Why This Watch Matters This watch was made for the customer with a boat, but today, can be used to time anything. Boats are a hassle anyways, better to own the boat watch than the boat really. The Full Story Aquastar was founded in 1962 and initially focused on watches intended for use in and on the water. The brand is famous for its ties to French naval officer, explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, innovator, scientist, photographer, author and researcher (this is his wikipedia title, which is awesome), Jacques Cousteau. In 1964, the company came out with a watch specifically meant for timing the start of a yacht race, called the Regate. This model's defining characteristics are five circular apertures on the dial that serve as a five minute timer. To activate the timer, engage the pusher at four o'clock, and the five apertures will turn red. Upon releasing the pusher, the sweep second hand will reset to 12 o'clock and the countdown will begin. After each minute has elapsed, the red apertures will turn from red to silver sequentially, and when the five minute countdown is up, each window will appear silver. This colorful, visual representation is a highly legible way to time a five minute interval compared to a traditional chronograph counter. Ultimately, the design helped the wearer know how much time was left at a quick glance. While the original purpose of the Regate was to help a yacht skipper anticipate the start of a race, it's now perfect for keeping track of any five minute interval, which is really quite convenient in modern life. The example we have here is in really remarkably crisp condition. This would be the collector grade Regate without a doubt, just look at the finishing on the caseback and sharp lines on the case. The sunburst silver dial has aged wonderfully with little to no blemishes to not and a patina that makes it appear almost champagne in some lights. This Regate example is a variant that features a somewhat brighter orange/red color on the disc that rotates for the five minute timing, this is because the red/orange color is painted on top of white. Other variations have the color directly on the disc. This example also features a "starfish" crown rather than the crown signed "Aquastar." These are a couple neat details that makes this watch stand out. We paired this Aquastar Regate with our Bedford Strap in sky blue, which leans into the yachting history of the watch while offering a stunning look on the wrist. Accompanying the watch and strap is a rare vintage Aquastar "Starfish" buckle to complete the look, the cherry on top of this Regate. And if the Starfish buckle is the cherry on top, this Aquastar presentation box should be considered the sprinkles. The box is turquoise in color and pairs nicely with the strap. The Fine Print Maker: AquastarModel: RegateReference: 4000NYear: 1960sCase No: 504973Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 37mm diameter; 12mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Felsa, self-winding, caliber 4000NBracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Bedford Watch Strap In Sky BlueLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: Yes, this watch is accompanied by an Aquastar box What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Crisp overall condition- Bright accents- Aquastar signed buckle and box Things To Know: - Light scratches on case This Regate is in overall excellent condition. The case is excellent with only light scratches. The caseback engravings and text are all clearly visible including the numbers. There's some scratching on the rear side of the lugs from strap removal and placement. The dial is in good condition and has developed some light patina. The dial has a few slight imperfections that can be visible through a loupe. The hour markers and hands have also developed patina. The seconds hand paint shows some wear and has developed some patina. The lume on the hands have developed patina and are matching in color. The dial, crown, case, movement, and buckle are signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
