Benthos 500 Chronograph
Technical SPECIFICATIONS:
“Like many of the innovations pioneered by Aquastar founder Frederic Robert, the Benthos chronograph from 1970 was light years ahead of its time,” says Rick Marei, Aquastar’s current helmsman. “Its utility was unique in that it was built around a central-mounted chronograph which could present dive time information in a clear and highly legible way. 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,” he continues.
“With every Aquastar release, we try to look at the product cycles introduced by the brand’s original founder, Frederic Robert, and look ahead to what he might still be producing, had the brand never been paused during the quartz crisis,” says Marei. “We are proud to be both historians and custodians of this rich brand, using the new BENTHOS H1 to pay tribute to Aquastar’s influence and innovations in the world of undersea exploration,” he continues.
Benthos 500 Chronograph
The chronograph pusher has been relocated to 2:00 — a more natural position for easy actuation (start/stop/reset) by the index finger when the watch is worn over the left wrist, even with neoprene diving gloves on. Of course, true to Aquastar’s form and function, this pusher may be activated even underwater — a signature utility of Aquastar’s modern dive chronographs
– Case: Aesthetics of the original Benthos 500 from 1970, Height reduced to 15.4mm
– Dimensions: 42mm 316L Stainless steel (47mm lug-to-lug), 22mm lugs, Pusher at 2:00, Crown at 4:00
– Movement: Caliber 1MPS Swiss-made Top grade, hours, minutes, seconds and center 60 minute counter
– Water resistance: 200 meters, 660 feet
– Crystal: Flat, triple-coated AR sapphire
– Dial: Semi-gloss Black, applied hour markers with high density SuperLuminova filling
– Bezel: Unidirectional 120 click rotating elapsed time ceramic bezel with SuperLuminova filled application
– Straps: Includes genuine 22mm ISOfrane Rubber, BOR stainless steel bracelet with integrated endlinks will be available in July 2024
– Price: $3,790
– Limited Edition: Founder’s Edition limited to 300 pieces worldwide
– Delivery: First batch of 150 pcs. to ship May 2024, 2nd batch of 150 to ship in June 2024
– Bonus: First 150 orders receive a signed copy of Jason Heaton’s Novel.
Benthos 500 Chronograph