This article was originally published in the January/February 2022 Issue of the WatchTime print magazine. 

In 2020, Swiss dive watch specialist Aquastar was relaunched with the simultaneous return of a slightly larger version of the Deepstar chronograph from the ?60s (see February 2021 issue). Since November 2021, the brand?s first three-hand watch is offering a much more affordable option for those who missed out on the chronograph, or didn?t want to spend $3,590 on one of the four dial options (which were all sold out rather quickly).

Interestingly, Aquastar chose to not relaunch another of its classic designs (which is bad news for all those who had hoped for a return of the Benthos), but instead opted for a declination of the Deepstar?s design. The Deepstar II, like its 40.5-mm chronograph counterpart, comes with the large silver subdial, this time at 9 o?clock (instead of 3 o?clock) for the permanent second hand (instead of the minute chronograph counter). The satin-finished case, however, measures 37 mm (around 47 mm lug to lug) and is based on the design of the first dive watches from the brand, and therefore offers a very compact alternative.
Like the Deepstar Chronograph, the Deepstar II comes with a 200-meter water resistance, but is powered by a top-grade Swiss-made automatic movement from Sellita (SW290-1 with 38-hour power reserve). As a result, the Deepstar II is priced at $1,490 during the brand?s preorder period. The stainless-steel be...