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Model Name:
Aquastar Benthos 500 LE-300
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
Benthos 500
Price ($)
$
3800
Country:
Switzerland
A.I. Rating
7.6
Crowd Rating:
1824
Watch Description
Aquastar unveils its most prestigious dive watch to date, built around a newly developed center-mounted 60-minute chronograph calibre exclusive to Aquastar
For over fifty years, the Aquastar Benthos chronograph has remained the paragon of capability and dive watch collectability — a rarity in watchmaking both for its unique design and functionality, and its actual rarity as surviving examples remain scarce and highly collectable. However, since the brand’s triumphant re-launch in 2020, the modern Aquastar catalog has been without this revered, and sought-after vintage icon, but it’s not without good reason: there have been no modern center-mounted chronograph movements commercially available for watchmakers to utilize. So in collaboration with La Joux-Perret, Aquastar rebuilt this key functionality, exclusively for its debut in the Benthos 500 Founder’s Edition.
“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.
BENTHOS 500 CHRONOGRAPH ENHANCED ERGONOMICS
UNMISTAKABLY A BENTHOS 500
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
Product Link:
42
47
22
15.4
200
Steel - 316L
Cushion
Sapphire
Screw-in
Automatic
Aquastar Calibre 1MPS
60
Black
A.I. Watch Review:
<p class="font_8">**Aquastar Benthos 500 LE-300 Model Benthos 500 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics**
### Watch Summary:
The Aquastar Benthos 500 LE-300 is a robust dive watch designed for professional and recreational divers. Classified under the Sport/Active category, this watch is known for its durability and functionality in underwater environments. The Benthos 500 features a distinctive design with a rotating bezel and a high-visibility dial, making it ideal for diving and other aquatic activities. It is equipped with an automatic movement, providing a reliable power reserve suitable for extended use. This watch appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate vintage-inspired dive watches with modern performance capabilities.
### Overall Watch Rating: 7.6/10.0
- **Functions Metric (9.0/10.0)**
The Benthos 500 excels in water resistance, offering a depth rating suitable for professional diving. It features a rotating bezel for dive timing and high-quality lume for visibility in low-light conditions.
- **Movement Metric (8.5/10.0)**
The watch is powered by a reliable automatic movement, known for its robustness and accuracy. The movement's technical complexity and finishing are well-suited for a dive watch, though it lacks the advanced features of higher-end movements.
- **Complications Metric (8.0/10.0)**
The Benthos 500 includes essential dive watch complications, such as a date function and a rotating bezel, which are well-integrated into its design.
- **Material Metric (8.0/10.0)**
Constructed with high-quality stainless steel, the watch offers durability and resistance to corrosion, essential for a dive watch. The finishing is robust, though not exceptional.
- **Dials & Design Metric (7.8/10.0)**
The design is functional and legible, with a clear dial and bold markers. While the design is not groundbreaking, it effectively serves its purpose as a dive watch.
- **Versatility Metric (7.5/10.0)**
While primarily a dive watch, the Benthos 500's design allows for casual wear, though it is less suited for formal occasions.
- **Rarity Metric (7.0/10.0)**
As a limited edition model, the Benthos 500 has a degree of exclusivity, though it is not extremely rare in the market.
- **History & Innovation Metric (6.5/10.0)**
Aquastar has a history of producing reliable dive watches, but the Benthos 500 does not introduce significant innovations in the field.
- **Brand Metric (6.0/10.0)**
Aquastar is recognized for its niche appeal among dive watch enthusiasts, though it lacks the widespread prestige of larger luxury brands.
### Celebrity and Historical Figures:
While the Aquastar Benthos 500 is not widely associated with specific celebrities, the brand has a strong following among professional divers and watch collectors who appreciate its historical significance in the dive watch category. Aquastar's reputation for producing reliable and functional dive watches has made it a respected name in the diving community.</p>
