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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's watch

Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic

Partially verified

This Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic is a men's diver's watch featuring a 36mm stainless steel case. The dial is matte black with age-related speckling and tritium-based hour markers. It is equipped with luminous hands, including an hour hand that has undergone a minor stabilizing repair. It is fitted with a 2-piece handmade leather strap. The stainless steel bezel includes a luminous pearl. The auction description reports that the case shows light polishing and retains its original factory markings on the case back, although these are worn. The watch is currently functional, though its service history remains undocumented. The company, Alsta, was established in New York in 1946, known for importing and casing movements, which were signed by the brand.

Front view of the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic showing the matte black dial and stainless steel bezel.
Front view of the Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic showing the matte black dial and stainless steel bezel. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's watch
Maker / attribution
Alsta
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ALSNTSA
Source-reported date
1960s
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
40XXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bezel

The timepiece features a stainless steel case measuring 36mm in diameter. The housing shows evidence of previous light polishing, while the lugs are described as being full and symmetrical with signs of wear. The bezel, also constructed from stainless steel, maintains its original black enamel fill and includes its luminous pearl component.

The case back of the watch remains in place and features factory-applied engravings. The auction description reports that these markings are currently light due to wear but are present on the exterior of the case. The watch is supplied on a 2-piece handmade leather strap rather than a metal bracelet.

Evidence for this section
  • “The strong case exhibits signs of light polishing and retains symmetrical and full lugs”
  • “The stainless steel bezel is also in excellent condition, retaining its black enamel and its luminous pearl.”
  • “The case back retains all of the original factory markings though they are light from wear.”

Dial and Hands

The watch face consists of a matte black dial. The surface displays minor speckling and spots consistent with age. The hour markers feature luminous material, described in the source as strontium, which has transitioned to a dark grey or green appearance. The dial contains a date window positioned at the 3 o'clock marker.

The luminous hands are original to the piece and coordinate with the hour markers. According to an ultraviolet light inspection, the hour hand has received a small stabilizing repair to its luminous content. The minute hand is reported to show no signs of degradation or damage.

Evidence for this section
  • “The matte black dial has a lovely vintage aesthetic, showing tasteful speckling and spots from age.”
  • “The strontium lume has aged to a dark grey/green coloration”
  • “under U.V. light inspection the hour hand shows a small stabilizing repair to the lume, the minute hand shows no degradation.”

Origins and Movement

The watch is signed by the brand Alsta, a New York-based enterprise founded in 1946. This model is referred to as the Nautoscaph Superautomatic.

The watch is reported as functional and currently keeping time. The specific provenance of this object is not provided, and the previous service history of the internal movement is unknown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Alstater aka Alsta was a New York-based company founded in 1946.”
  • “The watch is functioning and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.”

Open research questions

  • What is the manufacturer of the 17-jewel movement inside this watch?
  • Can the specific year of production be determined from the 40XXX serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandAlsta“Brand Alsta”
MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
DialBlack“Dial Black”
Millimeters36“Millimeters 36”
Serial40XXX“Serial 40XXX”
LumeStrontium“The strontium lume has aged to a dark grey/green coloration”
Case backRetains factory markings“The case back retains all of the original factory markings though they are light from wear.”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial shows visible surface speckling
  • Luminous hour markers display dark grey/green oxidation
  • Stainless steel bezel features a luminous pearl insert
  • Date aperture located at the 3 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Previous service history is unknown
  • Exactly when in the 1960s the watch was produced is not stated

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی غواصی Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic متعلق به دهه ۱۹۶۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1db9d6368b

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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