Aquastar Benthos 500 II Founder s EditionvsAquastar Benthos 500 II

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Aquastar Benthos 500 II Founder s Edition at true scale

Benthos 500 II Founder s Edition

Aquastar Benthos 500 II at true scale

Benthos 500 II

Diameter

42mm

42mm

Lug-to-Lug

47mm

47mm

Thickness

15.4mm

15.4mm

Water Resistance

200m

200m

Power Reserve

60h

60h

MSRP

$3,590

$3,590

Movement

Automatic

Aquastar 1MPS

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
n/a
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
n/a
Aquastar 1MPS
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Aquastar Benthos 500 II Founder s Edition

The Aquastar Benthos 500 II Founder s Edition is widely praised for its faithful reissue of an iconic dive watch, featuring a new monopusher chronograph movement with a unique central 60-minute display and improved wearability due to a slimmer case and redesigned lugs. Owners and reviewers highlight the comfortable 42mm case, the functional yacht timer, and the ease of use of the central chronograph for everyday timing. Some owners note that the 200m water resistance is a compromise from the original's 500m, and one reviewer flags the stamped clasp as a drawback at its price. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Aquastar Benthos 500 II Founder s Edition highly for its unique chronograph function and comfortable, modernized vintage design.

Aquastar Benthos 500 II

The Aquastar Benthos 500 II is widely praised for its wearability, with reviewers and owners noting its comfortable 42mm case and improved ergonomics over the original, making it easy to wear even on smaller wrists. Its unique monopusher chronograph function, operated by a 2 o'clock pusher, is highlighted as exceptionally useful for everyday timing and racing. The watch features a bespoke automatic Aquastar 1MPS movement and is noted for its quality finishing and attractive price for its heritage and unique complications. However, some sources point out that the "500" in the name is misleading given its 200m water resistance, and the stamped clasp on the beads-of-rice bracelet is considered a drawback at its price point. One owner also noted the difficulty in sourcing replacement parts for older models. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Aquastar Benthos 500 II highly for its blend of vintage charm, modern wearability, and unique monopusher chronograph functionality.

From video reviewers

The custom caliber movement is a significant strength. Reviewers did not reach a consensus on any weaknesses.

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