In the competitive world of watchmaking, innovation is key. When a brand strikes gold with a design, it’s only logical to explore new ways to expand on that success. This can mean anything from slight tweaks to a complete overhaul. However, when it comes to classic models that have a significant historical significance, the stakes are even higher. Modifications must be approached delicately, as altering too much can elicit outrage from dedicated aficionados.

This is the conundrum Aquastar faced with the reintroduction of its iconic Benthos line. The first foray into modernity came with the Benthos H1, launched in December 2023. While it retained elements of the original Benthos, it notably omitted the hallmark central 60-minute chronograph feature. Despite this, it triumphantly offered a solid, feature-rich dive watch at an attractive price point. Following this was the Benthos 500 Founder’s Edition, a meticulous homage to the 1970s Benthos 500, including the central chronograph hand—a task that took three years of intensive development with movement maker La Joux-Perret.

Introducing the Aquastar Benthos Heritage II

Today, the next chapter in the Benthos saga unfolds—the Benthos Heritage II. This model boldly imagines an alternate history. Drawing inspiration from recently uncovered sketches in Aquastar's archives, the Heritage II revisits what could have transpired if Aquastar had continued to innovate on the Benthos throughout the 1970s. With a return to a classic three-hand design, the core spirit of the Benthos remains while embracing critical enhancements.

Perhaps the most striking alteration is the size reduction. The Heritage II measures 40mm in diameter, down from the 42mm of its predecessors, and has shed 4mm in thickness, dropping to a comfortable 12mm. To the untrained eye, this may seem minor, but in the world of horology, it’s a considerable transformation, substantially enhancing wearability.

Crafted from durable 904L stainless steel, the 40mm case preserves the classic Benthos silhouette while offering greater resistance to corrosion. The dial is a semi-glossy black, featuring luminescent hour markers made from high-density Super-LumiNova for excellent legibility. One noticeable update is the seconds hand; swapped for a more straightforward orange stick hand, it steers away from the larger arrow hand of the previous models, providing a fresh twist without sacrificing functionality.

The watch features a robust ceramic bezel with 120-click functionality, adorned with luminescence at every minute mark, and a flat sapphire crystal treated with triple AR-coating for anti-reflective clarity. It offers impressive water resistance up to 300 meters, making it a reliable companion for underwater adventures. The heart of the watch is powered by the reliable Sellita SW200 automatic movement, striking a balance between robustness and affordability.

Dual Crowns: A Watch with a Twist

In an exciting first for the Benthos line, the Heritage II introduces a second crown, serving an unusual but intriguing purpose: a manually operated helium release valve. This feature, while often deemed excessive for most casual wearers, adds a unique aesthetic and could appeal to those in the diving community. Its inclusion might ignite debates among purists, but it certainly elevates the watch’s visual intrigue.

Wearability and Comfort

The standout story of the Benthos Heritage II is its wearability. Previous models, while visually appealing, often received feedback regarding their bulkiness. The changes made in the Heritage II directly address these concerns, catering to those who love the aesthetic but found previous versions too cumbersome.

In fact, Aquastar stated, “We listened carefully to our community over the past five years and incorporated these features into the Benthos Heritage II.” The significant decrease in size makes the Heritage II more suited for daily wear, whether you're deep-sea diving or running errands.

It fits comfortably on smaller wrists and offers a sleek profile while maintaining an assertive look. For those worried about the dual crowns' comfort, rest assured—the design ensures they stay discreet and do not interfere with wrist movement.

The watch can be purchased with either a vintage-inspired rubber strap (Tropic or ISOFrane) or Aquastar's elegant beads-of-rice bracelet. While each has its charm, the Tropic strap offers a nostalgic nod to diving days gone by, perfect for those who appreciate a classic look.

Final Thoughts

Some may argue that the removal of the chronograph and size reduction strays from the Benthos’ true essence. However, the Heritage II is a testament to functional beauty, offering a versatile design that seamlessly fits into both aquatic adventures and everyday life. Aquastar deserves applause for evolving the Benthos line while honoring its rich historical roots. With an attractive price point, the Benthos Heritage II not only caters to a broader audience but stands as a significant addition to the storied Benthos legacy—proving that greatness continues to evolve and adapt. Wouldn't you want to strap on a piece of history?