The Aquastar Benthos Professional is a modern dive watch inspired by the Benthos 500, introduced in 1970. Aquastar’s current listing specifies 300 m water resistance, a 13.7 mm case height and a Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré movement. It is offered in steel or black DLC, with a strap or bracelet choice, and currently lists for $1,590–$1,690 depending on configuration.
What the Benthos Professional is
Aquastar frames the Benthos Professional as a contemporary reimagining of its Benthos 500. The current product description combines familiar dive-watch elements—a black dial, luminous applied markers and a unidirectional elapsed-time bezel—with a ceramic bezel insert and a modern automatic movement. The specifications below reflect Aquastar’s current product pages, rather than every detail reported at launch.
Current specifications at a glance
| Specification | Aquastar’s current listing |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 300 m / 990 ft |
| Case height | 13.7 mm |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré |
| Crystal | Flat sapphire with triple anti-reflective coating |
| Dial and markers | Semi-gloss black dial; applied markers filled with C3 X1 Super-LumiNova |
| Bezel | Unidirectional, 120-click, ceramic elapsed-time bezel |
| Case finishes | Stainless steel or black DLC |
| Strap or bracelet | Strap or bracelet choice; the strap version includes a genuine 20 mm ISOfrane rubber strap |
These details establish the core design and published specifications, but not how the watch wears on a particular wrist or how its lume and bezel perform in use. Aquastar’s archive identifies a 2025 Fratello article by Mike Stockton under the title “Hands-On With The New Aquastar Benthos Professional,” but the archive entry alone is not evidence of specific hands-on observations.
What changed from launch reporting
Specifications have not been reported consistently since the watch’s launch. Hodinkee’s October 3, 2025 article described a 42 mm case, 13.9 mm thickness, 47 mm lug-to-lug, 904L steel with black DLC treatment and an ETA 2824-2 movement. It also reported a $1,290 preorder price, expected to rise to $1,590 after the preorder period. Aquastar’s current pages instead list a Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré and a $1,590–$1,690 price range. These are dated, differing descriptions; the current manufacturer listing is the relevant reference for the present configuration and price. The launch dimensions should not be treated as current official measurements unless Aquastar confirms them.
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#1 Best Overall
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
Heritage, without treating marketing as history
The historical anchor is the Benthos 500, which Aquastar says was introduced in 1970. In launch material, an unnamed Aquastar spokesperson described the company’s approach as looking at product cycles from founder Frederic Robert’s era and imagining what he might have continued to produce had the brand not been paused during the quartz crisis. The spokesperson also called the Benthos Professional a tribute to Aquastar’s influence and innovations in undersea exploration. Those statements explain the brand’s intent; they are Aquastar’s perspective, not independent evidence for broader historical claims.
Price, warranty and ordering terms
Aquastar currently lists the Benthos Professional at $1,590–$1,690, with the range reflecting configuration. Its product page also states a two-year warranty, a 14-day return period and worldwide insured shipping. Aquastar says VAT is added at checkout for EU orders and that orders outside the EU have no VAT. Price, availability, shipping and terms can change, so check the live listing for the configuration and destination you intend to order: Aquastar Benthos Professional collection.
Rank #2
- DIVER-INSPIRED DESIGN — Inspired by the sea, the MDV-106G is styled after classic dive watches and delivers 200-meter water resistance at an unbeatable price point. The black resin band and stainless steel case give it a classic look, while the anti-reverse rotary bezel adds authentic dive-watch character.
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH SCREW-LOCK CROWN & CASEBACK — The MDV-106G features a stainless steel case and a reliable screw-lock crown for enhanced water resistance protection. Screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback work together to keep the movement sealed and secure during water activities — a construction standard found on dive watches far above this price range.
- LARGE FLUORESCENT HANDS & INDICES FOR INSTANT READABILITY — The dial features hands and hour indices with large fluorescent areas for easy reading in low-light and underwater conditions. The clean 3-hand analog layout with date display at 3 o'clock keeps the dial uncluttered and immediately legible at a glance.
- 44MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE | 22MM LUG WIDTH | MINERAL GLASS — The case measures 44mm in diameter, 12mm in height, with a 49mm lug-to-lug length and a standard 22mm lug width — making strap upgrades effortless with a vast range of aftermarket options. Mineral glass protects the dial from everyday scratches and impacts.
- 3-YEAR BATTERY & 200M WATER RESISTANCE — Powered by an SR626SW battery with an approximate 3-year life, the case measures 49.5 × 46.3 × 12.1mm and weighs 92 grams. At 200 meters of water resistance, the Duro is versatile and suitable for all situations — whether in the water, hiking, running, or at the office.
Who should consider it
The watch’s published specification makes it a plausible candidate for someone seeking a substantial, 300 m-rated mechanical diver with a direct link to Aquastar’s 1970 Benthos 500. The current 13.7 mm height is a useful fit reference, but it does not tell the whole wrist-fit story: Aquastar’s current information cited here does not establish lug-to-lug length or diameter. The 42 mm diameter and 47 mm lug-to-lug figures belong to Hodinkee’s dated launch report, not the current manufacturer specification.
Before choosing a configuration, decide whether you want the steel or black DLC finish and a strap or bracelet. Aquastar identifies the included ISOfrane strap as 20 mm, but the cited product details do not establish compatibility with every third-party strap. For sizing and alternate strap fit, confirm the relevant measurements with Aquastar rather than assuming the launch-era dimensions apply.
Rank #3
- Waterproof: Water resistant up to 20 ATM / 200 meters / 655 feetWaterproof: Water resistant up to 20 ATM / 200 meters / 655 feet
- Luminous: Luminescent hands and hour markers, excellent night brightness
- Features: Japanese quartz movement, no need hand winding, unidirectional rotating bezel, premium 316L stainless steel, mineral crystal glass with protruding magnifying glass, screw-in crown, double safety buckle
- Size: 41 mm case diameter, 48 mm lugs to lugs length, 13 mm thickness, 20 mm lug width, 163g weight. Fits wrists up to 8.5 inches, great fit for a variety of wearing needs
- Usage Care: Keep 3+ inches from phones, speakers, microwaves – strong magnetic fields disrupt movement. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. Prevent hard impacts/vibrations
Verdict
The Benthos Professional is best understood as a heritage-led modern diver whose current manufacturer listing offers a clear set of headline specifications: 300 m water resistance, 13.7 mm thickness and a Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré movement. Its current price is firmly above the launch preorder figure reported in 2025, and the movement discrepancy makes checking the live product page especially important. The published information supports a considered look; it does not, by itself, establish on-wrist comfort or real-world performance.
Sources: Aquastar Benthos Professional collection; Aquastar product page; Hodinkee, October 3, 2025; Fratello archive listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DIVER-INSPIRED DESIGN — Inspired by the sea, the MDV-106B is styled after classic dive watches and delivers 200-meter water resistance at an unbeatable price point. The black resin band and stainless steel case give it a classic look, while the anti-reverse rotary bezel adds authentic dive-watch character.
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH SCREW-LOCK CROWN & CASEBACK — The MDV-106B features a stainless steel case and a reliable screw-lock crown for enhanced water resistance protection. Screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback work together to keep the movement sealed and secure during water activities — a construction standard found on dive watches far above this price range.
- LARGE FLUORESCENT HANDS & INDICES FOR INSTANT READABILITY — The dial features hands and hour indices with large fluorescent areas for easy reading in low-light and underwater conditions. The clean 3-hand analog layout with date display at 3 o'clock keeps the dial uncluttered and immediately legible at a glance.
- 44MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE | 22MM LUG WIDTH | MINERAL GLASS — The case measures 44mm in diameter, 12mm in height, with a 49mm lug-to-lug length and a standard 22mm lug width — making strap upgrades effortless with a vast range of aftermarket options. Mineral glass protects the dial from everyday scratches and impacts.
- 3-YEAR BATTERY & 200M WATER RESISTANCE — Powered by an SR626SW battery with an approximate 3-year life, the case measures 49.5 × 46.3 × 12.1mm and weighs 92 grams. At 200 meters of water resistance, the Duro is versatile and suitable for all situations — whether in the water, hiking, running, or at the office.
Rank #4
- Iconic Promaster watches with advanced functions designed to venture to the deepest depths.
- An Eco-Friendly Evolution: Citizen launches first Titanium Watch in 1970. More than 50-year-old evolution of innovative timepieces crafted from proprietary space-age material.
- Benefits of Super Titanium: Lightweight for Better Comfort, Scratch Resistant, Gentle on Skin, and Rust Resistant. Five times harder and 40% lighter than stainless steel.
- Luminous Hands and Markers and Mineral Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty, ISO Compliant
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
