Aquastar is coming to the end of its 60th anniversary year and may have saved the best until last with the reissue of its Benthos Diver in the same dimensions and style as the Benthos 500 from the 1970s.
The Benthos 500 claims to be the first watch without a monobloc case that was capable of surviving at depths of up to 500 meters, which contributed to it being one of the few dive watches approved by the US Navy.
“The Benthos range of models from 1970 to 1985 remains a legend in vintage dive watch collector circles, and as we celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary, we wanted to pay tribute to this tool watch icon from two distinct perspectives,” says Rick Marei, CEO of Aquastar.
“The Benthos design and utility were light years ahead of their time back in 1970, and we’re very excited that we’ve found a way to ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy this” he adds.
The reissued Benthos H1 comes in a tonneau-shaped 42mm mtte-finished stainless steel case with its crown, as in the 1970s original, positioned at 2 o’clock.
A modernised 60 minute unidirectional bezel has been upgraded with a black ceramic insert that matches a black rubber strap.
A closed caseback protects a ETA 2824-2 three-hand movement.
The Aquastar Benthos H1 is a limited edition of 500 pieces with a suggested retail price of $1390.
During its launch period it can be pre-ordered for the special price of $1090 at www.aquastar.ch.
Delivery is expected in December for the first batch of 250 pieces with the remainder landing by the end of March next year.
