Just over a year after the release of their reissued Deepstar Chronograph, Rick Marei’s Aquastar is back with another new watch packed with vintage Aquastar charm. This time, the idea was to “pick up where Aquastar left off,” as if the quartz crisis never happened. Therefore the brand is referring to this as an entirely new reference and not a re-edition of an older model. Today, they’re introducing the new Aquastar Deepstar II—a watch that serves as a kind of sequel to the reissued chronograph that re-launched the brand last year.
Looking at the press images, it’s clear that Aquastar knows how to work with a winning formula. At first glance the Deepstar II appears nearly indistinguishable from last year’s chronograph release. Much of this has to do with the dial layout and the cool mono-compax setup for the the running seconds. Some might feel bugged with the asymmetry but I think this brand just knows how to do it right—something that’s even evident when you look at the vintage originals. Unlike the chronograph that came before it the Aquastar Deepstar II measures in at just 37mm in diameter for a nice vintage-inspired that work nicely on straps and the optional bracelet. But, no word on the lug-to-lug sizing and I’m hoping this can still be appreciated by collectors with larger wrists.
In addition to the vintage black dial version, Aquastar is offering the Deepstar II in steel gray and blue ray dial finishes. It seems as if the run will account for a total of 900 watches (300 for each of the dial finishes). Personally, I’m loving the look of the basic black dial—it just looks killer when you pair it with the beads of rice bracelet pictured above. Other features include Aquastar’s funky “no decompression” stainless steel dive bezel with ceramic bearings, old radium SuperLuminova, and a sturdy Sellita SW-290 that’s sure to stand the test of time.
Aquastar Deepstar II Specs
- Case Diameter: 37mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Movement: Sellita SW-290
- Crystal: Sapphire w/AR coating
- Straps: Tropic rubber and Horween leather | bracelet sold separately
- Price: Pre-Order Price – $1,490 (or $1,890 full retail)
Going with my gut on this, the Aquastar Deepstar II feels like another hit from Marei’s camp and I’m sure collectors that passed on the chronograph run would find this compelling. It seems like a great value at the pre-order price, but my only real disappointment is the fact that the bracelet is sold separately. I didn’t find any information on cost, but Aquastar does currently have a bracelet live on their web shop for $189 at pre-order. Im guessing we should expect something similar. Now if Aquastar could only get started on a Benthos 500 reissue, then they’d really be cooking.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
The Aquastar website lists the lug to lug as 46 mm.
Also, the watch can be ordered on the BOR bracelet. It isn’t only sold separately.