1970’s, Alsta were at the top of their game, creating beautifully-engineered sports watches and diving instruments for men and women with demanding lifestyles. For over fifty years they found incredible success, most notably with their Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic watch released in 1970. It’s handsome aesthetic even found itself on the arm of Oceanographer Matt Hooper, played by Richard Dreyfuss, in the 1975 Jaws film. It’s screen time cemented its success and future allure for collectors.
Sadly, along with so many other luxury watch brands, Alsta fell victim to the quartz crisis during the late 1970’s and for several decades after, the Alsta name disappeared from the industry. That was until 2014, when the Alsta watch brand was resurrected. In 2017, they launched their first timepiece after more than 40 years, the Alsta Nautoscaph II, a design similarly inspired by the Nautoscaph dive watch worn by Richard Dreyfuss in Jaws. The design was so well received that in 2019 they launched a faithful re-edition of the Nautoscaph Superautomatic dressed in 38mm stainless steel with an updated Seiko NH35A automatic movement. Just as loyal in its design, the new Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary Limited Edition swaps out the Seiko calibre for a trusty Sellita movement and delivers a subtle touch of gilt-coloured retro flair to the original black dial.
The Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary Limited Edition
As expected, the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary Limited Edition is an alluring timepiece, retaining an almost strict aesthetic to the original 1970’s design. Alongside its familiar 38mm coffin-shaped case, black knurled unidirectional bezel and matching black dial, the divers watch stands out with new gilt accents. Characterised by the gold text printed on the smooth black surface, gilt dials are rarely seen in todays’ watch industry despite their highly sought after status with collectors. They instantly evoke the look of vintage sports watches which works perfectly well for the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary Limited Edition.
The gilt dial is detailed with large coffin-shaped hands and applied indexes treated with glow in the dark C3 Superluminova, the Alsta logo at 12 o’clock and the vintage Superautomatic motif at 6 o’clock alongside its shock resistant and water resistant rating of 300 metres (999ft). It’s Swiss Made construction is also noted on the dial and Alsta, as with many of their watch releases, assure the entire piece is manufactured and assembled in Switzerland including the Sellita SW200 calibre. The automatic winding movement provides the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary watch with central hands for hours, minutes and seconds, a date window at 3 o’clock, 26 jewels and a power reserve of 38 hours.
Like other Alsta watches before it, the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary Limited Edition is engineered from 316L marine grade stainless steel with handsome polished edges, a matching stainless steel engraved case back and a screw down crown. High quality scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass is also included for protection of the dial and treated with anti-reflective coating for optimal legibility. To complete the look of the 100-piece limited edition, an iconic “Hooper” stainless steel bracelet is added, sometimes also referred to as a “Porthole” style strap, alongside a classic stainless steel folding buckle.
You can order the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary Limited Edition watch on the Jura Watches website today now available with interest free finance and free next day delivery. You can also get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk for more information on the limited edition and other Alsta watch releases.
Specifications: Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic 50th Anniversary 2021 Limited Edition
- Case Size: 38mm
- Case Material: 316L marine grade stainless steel
- Bezel: Unidirectional with 60 minute scale
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Case Back: Screw down
- Crown: Screw in
- Water Resistance: 300 metres
- Movement: Sellita SW200 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Jewels: 26
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Gilt black with C3 Superluminova
- Strap: Stainless steel
- Buckle: Folding
- RRP: £1,575
- Limited Edition: 100 pieces
