Why This Watch Matters The Aquastar Regate features a nifty 10-minute timer originally meant for counting down when a yacht race begins, but it also functions as a perfect – and colorful – 10 minute countdown for any purpose you might find in your daily life. From timing laundry, cooking dinner, or even walking your dog – you're going to love timing anything and everything with this watch on your wrist. The Full Story Aquastar was founded circa 1962 and was focused on watches intended for use in and on the water since its beginning. In the 1960s, the company came out with a watch specifically meant for timing the start of a yachting race, called the Regate. In the 1970s, Aquastar upgraded this model with a new Lemania-based movement as well as a couple small changes on the dial, like the red circle above "Regate" as well as a new starfish logo on the crown (before it said Aquastar). The signature feature of these Regatta timers is the countdown timer at the top of the dial, which consists of five circular apertures that change color when activated. The blue and red colors used for the countdown timer are eye-catching and serve a very important purpose for indicating the start of a yacht race. Basically, it is a 10-minute timer used to count down to when the yacht has to be at the starting line. The pusher at two o'clock activates the 10-minute counter with the flyback orange paddle-shaped hand resetting back to zero and the apertures turning completely blue. Then, gradually, each aperture turns red, with each full red circle indicating a single minute has passed. After five minutes (i.e. five full red apertures), the red apertures gradually turn silver with each passing minute, indicating the next five-minute countdown. Once the full ten minutes have passed, all apertures will be silver and will remain that way until the complication is activated again. This countdown mechanism was originally designed as a collaboration between Aquastar and Heuer, which is why you can find models from both brands with the same style of countdown timer. While this complication may not be the most useful these days, it is a great way to time 10 minutes and a fun nod to the way things used to be. We paired this Regate on our Ash Grey Sedona strap, because its neutral tone doesn't take any focus away from the striking orange seconds hand or the colorful apertures. The Fine Print Maker: Aquastar Model: Regate Year: 1970s Case No: 8040159Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 39mm diameter; 14.5mm thickness Crystal: PlexiglassLume: Tritium Caliber: Automatic winding Lemania ref. 1345 (Flyback)Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Ash Grey Sedona Lug Width: 19mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Regate is in great condition. The case is strong with light scratches. The sunburst finish is still intact on the top part of the case. The Aquastar logo on the caseback is fully intact and the case number is crisp. The dial and hands are in good condition with light patina. The lume on the dial and hands has developed a light patina and is very close to matching in color. The crystal has some light scratches.
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