Vintage Alsta Nautoscaph 300m Diver Swiss Automatic Circa 1970 Jaws Watch 36mm

$2,495.00

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The year was 1975, and a movie by a relatively new director named Steven Spielberg was about to make people rethink their summer vacation plans. Jawsopened on over 450 screens, an unusually wide release for the time, and it would come to define the term, “summer blockbuster.” The film’s resonance with the American public can still be strongly felt. It’s is an absolute classic, one that’s been referenced, quoted, parodied, and emulated countless times.
The biggest mystery of Jaws was not how to capture and kill the shark, but rather what watch was Richard Dreyfuss wearing while they were trying to do so? For a long time there have been theories and discussions as to the brand, analysis of the markers, dial, case shape and bracelet. Brand names like Omega, Zodicac, Clebar and Seiko were tossed around, but in the end none of them were right. The watch remained a mystery up until early 2010 when finally, through years of research, DVD screen captures and Google and eBay searches the answer was found by two very patient and diligent brothers, Gary and Christan Stock.
From their own measurements of the watch and hours starring at its features a match was finally spotted in an eBay auction. After dropping $100 for the watch and getting into their hands it was confirmed: the Hooper Jaws watch was an Alsta Nautoscaph. Looking at the watch the brothers purchased it is clear that it is the right case, dial, hands and crown, everything matches. Not much is know of the brand itself, but it does contain a Valjoux 2452 Swiss movement inside and was state of the art in water resistance technology for the time. All in all it seems a very fitting watch for the role: an oceanographer would need a water resistant watch that was functional and legible and this would fit the bill. I suspect that it was probably also affordable for the time.
I do find it interesting that in their research the brothers could find no one who remembered anything about the watch. They contacted Mr. Dreyfuss (who did not respond) and stunt and prop people as well. So for as much interest as the watch community has for the watch today, there is an equal amount of uninterest from those involved at the time. Perhaps it was a bit of a forgettable watch as the early 1970’s were strife with diver’s style watches, and, after all, it was nearly 40 years ago that the film was made and the watch born into legend.
Above and beyond its involvement in one of the greatest thrillers of all time, the Nautoscaph has a lot going for it. It has a chunky, rugged look that appears ready for some serious adventures. These watches were built to last and have a heft to them that lets you know you are wearing a really serious piece.

There are many variations, but they all have a few elements in common. A robust, stainless steel case measuring 36mm or 38mm (depending on the bezel); a screw-down case back; a screw-down crown; and tritium lume markers are all elements you can expect to find on legitimate examples. They are also all certified to a depth of 999 feet and are typically marked on the dial with the number “17” or “17 jewels.” 

The case back should be stamped “Nautoscaph” in the center, with 30 ATM and 999 feet also indicated. Finally, the Nautoscaph was originally issued on a Speidel Mach 1 bracelet. I prefer it on a Rubber Tropic strap myself, but these original bracelets can be found relatively easily if you want the complete, original look. 

The cult following that the Nautoscaph has achieved in recent years has also lead to some homage pieces, including the Hooper Watch by Resco Instruments. This watch made a bit of a splash (pun intended) when it was first released, but then in a move that has become all too familiar these days, watch connoisseur and actor Angus Macfayden decided to revive the Alsta brand, and in 2017, the revival released the Nautoscaph II.

While these modern interpretations certainly have their selling points (Resco’s offering in particular is a very solid dive watch on its own merits), I’d argue that unless you are truly planning to explore the ocean depths, the original version is truly the way to go.

This is a piece of Vintage Americana at its finest! Incredible example of the Vintage Alsta Nautoscaph! Original box as well as Hang Tag, service documents dated 1975 are included as well as the original Certificate! As was common back in 1970, the incorrect certificate was issued with the watch as you can se by the watches serial number. Mismatched box sets and paperwork was fairly common 50 years ago…What I find very cool is that a complete watch overhaul cost only $13.50 back in 1975!! This watch remained with the original owner until his untimely passing from cancer in 2020…At that time his estate sold it to a local jeweler in Oregon and it ended up in the hands of the customer that traded it to me…he owned it for a couple of months, had it regulated in June and traded it to me…In essence it is a 1 owner watch! Just added NOS Mach1 bracelet! Pretty cool watch and the story about the watch! Get your “Jaws” watch here at The Sutor House!

BRAND: Alsta

MODEL: Nautoscaph Circa 1970

MOVEMENT: Swiss Automatic

CASE: Stainless Steel case 

CROWN: Screw Down Crown

SIZE: 36mm

LUGS: 20mm

DIAL: Vintage Black Dial with railroad track outer ring and original hands 

BEZEL: rotating Diver

CONDITION: Vintage – Circa 1970 – Excellent!

BOXES/PAPERS: Watch with Original Box, Certificate, Hang Tag, Service Receipts, etc – Everything as shown in pictures

WATER RESISTANCE: – 330m – not tested as it’s a vintage watch

STRAP/BRACELET: 2 – NOS Seidel Mach1 Bracelet with all links & Additional Custom Black rubber Tropic strap with steel buckle.

 

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and include details of your trades through my Trade/Buy tab at the top of my homepage.