Aquastar Introduces the Benthos Heritage II

A modern-spec retro diver.

A historical brand that was recently revived, Aquastar continues to mine its past catalogue with the Benthos Heritage II, a contemporary interpretation the original Benthos diver’s watch of 1970. Drawing on sketches from Aquastar’s archives, the new release has a typical 1970s style with a “turtle” case that’s a suitably compact 40 mm in diameter, but with a modern-day ceramic bezel insert and Sellita movement.

Initial thoughts

The Benthos Heritage II is essentially an affordable, wearable dive watch with contemporary specifications and materials. While the brand’s earlier Benthos was a substantial 42 mm by 15.4 mm, the new model is scaled down, reduced by 2 mm in diameter and 3.5 mm in thickness, giving it the smaller, vintage-like proportions that are popular today.

However, Aquastar is just one of many brands producing vintage-inspired dive watches. In fact, its owner was also behind the relaunch of Doxa, also a brand specialising in vintage-remake dive watches. As a result, the new Benthos is not a unique concept, but it is well considering the price.

Priced at US$1,490 on a stainless steel bracelet, the Benthos Heritage II is a decent value proposition. It’s priced similarly to other micro-brand offerings of comparable quality, but unlike startup brands, it comes with the historical background of the Aquastar brand. Part of its affordability is explained by the pre-order sales model, which means orders placed and paid for now will only be fulfilled in May 2025.

Two crowns

Like many other 1970s dive watches, the Benthos Heritage II has two crowns, at the two o’clock and four o’clock positions respectively. The upper crown is for winding and setting the time, while the lower crown functions as a manual helium escape valve.

The cushion-shaped steel case has 300 m of water resistance, and its unidirectional bezel features a ceramic insert. Adding to the vintage flavour  are the block-style indices with faux-vintage lume, matched with rectangular hands and a bright orange “stick” seconds.

The watch is powered by the economical Sellita SW200-1, which offers 38 hours of power reserve and beats at 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz).


Key facts and price

Aquastar Benthos Heritage II 

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 11.9 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: Sellita SW200-1
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per second (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Matching steel bracelet, or “tropic” rubber strap

Limited edition: 500 pieces
Availability: Pre-order now at Aquastar online boutique, with delivery in June 2025
Price: US$1,390 on a strap; US$1,490 on a steel bracelet

For more, visit aquastar.ch


 

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Oris Introduces the ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition

A pink pilot's watch.

The ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition is Oris’ second collaboration with The Muppets, following the ProPilot X Kermit two years ago. Housed in a 34 mm stainless steel case, the Miss Piggy Edition has vibrant “hot pink” dial with a synthetic diamond for a 12 o’clock marker, while the Muppets character makes an appearance on the rotor, and can be glimpsed through a small porthole on the case back. The new edition retains the model’s signature knurled bezel and integrated bracelet equipped with a “Lift” folding clasp modelled on an aircraft seat belt buckle.

Initial thoughts

Though part of the ProPilot line that’s mostly made up of no-frills aviator’s watches, the Miss Piggy Edition is definitely not a traditional pilot’s watch. Instead, it’s a playful interpretation of the genre that’s conceived for women, which also encapsulates the brand’s experimental spirit found in its limited editions. The novelty of the Muppets theme aside, the watch also has an acceptable level of fit and finish for the price, which is nonetheless a little steep.

With a retail price of US$3,200, the Miss Piggy Edition is relatively expensive given its movement, even considering the synthetic diamond marker. It is powered by the Oris cal. 531, which is actually a Sellita SW100, a movement with easy serviceability and reliability, but one that’s inexpensive. Many of its competitors in this price segment, Tudor and Longines for instance, offer watches with higher-spec movements, while micro-brands that employ a similar movement usually cost less.

Pink with diamonds

The highlight of the watch is the matte, bright pink dial that evokes Miss Piggy’s trademark hue, which is adorned with a lab-grown, baguette-cut diamond at noon. Purple applied indices and brushed sword-shaped hands complete the dial.

Another notable feature of the watch is the “Lift” clasp on the bracelet, a signature feature of Oris watches. It’s chunky but easy to use, with a lift-up locking mechanism inspired by the seat belt buckle found in aircraft seats.

On the reverse, a small porthole reveals Miss Piggy, who appears and disappears with each oscillation of the rotor. Powering the watch is the self-winding Oris cal. 531, which is derived from the Sellita SW100. It beats at 28,800 beats per hour and offers 42 hours of power reserve.


Key facts and price

Oris ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition

Diameter: 34 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Oris 531 (based on Sellita SW100)
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per second (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Matching steel bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Oris boutiques and retailers
Price: US$3,200

For more, visit oris.ch


 

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