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- Jul 17, 2014
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IN 2020
AQUASTAR IS REBORN
Distinctive in appearance, robust in build, and innovative in its function, quickly became the favorite of both sport and technical divers alike. Great divers wore the Deepstar during their groundbreaking Conshelf II and III undersea habitat experiments and the watch was seen on the wrists of legendary ship crews for the better part of a decade. The great French freediver who set the world record in free diving twice, also wore a Deepstar when he dove to a record 75 meters on a single breath in 1968 and it was a favorite of his throughout the 1960s. Aquastar was the watch of serious divers, and the Deepstar was its jewel.
A LEGEND OF THE DEEP RESURFACES
The 1960s: divers were going deeper and staying down longer, mapping the ocean, discovering new worlds, and exploring the limits of human endurance and tolerance for pressure. But stay too deep too long and a diver can either run out of air or get the bends. Enter Aquastar, a watch brand founded in 1962 with the sole aim of designing and building watches and instruments for aquatic use. Aquastar’s early watches were worn by navy divers, shipwreck hunters, champion freedivers and undersea explorers. But it was the Deepstar that really broke new ground when it appeared in 1965.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIAL:
Steel grey sunburst dial designApplied stainless steel markers/indices
High density filling old light Radium super luminova application
CASE:
Bi-directional rotating bezel on a ceramic bearing316L Stainless Steel case with highly domed, AR triple coated sapphire crystal
Case Diameter 40.5mm
Bezel Diameter 40.5mm
Length without lugs 41mm
Case height 14.8mm
MOVEMENT:
High end Swiss Made Manufacture caliber, mono-Compax Column Wheel mechanical Chronograph,Top execution, adjusted in 5 positions with certificate.
| Second chronograph | at center |
| 30min counter | 3h |
| Running indicator | 9h |
| Physical Dimensions | Ø30.40 x 7.90 mm |
| Cage diameter | Ø30.00 mm |
| Frequency | 4 Hz |
| Power reserve | 55 h |
| Reassembly | Bi-directional automatic |
| Number of rubies | 28 |
| Rotor / Bridges | Aquastar signed/decorated with Geneva stripes and blued screws |
FUNCTIONS:
Hour, minute and seconds indicatorsOperation indicator at 9
30 minute stop watch sub counter at 3
Successive/Multiple dive non decompression table calculator according to the French Navy dive tables
STRAP:
Set of 2 straps included in the pre-orderMatching color Genuine original Tropic rubber strap with signed Aquastar buckle
Seatbelt NATO strap
Stainless Steel BOR bracelet with fitted endlinks coming in January 2021
THE DEEPSTAR BEZEL PATENT
Using the French Navy Deco table from that period, let’s pick a hypothetical depth for a first dive and the corresponding duration off the table, a dive to 39 meters which is (approx. 130ft) for 25 minutes. On the table, where the depth and time intersect, there are two sets of numbers. The primary number is the mandatory decompression time for this dive in minutes. The second number is the partial pressure of absorbed nitrogen in the body which is known as “Coefficient C”. This factor will be used later during a surface interval prior to a repetitive dive.Now let us look at the Aquastar bezel itself. It has two scales, one inner scale and one outer scale. The inner scale is simply a traditional 60-minute elapsed dive time scale found on almost every other dive watch. The outer scale is the key to calculating repetitive dives, but more on that later….
Before jumping in, the diver will align the zero marker, or the lumed pip on the bezel to the minute hand to measure the duration of the dive, a regular procedure that is done to measure the time spent under water during the dive.
During the dive, the minute hand advances on the inner scale showing how many minutes have passed at the depth of 39 meters. Once the hand shows 25 minutes, previously determined and planned, the dive is over, and it is time to ascend to the decompression stop. A decompression stop should be made for 15 minutes after which the ascent to the surface should be completed.
Once at the surface, the outer scale can be used to factor nitrogen off-gassing in preparation for the second dive. Here’s where the previously determined “Coefficient C” of let’s say 1.6 is used. The 1.6 value on the outer scale of the bezel should now be aligned with the hour hand, that will advance, showing the values of decreased absorbed nitrogen (1.5, 1.4, 1.3, and 1.2). If the decreased value is above 1.4, the concentration of nitrogen in the body is too high, and a second dive cannot be made.
Now for the second dive. The second dive will be made to 30 meters since the second dive should be shallower than the first.
1st possible scenario: If we look at the outer P=55-12 meter scale and pick the 30 which is the dive depth planned, we’ll observe that the 6 minute mark on the inner scale aligns with the 30m mark on the outer bezel. This is important because this value is what will be used to determine the time “handicap/penalty” for the second dive. The penalty is the time to subtract from the dive time indicated by the table for the 2nd dive. This means, when enough time has passed, and the hour hand passes from the “Coefficient C” of 1.6, as previously determined from the tables in the first dive, down to a new “Coefficient C” of 1.1, 6 minutes will be subtracted from the dive time of the second dive planned on the dive table. Now, going back to the table, we find the 30 meter depth and then plan that dive for 30 minutes. Since this is a second dive, and the diver has stayed out of the water long enough for a new “Coefficient C” of 1.1, 6 will be subtracted from 30, giving an actual total of 24 minute dive time. Note: The decompression time stays the same in accord with the table, so a 3-minute mandatory decompression has to be made and according to the table the new “Coefficient C” is 1.5.
2nd possible scenario: If the surface interval wasn’t long enough to get into the 1.1 range, and let’s say the hour hand has reached only the 1.3 range, the number on the right, which is in this case “3” will be used as a multiplication factor to triple the 6 minute handicap/penalty, 6 x 3 = 18, then 18 minutes should be subtracted from the 30 minute dive time. The new time for the second dive would be for only 12 minutes. If the 1.2 range is reached, the 6 minute handicap would be doubled, then 12 minutes will be subtracted from the 30 minute dive time suggested by the table, giving an actual total dive time of 18 minutes for the second dive.
If enough surface interval time passes beyond the 1.1 range and passes into the “Normal” section of the scale, that is when we know that all nitrogen has off gassed from the body. At that point a second dive can be planned as a completely new (1st non-repetitive dive).
The Deepstar bezel was developed and patented based on scientific facts and researches conducted in the early 1960s about gas saturation in the human body while diving. Nevertheles, the above information is supplied for historical verification purposes only and is not intended for actual tpday’s use. Also the above repetitive dive scenarios and their calculations using those historical 1960s French Navy tables were replaced or updated since and are referred to here for historical verification purposes only.
The radial finishing of its Blue Ray, Steel Grey, or Vintage Black dial, the polished applied markers, the oversized 30-minute counter, and of course, its dual scale rotating bezel. Inside ticks a manufacture column wheel chronograph caliber developed for Aquastar by Swiss movement specialists at La Joux-Perret. The watch comes fitted on a 22-millimeter genuine TROPIC rubber strap, with a second handmade shell cordovan band, both with Aquastar-signed buckles.
AQUASTAR DEEPSTAR 2020 RE‑EDITION STEEL GREY
PRICE: $3,590.00
ORDER HERE
AQUASTAR DEEPSTAR 2020 RE‑EDITION VINTAGE BLACK
PRICE: $3,590.00
ORDER HERE
AQUASTAR DEEPSTAR 2020 RE‑EDITION BLUE RAY
PRICE: $3,590.00
FRÉDÉRIC ROBERT:
DIVER, INNOVATOR, DISRUPTOR
Aquastar was founded in 1962 in the city of Geneva in Switzerland by Mr. Frédéric Robert. Mr. Robert, a diver, a sailor, a pilot, a watchmaker, a mathematician. He also represented Switzerland at the 1948 yachting world championship.With extensive experience on the high seas, Robert set out to start a watch company that focused on developing watches, watch parts, and specialized instruments exclusively for underwater activities, ranging from sport diving to professional scientific excursions and underwater exploration, with the ultimate goal of making all diving exploits safer. It was November 1962 when Robert renamed his father’s company JeanRichard™ company to “Aquastar,” and it was here, where an entirely new underwater legacy was born.
Aquastar marked the first time in the Swiss watchmaking world where a company was dedicated to producing professional-grade watches and timing instruments in a single market segment. And with a catalog that quickly grew into dive watches and other aquatic tools like dive compasses, depth gauges, and thermometers – all of which could be fit onto watch straps, Aquastar’s mission soon became quite a unique one at the time for a Swiss horology Maison.
It was during this time that Mr. F. Robert distributed his range of diving instruments under the new name “Aquastar” almost exclusively through specialized stores instead of regular retailers. Given the socioeconomic environment of the times, this non-traditional sales tactic seemed risky at first, but it reflected Robert’s innovative approach to problem solving – a trait that would reflect in his many patented designs, as well as the backbone that would define the brand’s disruptive legacy many years later.
In the picture below you see one of the first timepieces created by F. Robert in 1958, a water-resistant watch with a stop watch function, the “AQUASTART”
AQUASTAR DEEPSTAR 2020 RE‑EDITION BLUE RAY
PRICE: $3,590.00
The 2020 Aquastar Deepstar is a faithful recreation of one of the most influential dive watches of the 60s. The unique and uncluttered mono sub counter dial, combined with the small running indicator, and the patented multiple dive decompression bezel table make the Deepstar an unmatched diver-oriented tool with an instantly recognizable design.
This model is numbered and limited to 300 pieces.
The 2020 Deepstar retains all proportions of the original Deepstar from the 60s while relying on high-end Swiss Manufacture automatic movement, custom manufactured for the Deepstar by La Joux-Perret, and like its predecessor the Valjoux 23, the new Deepstar movement is equipped with column wheel operated pushers. This gives the new Deepstar not only the practicality and versatility but also the refinement you expect from a modern Chronograph.
DOWNLOAD SPECS
THE EARLY DAYS OF AQUASTAR
Aquastar was founded in 1962 in the city of Geneva in Switzerland by Mr. Frédéric Robert. Mr. Robert, a diver, a sailor, a pilot, a mathematician and a watchmaker took over the brand JeanRichard® from his father and soon changed the name JeanRichard® to Aquastar to reflect the idea behind his venture, that is to create professional grade instruments for divers and aquatic activities.Within ten years of its foundation and with the help of the genius Marc Jasinski, Aquastar had been awarded numerous patents, based on each patent a new Aquastar family member was born. The inner rotating bezel in the model 63, the multiple dive decompression bezel in the Deepstar, the Benthos and the Regate counter. the new crown sealing system and the friction bezel ring, both were incorporated in every Aquastar and finally the regatta counter watches.
AQUASTAR DEEPSTAR
THE APEX OF THE SKIN DIVER ERA
Switzerland, 1960s, this era was the pinnacle of research and experimenting in the Swiss watch industry, developing new and innovative devices. The Aquastar Deepstar chronograph marks one of those amazing developments. Within a few years of its release, the Deepstar soon became the avant-garde of the dive chronographs, and due to its superior functionalities and features, it instantly grew a following amongst renowned apnea and scuba divers.The Deepstar chronograph went beyond simply being a timing device to calculate many important and life-saving dive parameters, such as enabling the diver to plan multiple dives and avoid decompression sickness caused by nitrogen build-up in the body tissues. It was the patented Deepstar bezel, along with the French marine national tables that made the Deepstar chronograph one of the first attempts towards the introduction of an analog dive computer.
The Deepstar was not only gracious in its appearance but also resilient and robust, as exemplified during the Conshelf III experiment, where the Deepstar successfully performed at 325 feet for 27 days, as well as additional three days in the compression chamber. The Deepstar combines enticing aesthetics and innovative functionality. It is considered one of the most innovative devices of its category. The Deepstar chronograph was so successful that it remained in the Aquastar catalogues for another decade and became a valuable classic in the global vintage watch market. Branded by Lorenz in Italy and Duward in Spain, the Deepstar chronograph was equipped with two calibers from the legendary Valjoux (23 & 92) during its production lifespan.
1965 AQUASTAR DEEPSTAR
1965 AQUASTAR DEEPSTAR
1965 AQUASTAR DEEPSTAR
1972 AQUASTAR SEATIME
1972 AQUASTAR SEATIME
1968 AQUASTAR BENTHOS 500
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIAL:
Blue Ray sunburst dial designApplied stainless steel markers/indices
High density filling old light Radium super luminova application
CASE:
Bi-directional rotating bezel on a ceramic bearing316L Stainless Steel case with highly domed, AR triple coated sapphire crystal
| Case Diameter | 40.5mm |
| Bezel Diameter | 40.5mm |
| Length without lugs | 41mm |
| Case height | 14.8mm |
MOVEMENT:
High end Swiss Made Manufacture caliber, Mono-Compax Column Wheel mechanical Chronograph| Second chronograph | at center |
| 30min counter | 3h |
| Running indicator | 9h |
| Physical Dimensions | Ø30.40 x 7.90 mm |
| Cage diameter | Ø30.00 mm |
| Frequency | 4 Hz |
| Power reserve | 55 h |
| Reassembly | Bi-directional automatic |
| Number of rubies | 28 |
| Rotor / Bridges | Aquastar signed/decorated with Geneva stripes |
FUNCTIONS:
Hour, minute and seconds indicatorsOperation indicator at 9
30 minute stop watch sub counter at 3
Successive/Multiple dive non decompression table calculator according to the French Navy dive tables
STRAP:
Set of 2 straps included in the pre-orderMatching color Genuine original Tropic rubber strap with signed Aquastar buckle
Seatbelt NATO strap
Stainless Steel BOR bracelet with fitted endlinks coming in January 20
PRE-ORDER TERMS
Aquastar gives you the option to (“Pre-order”). Pre-ordering an Aquastar Timepiece gives you the ability to reserve and send a deposit for an Aquastar timepiece that will be available within 4 to 6 weeks from the day of the announcement of the model. Pre-orders are subject to the following terms of Sale:- Timepieces made available to Pre-order are available in limited quantities. You acknowledge that Aquastar may not be able to fulfil your Pre-order unless explicitly confirmed by an email, and the deposit in USD is debited to your credit card or PayPal account.
- Due to the nature of this type of sale, where a limited number of timepieces are created and made available only to customers who placed a pre-order, deposits for Pre-Orders are therefore final and non-refundable. The deposit amount can only be used towards other products from this website or other Synchron Sites, for products like straps, watches or accessories. For a transferred deposit of a Pre-order you will not be entitled to any additional compensation or remedies, to the extent permitted by law.
- Upon submitting the Pre-order, a percentage of the sales price, as specified on the product page or during the check-out process, (excluding VAT and shipping costs) should be paid immediately. Placing a Pre-order deposit provides you a priority access as soon as the Aquastar Timepiece becomes available.
- When the pre-ordered timepiece becomes available for shipping, Aquastar will inform you by email with instructions on how to complete the order and pay the balance due, you will then receive a secure link to use to complete the order and pay the balance due.
- The balance payment will usually be requested a few days before the watch is expected to ship.
- The Aquastar Timepiece will ship once the full payment for the pre-ordered timepiece was received.
- If the Aquastar Timepiece you have ordered is not available, Aquastar will inform you immediately by email about the cancellation of the sale. The deposit will be immediately refunded.
- By placing a Pre-order, you accept the above terms of sale. Accepting the above terms establishes a binding contract between you and Aquastar.
Jan 3, 2021
WATCH CHRONICLER
The Aquastar Deepstar was the first truly specialised diving chronograph. Launched in 1965, this watch spearheaded the development of the dive watch alongside the Omega Seamaster 300, Rolex Submariner and Doxa SUB 300. Reborn in 2020 with modern specifications, I suggest that this isn't just a great revival of the original watch but a good lesson in what a diving chronograph should be.
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for posting this one up, Mike.
Thanks for adding this post, Mike. 
