Benthos

The Aquastar Benthos is a diver with an unusually useful party trick: the original Benthos 500 put a dive timer’s minute hand at the center of the dial, where it could be read without hunting through a subdial. That orange hand, broad markers, and substantial steel case give it the purposeful look enthusiasts come here for.

Introduced in 1970, the Benthos 500 is the version to pursue if that timing mechanism is what draws you in. Make sure the central timer starts and resets correctly: it is the defining feature, not merely an extra hand. The modern Benthos H1 takes a different route, retaining the family’s visual character in a straightforward three-hand diver. Choose it for the Benthos look without the original’s unusual complication; choose the vintage watch because of that complication.