1960's Vintage Aquastar Ref. 1701 -Gray 'Starfish' Sunburst Dial - Serviced
$ 343.2
Description
1960's Vintage Aquastar Ref. 1701 -Gray 'Starfish' Sunburst Dial - Serviced. It was was founded in 1962 as a subsidiary of JeanRichard SA, then an established Swiss manufacture. Jacques Cousteau and his dive team wore it, Navy’s SEALAB II program all trust them, and so did other legendary divers like Jacques Mayol and Captain Don Walsh. Aquastar was born with a singular focus: purpose-driven instruments for life underwater. It was was founded in 1962 as a subsidiary of JeanRichard SA, then an established Swiss manufacture. Aquastar quickly emerged with some of the most capable water sport watches of the era. While now overshadowed by larger Swiss brands, Aquastar held a highly esteemed reputation for innovation in underwater timing and remains a cult favorite among vintage dive watch collectors today. Jacques Cousteau and his dive team wore it, Navy’s SEALAB II program all trust them, and so did other legendary divers like Jacques Mayol and Captain Don Walsh. With 200m of water resistance and an ingenious inner rotating bezel operated by the crown, the reference 1701 was considered one of the best divers of its decade. It offered professional-grade functionality at a more accessible price point than many Swiss competitors. It was a bestseller for serious divers in the 1960s. This particular example is in good, honest vintage condition, highlighted by a dial that has aged into a uniquely warm bronze-toned sunburst patina. Originally finished in silver-gray, the surface now shimmers between gray and bronze depending on the light. The originally-white text has faded subtly, shifting in and out of visibility, not dissimilar from the creature that adorns its dial--the star fish which crawls in the sand along the sea floor. This tool watch was doubtlessly well-used and enjoyed, probably by a professional diver. The inner bezel no longer rotates. SKU# G1016 Circa 1960's Brand Aquastar Dial Color Patinated Gray Sunburst Dial Description Original Aquastar Dial with Ghosty-Gray Patinated "Starfish" with Aged Custardy Lume Plots Hands Baton Hands and Sweep-Center Seconds with Luminious Material (Likely Relumed) Case Width (Not Incl. Crown) 38mm (Not Incl. Crown) Length Lug to Lug 48mm Thickness 13mm Strap Width 19mm Shape Tonneau Material Stainless Steel Bezel Inner-Rotating Bezel (No-Longer Rotates) Country of Origin Switzerland Box/Papers No
