Description
Aquastar Dives into History with the New Benthos Heritage II
Aquastar, the traditional Swiss dive watch manufacturer, proudly presents its latest Benthos masterpiece—the Benthos Heritage II. This exquisite timepiece, the third member of the iconic Benthos family in the company’s modern era, is poised to capture the hearts of dive watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Inspired by the legendary Aquastar Benthos from 1970, the Benthos Heritage II is not merely a re-edition but a visionary interpretation of how the original creators might have evolved this horological icon. Drawing from recently discovered sketches in the Aquastar archives, this new model seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern dimensions.
“The Benthos Heritage II represents a perfect fusion of the rich heritage of the Benthos and contemporary proportions of 40 mm and 11.9 mm height,” . “It’s a testament to our commitment to carry the torch of our founders into a bright future for Aquastar.”
At the heart of the Benthos Heritage II lies a series of core characteristics that were requested by our community over the past 5 years. “We listened carefully to the feedback and requests of our supportive community on our official forum and on social media and incorporated these features into the new Benthos Heritage II”.
• BENTHOS Iconic Design: Echoing the archival sketches, the watch boasts two signature crowns positioned at 2 and 4 o’clock, offering both functionality and distinctive aesthetics.
• Modern Proportions: With a 40mm case diameter and a slim 11.9mm profile, the Benthos Heritage II caters to modern tastes while ensuring comfort on any wrist.
• Premium Materials: Crafted from corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel, this timepiece is built to withstand the rigors of deep-sea exploration, crowned with a ceramic bezel with applied luminous markers.
• Helium Escape Valve: A manual helium escape valve at 4 o’clock enhances the watch’s professional diving capabilities.
• Swiss-Made Excellence: Powered by the Elabore-grade Selitta SW200-1 Swiss-made caliber, the Benthos Heritage II promises unparalleled value.
The Benthos Heritage II is more than just a timekeeping instrument; it is a piece of diving history reimagined for the modern era. Its design evokes the thrill of underwater exploration, with every detail meticulously crafted to honor the legacy of its predecessor while pushing the boundaries of contemporary watchmaking.
Dive watch aficionados and collectors have the opportunity to secure their own piece of horological history.
Stephen Fly (verified owner) –
This watch is basically the perfect smallish cushion case diver. I can’t believe shipped it’s currently discounted to 1266 if you get a coupon. Insane value. Ended my itch for anymore cushion case seikos (baby turle in particular) and any desire for another DOXA (i’ve sold all my doxas, the finish quality just isn’t there for the price.)
Yeah, you should buy this watch. I say that as a microbrand owner. It’s become my “less expensive to damage” automatic diver of choice these days. Yes it’s pricey, but for the finish, ergonomics of the case, dial print quality, the raised hour markers, bezel action, and in my opinion crown action that’s only second to Rolex/Tudor, I don’t know why you wouldn’t get one as your next watch.
Tor Einar Svenskerud (verified owner) –
I love the aesthetics of the original Benthos 500 from 1970 in a smaller form factor case of 40mm.
The curved case shape makes it hug the wrist, and the height of less than 12mm makes it not feel bulky.
But even though it is slim, the build quality has not been compromised, as it feels solidly built.
Here you get a modern diver wrapped in Aquastar’s heritage.
kosmar (verified owner) –
I am wearing the Benthos right now on a Lldder bracelet, which is a great look complementing the dual crown 70s feel.
An overlooked detail is the alternating five-minute chunks in white and black as well as the angular typography on the bezel. All very well put together. Solid like a rock, too.
Ben (verified owner) –
Awesome watch overall…great value based on a lot of other divers out there. I’ve been enjoying it on the bracelet and it gets lots of comments!
The ISO strap didn’t fit me well, but I had a Tropic and that looks so good on it and gives it more of the vintage vibe.
Definitely an “in the know” watch. You won’t be disappointed!
Ben Rowell (verified owner) –
I’ve had my Benthos H2 for over a year now. The 40mm size and how it sits on my wrist absolutely fantastic! The 904l steel also adds a nice touch and the ceramic bezel is beautifully done. Most importantly, the movement has been rock solid. I’ve mostly worn it on the ISOfrane strap and it adds look and substance to make it a true tool watch. My only wishes would be 1) To utilize the classic orange arrow second hand on the H2 (like the H1 and Professional) instead of the plain orange second hand. 2) I get that it’s 120 clicks, but the bezel movement could be smoother.
All-in- all a great value and a no brainer purchase. Not sure if you can get more watch with the beautiful 70s styling for the price.
Pablo García Oliván (verified owner) –
Excellent watch with an impressive balance between history and vintage style and great build construction, with a workhorse caliber, a case of 904L steel with proportioned dimensions and a ceramic bezel.
Brent McCarty (verified owner) –
The Benthos H2 is a perfect desk diver. Great proportions, and the thin profile helps it slide under a cuff. The beads of rice bracelet is well constructed and eye catching. Off of the bracelet and on a tropic strap, the H2 could also stand up to any activity thrown its way. The lumed bezel pops at all the right times to remind you how capable of a watch it is. I love the symmetric styling of the dual crowns even though I’ll probably never need a He escape valve.