While its sibling, the 1962 Deepstar diver’s watch, found favor with maritime pioneers, global navies, and intrepid explorers like Jacques Mayol and Philippe Cousteau, the Airstar was a chronograph born for the skies.
While Aquastar has no known association with any notable pilots of its era, it was aviators like André Turcat, Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown and Chuck Yeager who would have surely appreciated a watch like the Airstar.
Not only was it airworthy but God forbid you ditched into the sea, your Airstar would survive. Seaworthy and boasting the same waterproof ‘Skin Diver’ case as the Deepstar, and born from those innovations pioneered by Aquastar founder, Frederic Robert for diving.
For 2024 Aquastar has revisited and reinvigorated this rare pilot's model with a hightech DLC coated 316L Stainless steel case, water-resistant to 200 meters, offering even more durability and a touch of elegance courtesy of its diamond-like carbon coating.
“Like many of the innovations pioneered by Aquastar founder Frederic Robert, the Airstar chronograph from 1964, although a slight departure from the functional tool diver,” says Rick Marei, Aquastar’s modern helmsman. “It still had the depth rating and attributes of a true water-resistant dive watch, yet combined with aviation grade capabilities.
The new Airstar is built around the industry workhorse calibre from Valjoux, the 7753, that offers outstanding durability and great after-market serviceability.
The Aquastar Airstar Re-Edition will be produced in a limited run of just 300 pieces, and has a suggested retail price of $2,790 USD.
However, it can be PRE-ORDERED during its launch period for the special price of $1,890 USD. The Airstar Re-Edition can be reserved, exclusively from www.aquastar.ch.
Thoughts? Hot on heels of the Deepstar II Polarstar Edition, the Airstar provides the perfect opportunity for Aquastar and vintage-era dive watch fans to add a pilot to their stable. The addition of the DLC-coating and rock-solid movement makes this a compelling proposition for all.
Aquastar Airstar CHRONOGRAPH SPECIFICATIONS:
Case: 39mm 316L Stainless steel DLC coated (49mm lug-tolug, 14mm thick), chronograph pushers at 2H and 4H, screw down crown at 3H
Movement: Swiss-made 7753 Valjoux automatic calibre
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, central chronograph seconds, 30 minute counter,
Power reserve: 48 hours
Water resistance: 200 meters, 660 feet
Crystal: Flat, triple-coated AR sapphire
Dial: Semi-gloss Black, hour markers with high-density SuperLuminova (ecru color)
Bezel: Luminous, Bi-directional rotating elapsed time ceramic bearing bezel, fully graduated with 60 minute markings
Straps: Includes a genuine 21mm Tropic Rubber and a black Seatbelt NATO strap.
Retail price: $2,790 (Pre-Order Price: $1,890)
Limited Edition: 300 pieces worldwide
Delivery: September 2024
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