Since their renaissance, Aquastar has been diligently reestablishing itself as one of the most consequential names in traditional Swiss diver's watches.
Originally technical innovators and early pioneers in the diving watch industry, Aquastar timepieces were sold as indispensable diving instruments alongside scuba diving equipment.
To divers, these watches were perhaps as vital as the breathing apparatus that they were sold alongside. As far removed from the glittering display cabinets of luxury retailers as hammers and chisels were. They were actual tools, not in name alone.
Today, the modern-day Aquastar has firmly planted itself in the collectors' and enthusiasts' market. It straddles the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking and the hugely popular retro-tool-watch space, competing with household names like Tudor and Oris, as well as the burgeoning micro-brand space.
Yet, this historic mark strives to set itself apart, striking the balance between high-end luxury and rugged utilitarian Swiss watchmaking, and with a reasonable price point to boot, made even more reasonable when pre-order pricing is taken advantage of.
Under the stewardship of Rick Marei, a dive watch historian and the modern-day skipper of Aquastar, the brand has already brought to market several fan favorites from their extensive historical archives.
Marei, with his almost Midas-like touch for bygone-era diver's watches, has been responsible for the resurrection of Aquastar, Aquadive, Doxa, Jenny, and Synchron, as well as the famous ISOfrane and Tropic strap companies.
Some of Aquastar’s standout features include: a Diver's Bezel with a Military No-Decompression Table: as seen on the Deepstar Re-Edition. And a Minute-Creeper Elapsed Dive Time Indicator: as found on the Benthos 500 Founder’s Edition.
Meanwhile Aquastar has remained true to its identity. Iconic models like the Deepstar with its striking monocompax (big eye) chronograph counter, the Model 60 and the Benthos 500 have rekindled a dormant flame in the hearts of enthusiasts, world over.
While their current lineup employs the latest materials and manufacturing techniques and in some instances even manufacture calibers, they seldom deviate from their archives, methodically working through their historic designs, leaving their loyal following wondering with bated breath what will come next.
And rather than being swayed by the latest trends, they could themselves be considered trend-setters. If we are to look at what lies at the very core of the collectors’ market, the popular retro vintage tool diver, it was in fact Doxa under Rick Marei that was largely responsible for the resurgence and repolarization of this enduring trend.
If you are new to the Aquastar brand, but familiar with Doxa, or Tudor's Black Bay, or even the Oris Divers’ Sixty-Five and the like, know this, that we have Rick Marie to thank, one of the earliest proponents of these popular retrospective vintage designs.
As a traditional Swiss independent brand that once stood at the forefront of technical innovation, we can look forward to Aquastar continuing to lean into their traditional technical roots, perhaps even exploring modern case materials such as Grade 5 Titanium or composite materials.
Reflecting on their early adoption of 904L Steel and the use of fiberglass for the Glasstar, innovation is embedded in their DNA.
Currently Aquastar offers an impressive range of divers, the BENTHOS 500 FOUNDERS EDITION, the DEEPSTAR II POLARSTAR & the AIRSTAR models are their newest editions to the lineup.
In addition to those, Aquastar has just launched the NEW Benthos H1 BLUE EDITION.
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