Aquastar Benthos Heritage II

RE-INVENTING THE ICONIC BENTHOS 500

Ahistoric diver in a contemporary size

Inspired by the legendary Aquastar Benthos from the 1970s, the Benthos Heritage II is not merely a re-edition but a visionary interpretation of how the original creators might’ve evolved this horological icon.

Drawing inspiration from recently discovered sketches in the Aquastar archives, this new model seamlessly blends vintage character with modern stature.

“The Benthos Heritage II represents a perfect fusion of the rich heritage of the Benthos and contemporary proportions of 40mm and 12mm height,”. “It’s a testament to our commitment to carry the torch of our founders into a bright future for Aquastar.”

Heart of the Benthos Heritage II

At the heart of the Benthos Heritage II is a series of core characteristics that were requested by the Aquastar 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 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.

“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,”. “We are proud to be both historians and custodians of this rich brand, using the new Benthos Heritage II to pay tribute to Aquastar’s influence and innovations in the Dive Watch world.

40mm diameter and 12mm height

With its water-resistance accordingly readjusted from 500m to a still very respectable 300m, owing to the small form factor but also, to help more clearly distinguish it from its bigger brothers, bearing the Benthos 500 name.

How does the Benthos H2 differ from the H1? +

The Heritage II is built on a smaller 40mm case (44mm lug-to-lug) made from premium 904L stainless steel, the same high-grade steel used in luxury watches, rather than the standard 316L found in the other Benthos models. It also adds a Manual Helium Release Valve at 4:00, a feature required for saturation diving where watches are used in hyperbaric chambers.

What is a Helium Escape Valve and why does it matter? +

During saturation diving, divers live in pressurized environments for days or weeks. Tiny helium molecules penetrate the watch seals and, during decompression, can build up enough pressure to pop the crystal off. The Helium Escape Valve (HEV) allows the gas to safely escape. Its presence signals that this watch is designed for professional-grade deep sea use.

What is 904L stainless steel? +

904L is a superalloy stainless steel with higher resistance to corrosion, particularly from saltwater and chlorine, compared to standard 316L. It is harder to machine but results in a more durable and lustrous finish, a significant materials upgrade.

Is this a limited edition? +

Yes, limited to 500 pieces. Each model is individually numbered and engraved on the caseback.

What dial options are available? +

The Benthos H2 comes in two dial colors: black and blue.

Ready to order?

Aquastar Benthos Heritage II

Reserve and check out securely on aquastar.ch. Every piece built, tested, and engraved with its serial number in our Bienne workshop.