The Aquastar Benthos 500 is a faithful revival of one of the most innovative and recognisable professional dive watches ever created. Originally introduced in 1970, the Benthos 500 earned a reputation among commercial and military divers thanks to its distinctive design and pioneering functionality. This modern re-edition preserves the bold character of the original while incorporating contemporary materials, enhanced reliability and modern Swiss watchmaking standards, resulting in a dive watch that honours its heritage while meeting the demands of today’s enthusiasts and professionals.

Crafted from stainless steel, the Benthos 500 features the collection’s unmistakable asymmetrical case design, characterised by its purposeful architecture and robust construction. Measuring 42mm in diameter, the case is engineered for serious underwater use and offers an impressive 500-metre water resistance rating. A screw-down crown and helium escape valve further reinforce the watch’s professional diving credentials, while a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating provides exceptional durability and clarity in all environments.

The dial remains true to the original Benthos concept, prioritising maximum readability during dives. Large luminous hour markers and broad hands are generously coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring outstanding visibility in low-light conditions. One of the collection’s defining features, the oversized central minute hand, allows divers to monitor elapsed dive time instantly and accurately. Complementing the dial is a unidirectional rotating bezel designed for secure and precise timing beneath the surface.

At the heart of the Benthos 500 is the Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G100 automatic movement. Renowned for its modern construction and reliability, the movement offers an impressive 68-hour power reserve, allowing the watch to continue running for nearly three days when not worn. Combining robust performance with excellent accuracy, it provides the dependable operation expected from a professional-grade diving instrument.

Designed for exploration both above and below the surface, the Benthos 500 embodies Aquastar’s long-standing commitment to creating purpose-built dive watches. Every detail, from the highly legible display to the durable construction and advanced movement, reflects the brand’s dedication to functionality and underwater performance.

Blending historic significance, distinctive design and modern engineering, the Aquastar Benthos 500 is a worthy successor to one of diving’s most iconic tool watches. Whether appreciated for its rich heritage, professional specifications or unmistakable appearance, it stands as a compelling tribute to a true legend of underwater timekeeping.