The Aquastar timekeeping spirit first set sail in the early 1960s when the brand was taken over by diver, sailor, pilot, mathematician, watchmaker, and all-round explorer, Mr. Frederic Robert. The company, originally named JeanRichard, was rebranded as Aquastar, a better fitting reflection of its new CEO’s spirit for maritime adventure. Frederic Robert quickly set about fulfilling his goal to create professional grade instruments for divers and aquatic activities, and it wasn’t too long before the first Benthos was born.
The original Benthos 500 was first released by the brand in 1970. At the time, it was the first dive watch that was designed without a monobloc case (a seamless case constructed from a single block of material without seams or separate components) but could still operate up to depths of 500 metres. It also incorporated a 60-minute flyback totalizer which could be used for timing the duration of a dive.
Benthos 500 II Founder's Edition Chronograph. Credit: Aquastar.
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The Benthos 500 was to become one of the most iconic dive watches ever and would go on to be approved for use as US Navy Air Diving equipment and also to be favoured by free-diver Jacques Mayol, who would eventually wear the timepiece whilst breaking the 100-metre freediving barrier in 1976.
In 2023 a new era began, with the Benthos being reintroduced by Aquastar for the first time since the mid-80’s in the form of the Benthos H1. Whilst the H1 was a pure expression of the Benthos visual DNA, Aquastar were unable to bring an entirely modernized Benthos model to life due to the absence of a modern center-mounted chronograph movement. Having found that this specific movement type wasn’t commercially available for watchmakers to utilize, Aquastar, in collaboration with La Joux-Perret, took matters into their own hands and resurrected the function themselves. Rick Marei, modern day helmsmen of Aquastar and vintage watch revivalist said:
“Sadly, the most commonly used modern automatic chronograph movements have not kept up with the ability to present information in such a way, which is why we are so proud to work with our partners at La Joux-Perret to not only revive the Benthos 500 but preserve its unique and incredible chronograph functionality with a new movement that is exclusive to Aquastar.”
And with that, tradition persists, and the Benthos is finally revived for 2024.
Aquastar Benthos 500 II Founder’s Edition Chronograph
Benthos 500 II Founder's Edition Chronograph. Credit: Aquastar.
Fans of the 1970’s original model will be glad to hear that the 316L stainless steel case of the new Founder’s Edition retains the classic 42mm tonneau silhouette of its predecessor. The 2024 edition has, naturally, seen some improvements to its ergonomics.
Firstly, overall wearer comfort has been enhanced thanks to a significant reduction in the thickness of the case, which now measures 15.4mm.
The lugs have also been refreshed and subtly re-shaped so that they gently turn downward, both helping to lower the case’s centre of gravity and allowing the case to streamline more comfortably into the wrist.
The chronograph pusher has also had some attention and has been relocated to 2 o’clock, which feels like a more natural position from which to utilise the start/stop/reset functions. The functions now feel easier than ever to make use of with the index finger (when wearing the watch on the left wrist) and this is even achievable when wearing neoprene diving gloves. In keeping with Aquastar’s signature modern dive chronograph capabilities, the pusher can of course still be activated whilst underwater.
Benthos 500 II Founder's Edition Chronograph. Credit: Aquastar.
- Regular price
- £1,090.00
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- £1,090.00
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- Regular price
- £1,190.00
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- £1,190.00
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- £990.00
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Price & Availability
The newly evolved Benthos model is a limited-edition piece and 300 pieces will soon be made available to eager fans. You can pre-order the Aquastar Benthos 500 Founder’s Edition Chronograph through the WatchGecko store now. Pre-order purchases will be available at a special price of £2,650. Once the pre-order period ends, the full RRP will be in effect, the cost will then rise to £3,790.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Aquastar
- Model: Benthos 500 II Founder's Edition Chronograph
- Price: £3,790 (Pre-Order Price: £2,650)
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Swiss-made Calibre 1MPS Mono-pusher
- Power Reserve: 60-hours
- Complications: Central hours, minutes, and seconds, central 60-minute timer (actuation from 2H)
- Dial: Semi-gloss black, applied hour markers with high-density Super LumiNova (ecru colour)
- Size: 42mm
- Water Resistance: 200 metres, 660 feet
- Strap: Includes genuine 22mm ISOfrane Rubber
