This text was initially printed within the January/February 2022 difficulty of WatchTime print journal.
In 2020 Swiss diving watch specialist Aquastar was reissued with the simultaneous return of a barely bigger model of the Deepstar Chronograph from the 60s (see February 2021 version). As of November 2021, the model’s first three-hand watch provides a considerably cheaper choice for many who skipped the chronograph or did not wish to spend $3,590 on one of many 4 dial choices (all of which bought out pretty shortly). ).
Apparently, Aquastar selected to not re-release any of its traditional designs (which is unhealthy information for anybody who hoped for a return of the Benthos), however as an alternative opted for a departure from the Deepstar’s design. Like its 40.5mm chronograph counterpart, the Deepstar II options the big silver subdial, this time at 9 o’clock (as an alternative of three o’clock) for the everlasting seconds hand (as an alternative of the minute chronograph counter). The satin-finished case, then again, measures 37 mm (approx. 47 mm lug to lug) and relies on the design of the model’s first diving watches and due to this fact provides a really compact various.
Just like the Deepstar Chronograph, the Deepstar II additionally has a water resistance of 200 meters, however is powered by a high-quality Swiss automated motion from Sellita (SW290-1 with 38 hour energy reserve). Due to this fact, the worth of the Deepstar II is $1,490 in the course of the model’s pre-order interval. The chrome steel rice bead bracelet is bought individually, however a Tropic and a Horween leather-based bracelet are included. The polished, bi-directional bezel is supported by ceramic bearings and options the model’s signature decompression engravings for calculating repeated “zero decompression” dives. Whereas the bezel tip, hour and minute palms, and hour indices are lined in high-density “Outdated Radium”-style Tremendous-LumiNova, the second hand sadly stays invisible at evening.
The Aquastar Deepstar II is at present accessible in three dial choices: “Metal Gray” (pictured right here), “Classic Black” and “Blue Ray”, with every restricted to “an inaugural collection” of 300 individually numbered items, which it appears like there could also be for the model so as to add extra items and colours if demand is bigger than provide.
Surprisingly, the 37 mm watch feels bigger on the wrist than one would count on, primarily because of the 47 mm size from lug to lug. The largest shock, nevertheless, is that Aquastar has managed to create a very new mannequin that appears prefer it has been a part of the model’s assortment for nearly precisely 60 years.
Aquastar Deepstar II specs
Producer: Montres Aquastar GmbH, Leugenestrasse 6, 2504 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
Options: Hours, minutes and seconds (9 a.m.)
Motion: Sellita SW290-1, automated winding, 28,800 vibrations per hour, 31 rubies, 38 hour energy reserve, diameter = 25.60 mm, peak = 5.60 mm
Case: Chrome steel, screw-down crown and case again, curved sapphire crystal, waterproof to 200 m, bidirectional rotating bezel (120 clicks) with decompression time calculator
Bracelet and clasp: Tropical rubber strap with signed clasp
Dimensions: Diameter = 37 mm, peak = 14.80 mm, bridge width = 19 mm
Variations: With blue or black dial (every restricted to 300 items)
Assure: 1 12 months
Worth: $1,890
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