Resurrected a little bit over a yr in the past, the Aquastar model hasn’t taken lengthy to seek out each footing and favor within the dive watch collector group as a model devoted not simply to its origins within the 60s, however one which’s additionally cognizant of present sizing preferences within the twenty first century. Working example: the newly launched Deepstar II, an enthralling 37mm diver that’s neither re-issue nor homage to an archival mannequin, however somewhat a wholly new reference that takes the bi-directional rotating “no deco” bezel, outsized trapezoidal hour markers, and contrasting “cyclops” register aesthetic of the Deepstar Chronograph and builds a contemporary, three-handed execution round these collective signatures.
An authentic Deepstar Chronograph from 1962.
Because the story goes, Belgian underwater archeologist and Deepstar inventor Marc Jasinski was just lately consulted on what the sequel to the Deepstar chronograph would possibly have been, had the Aquastar model efficiently weathered the quartz disaster again within the 70s and 80s. His personal suggestions quickly formed the brand new Aquastar launch we’re seeing as we speak, one which represents an fascinating hypothetical response to a query that few manufacturers take the time to discover when it comes time to replace or proceed a beloved property. It’s a novel strategy to product design — significantly in an age when most manufacturers appear content material to particularly refresh what’s already been performed, and it additionally speaks to the flexibility of the unique supply materials. Characterised for its arcane rotating bezel and outsized 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, the rugged and dependable Deepstar chronograph was fairly a pioneering specimen when it debuted in 1962, as the primary watch that might assist its wearer calculate “no decompression” limits for repeated dives — with that repetition being the important thing, because it enabled the Deepstar to change into one of many foremost decisions for pioneering dive professionals truly dwelling and dealing within the discipline.
Like 2020’s 40mm Deepstar chronograph re-issue, the brand new 37mm Deepstar II additionally wears a contact bigger than its conservative vintage-inspired specs counsel, due partially to the comparatively lengthy lugs (the Deepstar II’s lug-to-lug top measures 47mm), the generously domed crystal (which tops out at 13mm from crystal to caseback), and the broad dial aperture. So whereas 37mm is perhaps the official dimensions on paper, on wrist, it wears extra like a 39mm diver, which ought to be proper within the candy spot for people in pursuit of extra considerate proportions relating to old-school-inspired instrument watches.
Served up on both a seven-link “beads-of-rice” bracelet or a superb real Tropic rubber strap, the Deepstar II sits low and comfortable throughout the wrist — a welcome distinction to the 2020 Deepstar Chronograph which, regardless of its personal conservative measurements, did put on lengthy and a little bit top-heavy (significantly because of the added complication of the chronograph) on smaller wrists. The lug width of the Deepstar II drops to a slender 19mm, which could cut back the variety of suitable straps within the watch field, however it’s price noting that this lug width, mixed with the case’s 36.9mm (37mm for all intents and functions) is definitely the official measurement of the pioneering Deepstar chronograph from 1962. It’s honest to marvel – will we ever get a contemporary Deepstar chronograph in these measurements? It appears unlikely, because the La Joux-Perret chronograph motion used on the 2020 Deepstar gained’t accommodate a smaller case, however we dreamers are simply gonna dream, proper?
Specs:
Model: Aquastar
Mannequin: Deepstar II
Dimensions: 37mm (47mm top/lug-to-lug, 19mm lug width)
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Case Materials: Chrome steel
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Dial: Matte-black, grey sunburst, or blue sunburst, with utilized 12-3-6 hourly indices crammed with white Tremendous-LumiNova
Motion: Sellita SW-290 computerized (hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock)
Energy Reserve / Frequency: 40 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Out there on Tropic rubber, NATO, or beads-of-rice bracelet
Worth & Availability: $1,890 USD (pre-order value: $1,490)
Phrase on the road is that the primary two manufacturing batches of the Deepstar II had been offered within the first 24 hours of final week’s launch, and whereas the pre-order value of $1,490 remains to be being honored, supply for this third batch isn’t anticipated till someday in the summertime of 2022. For those who managed to safe a slot within the first manufacturing cargo, these watches shall be touchdown on wrists someday earlier than Christmas. Within the meantime, you possibly can study extra in regards to the Aquastar story at aquastar.ch.
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