Aquastar Benthos 500 Reference 1002

Few dive watches can claim to have genuinely changed the course of underwater watchmaking. Introduced at the dawn of professional diving, the Aquastar Benthos 500 became the world’s first wristwatch engineered to withstand an astonishing depth of 500 meters, setting a new benchmark for underwater instrumentation. 

Purpose-built rather than styled, it was conceived around the needs of professional divers. Its oversized case, highly legible dial, and ingenious central “slow chronograph” minute hand transformed elapsed dive timing into an intuitive, at-a-glance operation, while its patented monopusher reset system added another layer of functionality.  

Decades later, it remains one of the most technically fascinating and charismatic dive watches ever produced, earning a devoted following among collectors while inspiring modern reissues. 

Please refer to the high-resolution pictures to assess the overall condition of the watch.

MODEL / REFERENCE: Aquastar Benthos 500 “Slow Chronograph”, reference 1002. With its MK II case, il likely dates to the mid to late 1960s. Inventory code: ALP-03 

DIAL + HANDS: The original matte black dial is virtually copacetic, displaying no blemishes and crisp white printing throughout. The applied and painted luminous hour markers have a pistachio/green tint, matched by the inlays of the baton and arrow hands. We suspect that the indexes and hands were relumed at some point.  

One of the defining features of the Benthos is its bright orange central “creeper” hand. Rather than recording seconds, it slowly advances minute by minute to indicate elapsed dive time, making timing exceptionally legible underwater.  

We are pleased to confirm that the mechanism functions correctly, resets precisely to the 12 o’clock position. Importantly, the orange hand remains perfectly still during time-setting, avoiding a common issue encountered on many examples. 

CRYSTAL: Original mineral crystal that displays light scratches and surface marks but remains clean and clear overall. 

CASE: Radially brushed MK II stainless-steel case measuring approximately 42mm in diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug. Designed without compromise, its substantial proportions were dictated by function rather than fashion. 

Despite being likely polished in the past, it remains excellent throughout, retaining its strong overall geometry and the surface displays various surface scratches, namely a noticeable one on the lower left lug at 8 o’clock.  

The knurled unidirectional rotating bezel operates correctly and is fitted with its original black insert, which remains well-preserved overall with crisp markings, a beautifully aged luminous triangle and some marks, namely at near the 2 and 4 o’clock positions.  

CASEBACK: Stainless-steel screw-down case back in very good vintage condition. The sandblasted medallion remains very well defined, while the surface displays honest scratches and small nicks accumulated through decades of use. The inner side is clean.  

CROWN & PUSHER: Signed screw-down crown operating smoothly for winding and time-setting. The monopusher at 4 o’clock functions correctly, instantly resetting the central minute totalizer to the 12 o’clock position as intended. 

MOVEMENT: A. Schild calibre 2162 automatic movement, specially modified by Aquastar to incorporate its patented central minute “slow chronograph” complication.  

It has been checked by our watchmaker and runs properly while keeping accurate time. All functions operate correctly. 

STRAP: Newly fitted, green NATO strap measuring 20mm in width and a generic pin buckle.  

ACCESSORIES: Saffiano leather watch roll. 

WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also provide a 12-month warranty covering the correct function of this timepiece. All guarantees are subject to our General Terms and Conditions. 

Please feel free to ask questions; we will be glad to answer. Personal or virtual viewing is available by appointment.