Aquastar Benthos 500 II Founder s EditionvsOrient Mako-3 AA08 Diver
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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.

Benthos 500 II Founder s Edition

Mako-3 AA08 Diver
Diameter
42mm
41.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
46.8mm
lowest
Thickness
15.4mm
12.8mm
lowest
Water Resistance
200m
200m
Power Reserve
60h
highest
40h
MSRP
$3,590
$375
lowest
Movement
Automatic
Orient F6922
Case
3 specsCrystal & Dial
1 specsMovement
7 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
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.
The Orient Mako-3 AA08 Diver Watch is widely praised for its excellent value, attractive dials in various finishes like black gradient, matte blue, and sparkling turquoise, and the inclusion of a sapphire crystal. Owners note the bracelet is surprisingly quiet and smooth, and the watch wears well on smaller wrists. Some find the traditional circle indices less unique than other models and one owner considers the dolphin engraving on the caseback underwhelming. A reviewer flags the stock bracelet as a weak point, though the watch is praised for good quality control and fit/finish. Accuracy figures range from +1/+2 seconds per day to about -6 seconds per day, with some owners noting a "grindy" or less smooth hand-winding feel compared to other watches. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Orient Mako-3 AA08 Diver Watch highly for its striking aesthetics and robust build at an affordable price point.
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