Reviewing the New Alsta Nautoscaph IV Watch

The Nautoscaph dive watch by Alsta made a huge impact in 1975 when it featured in the blockbuster movie, Jaws. Now it’s time for a reinvigoration of the popular steel dive watch, complete with a reliable Japanese movement and a 300-meter water resistance. Meet the new Alsta Nautoscaph IV watch.

During a time when many a renowned watch brand had been snuffed out by the crushing effects of the quartz crisis during the 1970s - the likes of Alsta had one thing going for it – its Nautoscaph dive watch. It featured on the wrist of actor, Richard Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper in the all-time classic, Jaws. The watch had a distinct design that went into slumber with the collapse of the brand not so long after, but luckily for Alsta, the company was revived in 2014 by Angus MacFayden. It was during this time that the Alsta Nautoscaph was revived in all its a glory. A watch that was wanted by so many during the era of its birth. It was called the Alsta Nautoscaph II and was followed by two more timepieces in 2018 – the Nautoscaph III and the Surf n Ski. Both of these models were equally received by budding Alsta enthusiasts.

In 2019 Alsta revealed a very close reinterpretation of the original Nautoscaph. It was a laugh in the face of the quartz era, boasting a reliable mechanical movement at its centre. The automatic dive tool featured slabbed sides, a chunky persona with block-like lugs and adopted a striking cushion-shaped case. It also featured a screw-down caseback depicting an image of a shark in relation to its famous role in the movie. Although inspired by historic models from its archives, there have been new elements in every release since. The brand shows that it doesn’t intend to merely recreate carbon copies of previous models. Moreover, it is trying to suggest a constant progression towards the future. The only component of the 2019 watch not to have been made in Germany or Switzerland is a Japanese movement the Seiko NH35A. Aimed to keep manufacturing costs as low as possible, Seiko fans as well as those who had followed the revival of the Alsta brand and its much-loved Jaws watch were pleasantly surprised with the choice of a Japanese movement.

Now we’re in 2021 – the year of change and strength moving forward as a nation. We’ve wanted to see brands like Alsta stand out for good reason and there would be no better reason for the brand to get the attention it deserves than with the release of the new Alta Nautoscaph. So here it is. The Alsta Nautoscaph IV. Alsta’s target audiences are adventurer-seekers and those always in pursuit of outdoor exploration. Also, those who want to create their own footprint in the world whether that be through their career, their adventures or indeed, their taste in a wristwatch. The Nautoscaph is and has always been designed for those in need of a robust companion for sustaining the knocks and bumps of everyday life, as well as those who want to surf, ski, stroll, and swim. The new Nautoscaph IV watch is accessible and well built for explorers and adventurers, and represents the ideals of Alsta as a company.

The new Alsta Nautoscaph IV has leaned heavily on the design of the original dive watch. It features a robust stainless steel case measuring a 40mm diameter. This case width is combined with a hefty depth of 16.2mm. Make no mistake that this is a dive watch that is going to sit on the wrist with sheer presence. The 316L stainless steel material is used in the marine industry and provides impressive corrosion resistant properties as well as a solid base for a sapphire crystal glass front. A brushed finish gives the Alsta Nautoscaph IV some depth and dimension but features some polished elements that enable the watch to play in the balance of a casual and sporty model too. The new Nautoscaph features a screw-down crown to help the case uphold a water-resistant internal environment, and also offers a black PVD coated stainless steel unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring the remaining time left underwater. The 60-minute dive scale marked out on the surface of the bezel is clear and legible. All in all, the easy-to-handle bezel, combined with an anti-glare glass front and a 300-meter water resistance offers the look and feel of an archetypal dive tool aesthetic, with all the necessary retro charm.

A black dial is done in the true dive watch style. C3 Super-LumiNova has been applied to the central hour and minute hands as well as the shard-like indexes around the hour track. The central second hand has been tipped with red – the only shot of colour injected into the dial. A date aperture resides at 3 o’clock and the Alsta lettering can be found at the 12 o’clock location. The entire surface of the dial is protected against scratching, heat, light, dust and moisture damage thanks to a lens of sapphire crystal glass, which also grants a clear view into the display at any point during the day and night.

As mentioned, around the outside of the dial, a black PVD coated steel bezel can be turned only in the counterclockwise direction. Once aligned with the minute hand, elapsed time underwater can be tracked effortlessly. The back of the new Alsta Nautoscaph watch is engraved with lettering depicting the case’s water-resistant capability, whilst behind the caseback is a Seiko automatic movement. The NR35A movement was first used in 2011 and is currently one of the world’s widest used movements, especially by micro brand watches. It is also the unbranded version of the famous Seiko Calibre 4R35 movement and offers an accuracy range between -20 and +40 seconds per day. Securely anchored inside the new Alsta Nautoscaph IV watch, the movement features a total of 24 jewels and performs at a rate of 21, 600 vibrations per hour. Once fully wound it provides a power reserve of 41 hours and winds in a clockwise direction.

The new Alsta Nautoscaph IV reinvents the famous Jaws watch and, despite having been equipped with some of Alsta’s improved watchmaking technologies and materials, still offers all the retro charm of the 1970s. To complete its steel diver’s watch look, the model wraps around the wrist with an Alsta ‘Valencia’ bracelet, securing with a safety deployment clasp. If you would like any further details on the watch you can call our Jura Watch sales team today on 01335 453453 or check out the watch with its complete spec list here.

Technical specifications of the new Alsta Nautoscaph IV watch

• Case: 40mm –depth: 16.2mm - stainless steel – 300-meter water resistance – engraved steel caseback – anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front - black PVD-coated steel bracelet with a 60-minute dive scale
• Dial: Matte black - C3 Super-LumiNova-coated central hands and indexes – date window at 3 o’clock - red-tipped central second hands
• Movement: Automatic – self-winding Seiko Calibre NR35A – 41-hour power reserve – 24 jewels – 21,600 v.p.h
• Price; £675
• Reference: AWC/AN/7/001/400