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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe 2024 black DLC Aquastar Airstar Chronograph pairs a 200 m-rated case and retro-inspired design with a Valjoux 7753 automatic movement. It is a modern reinterpretation, not a direct reissue of the vintage Airstar—and it differs from the newer anniversary and stainless-steel versions Aquastar now lists.
What Michael Stockton reviewed
Michael Stockton’s Fratello hands-on review, published September 20, 2024, covers the black DLC-coated launch model. Stockton wrote, “I’ve had the chance to wear the Airstar for over two months and have put it through its paces.” That is his assessment of his review watch, not a claim about every Airstar or a substitute for trying one on.
The watch takes cues from the vintage Airstar but changes key details. Its black-coated 316L steel case and two-register dial give it a different look from the vintage model’s stainless-steel case and three-register arrangement. The result is a retro-influenced chronograph with a distinctly contemporary, all-black treatment. Read the Fratello hands-on review.
Case, dimensions and timing bezel
For the reviewed 2024 DLC version, Fratello lists a 39 mm case diameter and 49 mm lug-to-lug measurement. Case thickness is 14 mm excluding the domed crystal, or 16 mm including it. That crystal is sapphire with triple anti-reflective coating. The bezel is unidirectional, has 120 clicks and is graduated for 60 minutes. The stated 21 mm strap width matters if you plan to replace either supplied strap: confirm fit and hardware for your exact version before ordering.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Size: 45.50 mm, Band Width: 22, Case Thickness: 12.82 mm
- Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case with black PVD coating, Index dial type, Date
- Textile strap/bracelet, interchangeable quick release bracelet,standard buckle closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
The 49 mm lug-to-lug span is useful context for estimating how the watch may sit across a wrist, but dimensions alone cannot establish fit. The crystal adds 2 mm to the stated case thickness, so the 14 mm figure should not be treated as the watch’s total height.
Movement and functions of the 2024 model
The Fratello-reviewed watch uses the automatic Valjoux 7753 chronograph. The review lists manual winding, hacking seconds, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 48-hour power reserve. Its functions are hours, minutes, small seconds, central chronograph seconds and a 30-minute chronograph register; the 60-minute bezel provides a separate elapsed-time scale. Water resistance is listed as 200 m (660 ft). Fratello’s review is the source for these specifications of the reviewed configuration.
Rank #2
- Case Size: 38 mm, Band Width: 18 mm, Case Thickness: 12.95 mm
- Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel & PVD coating, Index dial type, Date
- Synthetic strap/bracelet, INTERCHANGEABLE-QUICK-RELEASE-BRACELET closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
How it differs from the current Airstar family
Aquastar’s current Airstar family page describes anniversary and stainless-steel variants with a Soigné-grade La Joux-Perret L113 column-wheel calibre, adjusted in five positions and supplied with a certificate. Aquastar lists 55 hours of power reserve and 28,800 vph for that movement, and says each current variant is limited to 300 pieces per year. These are current-family specifications, not specifications for the 2024 DLC watch reviewed by Fratello. Aquastar’s Airstar family page lists the current variants.
| Detail | 2024 DLC watch in Fratello review | Current variants on Aquastar’s family page |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Valjoux 7753 automatic chronograph | La Joux-Perret L113, Soigné grade, column wheel |
| Power reserve | 48 hours | 55 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph | 28,800 vph |
| Case and dial details | Black DLC-coated 316L steel; black dial; two sub-dials | Anniversary and SS variants; consult Aquastar’s page for each version’s details |
| Edition statement | 300-piece limited run, as stated at launch in 2024 | 300 pieces per year for each variant, as stated on Aquastar’s current family page |
The original Airstar’s date is not presented consistently by these sources: Fratello’s review says it began in 1964, while Aquastar’s current family page dates the line to 1965. Both describe a vintage lineage; the discrepancy should not be collapsed into a single definitive year.
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Rank #3
- Case Size: 38 mm, Band Width: 18 mm, Case Thickness: 12.95 mm
- Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel & PVD coating, Index dial type, Date
- Synthetic strap/bracelet, INTERCHANGEABLE-QUICK-RELEASE-BRACELET closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Straps, launch pricing and warranty
The reviewed watch shipped with a 21 mm black Tropic rubber strap and a black seatbelt nylon strap. Fratello reported a US$1,890 launch-period price, a stated regular price of US$2,790, deliveries beginning in September 2024 and a one-year warranty. These are historical launch details, not confirmation of current price, stock, delivery timing or warranty terms. Check with Aquastar or a seller for the terms attached to a particular watch today.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the vintage connection does—and does not—mean
Fratello describes the vintage Airstar as a 38 mm stainless-steel chronograph powered by a manual Valjoux 72, with three registers. Against that reference, the 2024 model’s 39 mm black DLC case, automatic Valjoux 7753 and two-register layout are substantial departures. The appeal is therefore a contemporary take on the Airstar identity, rather than a strict reproduction.
Rank #4
- Case Size: 38 mm, Band Width: 18 mm, Case Thickness: 12.95 mm
- Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel & PVD coating, Index dial type, Date
- Stainless steel strap/bracelet, INTERCHANGEABLE-QUICK-RELEASE-BRACELET closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Stockton’s review estimated vintage examples at roughly €10,000 in his 2024-era commentary. That is an approximate observation from the review, not a current market quote; condition, originality and sale date can affect vintage prices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case Size: 38 mm, Band Width: 18 mm, Case Thickness: 12.95 mm
- Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel & PVD coating, Index dial type, Date
- Stainless steel strap/bracelet, INTERCHANGEABLE-QUICK-RELEASE-BRACELET closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Who should consider the Airstar
- Consider the 2024 DLC model if you want a black, two-register chronograph with a 60-minute bezel and value the 7753 configuration reviewed by Fratello.
- Compare the current family carefully if the L113 column-wheel movement, anniversary styling or stainless-steel finish interests you. Aquastar’s current family page covers those newer versions, which should not be treated as identical to the 2024 review watch.
- Check fit and strap details against your wrist and the precise reference before purchase. The reviewed model’s 49 mm lug-to-lug, 16 mm total thickness including crystal and 21 mm strap width are the most practical measurements supplied in the review.
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.
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