Difference between revisions of "Aquastar 63"
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==Brief History== | ==Brief History== | ||
[[File:Aquastar-63-6.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:Aquastar-63-6.jpg|thumb]] | ||
| − | Coming in with a beautifully polished or bushed 37.5mm stainless steel case, the Aquastar 63 was a relatively large watch when it was released during the early to mid-1960’s. Comparing the Aquastars with similar watches from the time such as the original 35mm [[Zodiac SeaWolf|Zodiac Sea Wolf]] or the [[Bulova 666|Bulova 666 diver]], the 63’s are relative giants. Compared to something like a Submariner, they’re certainly smaller and thinner despite a listed water resistance of 200M. | + | Coming in with a beautifully polished or bushed 37.5mm stainless steel case, the Aquastar 63 was a relatively large watch when it was released during the early to mid-1960’s. Comparing the Aquastars with similar watches from the time such as the original 35mm [[Zodiac SeaWolf|Zodiac Sea Wolf]] or the [[Bulova 666|Bulova 666 diver]], the 63’s are relative giants. Compared to something like a Submariner, they’re certainly smaller and thinner despite a listed water resistance of 200M. What the watch loses in pure mass, though, it makes up with its truly long, somewhat blocky lug design that houses a 19mm lug width. |
Aquastar claims to have invented the rotating inner diving bezel. While most would argue successfully that an external bezel is more leakproof, Aquastar was likely aiming to appeal to divers who had concerns about accidentally moving their bezels when knocking into things. Aside from the leaking issue, the novel part on this watch is that it’s A.Schild 1713 automatic can be hand wound with the non-screwdown crown in but doing so turns the bezel. Going back and forth with the crown creates a ratcheting effect and it’s certainly interesting. Essentially, if you wish to wind the watch to get it started, you simply need to set the bezel afterwards. When pulling the crown out to set the time, a gear disengages the crown stem from the bezel, and it is left stationary during adjustment. | Aquastar claims to have invented the rotating inner diving bezel. While most would argue successfully that an external bezel is more leakproof, Aquastar was likely aiming to appeal to divers who had concerns about accidentally moving their bezels when knocking into things. Aside from the leaking issue, the novel part on this watch is that it’s A.Schild 1713 automatic can be hand wound with the non-screwdown crown in but doing so turns the bezel. Going back and forth with the crown creates a ratcheting effect and it’s certainly interesting. Essentially, if you wish to wind the watch to get it started, you simply need to set the bezel afterwards. When pulling the crown out to set the time, a gear disengages the crown stem from the bezel, and it is left stationary during adjustment. | ||
Revision as of 22:04, 8 June 2020
Aquastar 63
Also seen with Duward on dial. Large diver with internal rotating bezel - a first and notable development in diving watches. The Aquastar 63 case design, with its squared inner recess, became an icon and used on scores of watches. Polishing it or giving it a matte finish was easy. Consequently, this design is seen on everything from the Seiko 62MAS, the Bulova Sea Hunter, Wakmann’s, Girard Perregaux Olimpico, and so many more.
Brief History
Coming in with a beautifully polished or bushed 37.5mm stainless steel case, the Aquastar 63 was a relatively large watch when it was released during the early to mid-1960’s. Comparing the Aquastars with similar watches from the time such as the original 35mm Zodiac Sea Wolf or the Bulova 666 diver, the 63’s are relative giants. Compared to something like a Submariner, they’re certainly smaller and thinner despite a listed water resistance of 200M. What the watch loses in pure mass, though, it makes up with its truly long, somewhat blocky lug design that houses a 19mm lug width.
Aquastar claims to have invented the rotating inner diving bezel. While most would argue successfully that an external bezel is more leakproof, Aquastar was likely aiming to appeal to divers who had concerns about accidentally moving their bezels when knocking into things. Aside from the leaking issue, the novel part on this watch is that it’s A.Schild 1713 automatic can be hand wound with the non-screwdown crown in but doing so turns the bezel. Going back and forth with the crown creates a ratcheting effect and it’s certainly interesting. Essentially, if you wish to wind the watch to get it started, you simply need to set the bezel afterwards. When pulling the crown out to set the time, a gear disengages the crown stem from the bezel, and it is left stationary during adjustment.
Technical
- Ref 1701
- Movement: A.Schild 1713 automatic
- Steel 37.5mm case, screw back case
- Inner rotating bezzel operated by single crown
- Signed non-screw down crown
Links
- Aquastar
- Switzerland
- Diving Watches
- Aquastar Atoll
- Aquastar Seatime
- Aquastar Deepstar
- Aquastar Regate
- Aquastar Benthos 500
- Aquastar Ethos
Credits - https://www.fratellowatches.com/aquastar-63-diver/
