The Aquastar Benthos Heritage II brings the Benthos 500’s 1970s-inspired look into a more compact, thinner case: 40 mm across, 44 mm lug-to-lug and about 12 mm high. It is a modern three-hand dive watch, not a re-creation of the original Benthos 500’s central chronograph. Its dual crowns and manual helium release valve preserve a distinctive part of the design.
What makes the Heritage II smaller?
The dimensions are the clearest difference. Aquastar lists a 40 mm case diameter and 44 mm lug-to-lug, and describes the case height as about 12 mm. Monochrome Watches measured the thickness at 11.9 mm. In its January 2025 comparison, Monochrome put the preceding Heritage models at 42 mm wide and 16 mm thick, so the Heritage II is both narrower and substantially thinner.
Those numbers make it a plausible choice for someone drawn to the Benthos design but put off by larger, thicker dive watches. They do not guarantee a particular fit: wrist shape, strap or bracelet, and personal preference all matter. Monochrome reviewer Derek Haager described it on his own 6.25-inch wrist as wearing “just about perfect”; that is one reviewer’s impression, not a universal fit verdict.
How does it differ from the Benthos 500?
The Heritage II takes visual cues from the 1970s Benthos 500, but its display is conventional: central hour, minute and seconds hands. The Benthos 500 Founder’s Edition, by contrast, has a central chronograph hand. The Heritage II is therefore a smaller, simpler interpretation of the family rather than a direct functional recreation of that chronograph.
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- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
What are the key specifications?
| Specification | Aquastar Benthos Heritage II |
|---|---|
| Case | 40 mm diameter, 44 mm lug-to-lug, 904L stainless steel; about 12 mm thick per Aquastar, or 11.9 mm per Monochrome |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1 automatic; Monochrome reports 26 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 38-hour power reserve |
| Display | Hours, minutes and seconds |
| Water resistance | 300 m / 1,000 ft, according to Aquastar |
| Crystal | Flat sapphire with triple anti-reflective coating |
| Dial | Semi-gloss black, applied hour markers and high-density Super-LumiNova |
| Bezel | Unidirectional ceramic elapsed-time bezel with 120 clicks |
| Crowns | Time-setting crown at 2 o’clock; manual helium release valve at 4 o’clock |
| Edition | Limited to 500 pieces, according to Aquastar |
| Wearing options | Black genuine ISOfrane strap; Aquastar lists a beads-of-rice bracelet option |
Sources: Aquastar’s official product page and Monochrome Watches’ first look.
Why are there two crowns?
The crown at 2 o’clock sets the time. The component at 4 o’clock is a manual helium release valve, a specialized feature associated with saturation diving. It is a distinctive element of the watch’s layout, but it is not something most recreational divers need. Aquastar specifies 300 m water resistance; the cited product information does not establish ISO 6425 certification.
Rank #2
- Embark on a new journey with the Heritage Diver. A rotating bezel and luminous hands will stand out amongst a sea of underwhelming timepieces. And Automatic Movement ensures you're on time, every time.
- Make the most of your time with the Heritage Diver's automatic movement.
- A rotating copper tone bezel, screw down crown and luminous hands will set you apart from the crowd.
- Featuring a rubber silicone band, the Heritage Diver will hug your wrist and keep up during any adventure.
Should you choose the strap or bracelet?
Aquastar specifies a black ISOfrane rubber strap and lists a beads-of-rice (BOR) bracelet as an option. The choice is mainly about feel and appearance: rubber leans toward a practical, sport-focused setup, while the bracelet gives the watch a more metal-forward look. Confirm the live configuration and availability directly with Aquastar before ordering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did it cost at launch, and is it available now?
Monochrome reported January 2025 preorder prices of USD 1,190 on strap and USD 1,290 on bracelet, with a future retail price of USD 1,490. These are historical launch figures, not verified current prices. Aquastar’s product page says the first batch sold out and a second batch is available, with shipment within two business days; both stock status and price can change, so check the current product page for the latest information.
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Rank #4
- RELIABLE GMT MOVEMENT: Automatic GMT movement delivers accurate timekeeping and easy dual-time tracking for travel.
- PROFESSIONAL DIVE WATCH: 300M water resistance makes it suitable for diving, swimming, and everyday adventures.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: Premium stainless steel case and bracelet offer lasting durability and a comfortable fit.
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT CRYSTAL: Sapphire crystal provides excellent clarity while helping protect the dial from scratches.
- CLASSIC & VERSATILE DESIGN: Black dial with a timeless Prospex heritage design, ideal for business, casual, and outdoor wear.
Rank #3
- 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)
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.
