Introducing the Benthos Heritage II
Aquastar, a name synonymous with dive watches, proudly unveils the Benthos Heritage II, a contemporary spin on its legendary design.
With a rich legacy in the dive watch arena, Aquastar has revitalized its offerings under Rick Marei’s leadership over the past five years.
The brand has garnered a passionate following through the reintroduction of iconic models like the Deepstar and Benthos.
Founded in 1958 as part of Jean Richard, Aquastar rapidly established itself as a premier dive watch manufacturer.
The Benthos 500, certified by the US Navy during the 1970s, became a hallmark of reliability for professional divers who demanded precision and durability.
Design and Features
The Benthos Heritage II captures the essence of its ancestral models while infusing modernity.
Drawing from archival sketches of a vintage twin crown design, the current model reinterprets how those early timepieces might have evolved.
This creative process not only echoes marketing techniques but also emphasizes functionality and aesthetics—resulting in a slimmer profile, stunning luminescence, and carefully considered design elements.
Marei shared his vision for Aquastar, which sets out to do more than just replicate past models.
Unlike his tenure with Doxa and Aquadive, he envisions how the brand’s founders might have evolved their designs in response to the challenges of the quartz crisis in the Swiss watch sector.
Marei’s reflections reveal a longing to have led innovation during the 1980s, pondering how such efforts could have enriched the company’s legacy.
Contrasting with the robust H1 model released earlier this year, the Benthos Heritage II features a sleeker design that prioritizes comfort.
While the H1 commands attention with its 42mm case and impressive 500-meter water resistance, the Heritage II embraces elegance with a more refined 40mm case crafted from durable 904L steel.
Its ergonomic lugs measure 44mm, and the tonneau shape showcases a wide bezel complemented by an intricate dial, creating a visually appealing, compact design.
Moreover, its thickness of just 11.9mm sets it apart from typical dive watches.
Specifications and Pricing
One notable change is the Heritage II’s water resistance, rated at 300 meters compared to the H1’s specifications.
Marei acknowledged the importance of the watch community’s feedback during the design process, showcasing the engagement between independent brands and their customers.
Along with its fresh dimensions, the Heritage II introduces a matte ceramic bezel housing luminescent numbers and Old Radium Super-Luminova indices, ensuring readability in low light conditions.
A second crown at 4 o’clock serves as a helium escape valve, offering a compressor-style aesthetic that some may find appealing for its boldness, while its offset placement promotes comfort and symmetry.
Powering the Benthos Heritage II is the reliable Sellita SW200-1 movement, renowned for its accuracy and durability, making it an excellent alternative to traditional ETA movements.
At its core, this watch is designed to enhance everyday life with the charm of a dependable dive companion.
For those eager to secure their own Benthos Heritage II, pre-orders will commence on Aquastar’s website at an introductory price of $1,190.
This pre-order opportunity runs until the end of February, with expected deliveries in May.
- Brand: Aquastar
- Model: Benthos Heritage II
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 11.9mm
- Lug-to-lug: 44mm
- Case Material: 904L Steel
- Dial Color: Black
- Water Resistance: 300 meters
- Strap Options: Isofrane or Tropic rubber, or stainless steel “beads-of-rice” bracelet for an additional fee.
Movement Details
– Caliber: Sellita SW200-1
– Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
– Power Reserve: 38 hours
– Winding: Automatic
Pricing and Availability
– Price: Pre-order at $1,190 with strap (retail price $1,490) or $1,290 with bracelet (retail price $1,590)
– Ordering Window: January 24th to February 28th, with deliveries slated for May 2025
– Limited Edition: 500 pieces available.
Source: Hodinkee