Alsta
Glasgow, United Kingdom · Est. 1946
Founded by Angus MacFadyen
Alsta is a vintage Swiss watch brand from La Chaux-de-Fonds, known primarily for the Nautoscaph diver watch from the late 1960s — famously associated with Steve McQueen, who was photographed wearing one at the Sebring 12 Hours. The brand represents a slice of 1960s professional diving history.
- Founded
- 1946
- Headquarters
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Defunct
Key Collections
- Nautoscaph — The iconic compressor-style diver from the 1960s, famously worn in the film Jaws (1975) — the watch that defined the brand.
- Surf n Ski — Retro-styled dual-purpose sport watch originally designed for both water sports and alpine use.
Timeline
- 1960 — Alsta established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, producing sport and dive watches.
- 1968 — Nautoscaph diver watch introduced with the distinctive super-compressor case design.
- 1975 — The Nautoscaph appears on Richard Dreyfuss's wrist in the film Jaws, becoming one of cinema's most recognisable watch moments.
- 2017 — Brand revived by new owners, relaunching the Nautoscaph as a faithful reissue via Kickstarter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alsta
- What is the Jaws connection?
- In Steven Spielberg's 1975 Jaws, Richard Dreyfuss wears an Alsta Nautoscaph throughout the film. It's become one of the most famous movie watches in history.
- Is Alsta still making watches?
- Yes. Revived in 2017, Alsta produces updated reissues of the Nautoscaph and Surf n Ski, staying true to the original 1960s designs.