Hot Take: The New Aquastar Deepstar Mid-Size Chronograph
For all those who feel that watch brands don’t listen to our recommendations, Aquastar begs to differ. After hearing requests for something smaller, we now have the new Aquastar Deepstar Mid-size chronograph. Let’s have a look.
When the first Aquastar Deepstar chronograph returned in 2020, we were truly enthusiastic. The return of a truly iconic vintage design paired with great finishing made it a favorite when we visited Fratello HQ to film a video on it. Brand lead Rick Marei put a lot of effort into the watch and went to great lengths to explain the history of Aquastar in subsequent calls. He sold us here at Fratello on the Deepstar, and collectors sure seemed to love it as well. Four different versions were made in limited quantities, and each of them sold out quickly. But there was one fly in the ointment, at least for people like me with smaller wrists — the watch comes in at 40.5mm × 50.5mm, and it wears large. It turns out that I wasn’t the only one with this concern. Thankfully, now we have the new Aquastar Deepstar Mid-size.
The Aquastar Deepstar Mid-size chronograph
Now, just to be upfront, this is going to be a brief article because an Aquastar Deepstar Mid-size is on the way for a hands-on review. I promise that the full review will come pronto! The new watch comes in at a decidedly comfortable 39mm × 47mm, so I’m expecting great things from this piece. For those who have managed to pick up the “time-only” Deepstar II, that watch measures 36.7mm × 47mm, for reference. The thickness is 14.8mm, which is the same as 2020 Deepstar. Other specs, such as the automatic La Joux-Perret column-wheel movement, screw-down crown, no-deco bezel, and 200m water-resistance rating remain. All the other details we know and enjoy from the larger version are still here including the wild case back, the big-eye 30-minute counter, and operation indicator at 9:00.
One colorway with limited production each year
Unlike the 2020 model, which debuted in three colors, the Aquastar Deepstar Mid-size will only be offered with the traditional gray dial (edit: there will be 100 blue, 100 gray, and 100 black models in year one). It will ship on a Tropic strap with a signed pin buckle, and a beads-of-rice bracelet will be available for order separately soon. The watches are numbered and limited to 300 pieces per year. So, the Deepstar Mid-size is limited, but not a limited edition.
Deepstar (left), Deepstar Mid-size (center), and Deepstar II (right)
Thoughts, pricing, and availability
The Aquastar Deepstar Mid-size is a great addition to the lineup, and I can’t wait to share hands-on photos. I suppose those who purchased the 2020 version might be a touch miffed, but I am hoping that most bought it because they liked it and because it fit their wrist. If the latter was the case, then there should be no hard feelings. As far as pricing, the watch will begin at $2,790 with a regular price of $3,590. The watches are available now on the official Aquastar site and will begin shipping this month.
