Watson's Alpha camera was first introduced in 1892 as a horizontal camera and around 1902 a new square model was introduced. The Alpha camera was very long lived and was still being advertised in to the 1930s, having undergone numerous refinements and modifications.

The Alpha De Luxe was introduced in 1909: 'In this new model of their well-known hand-stand camera, Messrs. Watson have provided most completely for the requirements of those using a camera both in the hand and on a stand. The baseboard drops and the camera can then be actuated by an auxiliary rack and pinion placed at the back near to the plate, a very convenient movement when using a wide-angle lens'. Watson's stated: 'The Alpha De Luxe will be found to combine utility with simplicity of design'.