Aquastar Benthos Professional: Classic Design, Modern Refinement
Aquastar has built its reputation on robust, tool-ready dive watches that balance history with modern functionality. The latest release, the Benthos Professional, continues this tradition while introducing a slimmer case profile that makes it more versatile for daily wear without compromising diving performance.
A Legacy of the Benthos Line
The Benthos name has strong roots in Aquastar’s history. The original Benthos 500 from the late 1960s was known for its bold design and monopusher chronograph, setting the standard for professional-grade diving instruments. In recent years, Aquastar revived the Benthos through several modern interpretations: the Benthos H1 in 2023 with a 500m depth rating, the Benthos 500 reissue with a bespoke monopusher chronograph movement, and the H2 earlier this year, which introduced a helium escape valve and a more compact case.
The Benthos Professional is the next step in that evolution, designed for those who want the rugged personality of the Benthos in a slimmer, more refined package.
Refined Case Design
Maintaining the familiar 42 mm diameter and 47 mm lug-to-lug length, the Benthos Professional distinguishes itself with a significantly reduced thickness of 13.90 mm, down from previous models’ chunkier builds. This adjustment gives the watch a sleeker wrist presence, improving comfort for everyday wear while preserving its 300m water resistance.
Two case options are available: 904L stainless steel or black DLC-coated steel, both paired with a unidirectional ceramic bezel with 120 clicks for precise dive timing. The case also retains the helium valve at 4 o’clock, a nod to the original Benthos 500, alongside a screw-down crown positioned at 2 o’clock.
Functional and Legible Dial
Aquastar has kept the high-contrast, legible dial design that defines the Benthos series. The black semi-gloss surface is accented by rectangular and square markers filled with Super-LumiNova X1, ensuring strong readability in low light. The polished rectangular hands with luminous strips, an orange luminous seconds hand tipped with an arrow, and the signature checkered rehaut make timing easy and accurate.
The watch is topped with a flat, AR-coated sapphire crystal that sits flush with the ceramic bezel, reinforcing both durability and clarity.
Movement and Performance
Inside, the Benthos Professional runs on the trusted ETA 2824-2 automatic caliber. Aquastar has secured a supply of these movements, which are Elaboré grade and finely adjusted in five positions. While the 38-hour power reserve is modest by modern standards, the accuracy of ±5 seconds per day makes this a reliable engine for professional and everyday use.
Bracelet and Strap Options
The watch comes standard with Aquastar’s ISOfrane strap, designed for both durability and comfort. Additionally, for the first time, the brand introduces a new beads-of-rice bracelet, available as an option. Featuring solid end links, a machined clasp with push-button release, and toolless micro-adjustment, it’s a refined upgrade that enhances the overall wearing experience.
Price and Availability
True to Aquastar’s philosophy of accessible yet professional-grade dive watches, the Benthos Professional is offered at a pre-order price of USD 1,290 and a regular retail price of USD 1,590. Given its slimmer design, heritage-inspired details, and dependable performance, it presents a strong value in the competitive dive watch segment.
More information here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Aquastar
Model: Benthos Professional
Dial: Black
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Stainless steel, stainless steel with a black DLC-coated
Case Dimensions: 42 mm Diameter, 13.90 mm thickness, 47 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire
Case Back: Stainless steel
Strap: Black ISOframe VS 1969 strap with a steel pin buckle, stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet with a folding clasp
Calibre: ETA 2824-2
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 25
Power Reserve: 38 Hours
Price: USD 1,290 (on a strap pre-order price), USD 1,590 (on a strap retail price)
Limited Edition: No
