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Condition Report

Case:
The case of this honest tool watch has many scuffs, scratches, and nicks, as would be expected of a diver crafted for hard professional use. The wear is consistent throughout the watch. We have not polished the case and it appears to have not been previously polished.

Dial:
The original Aquastar dial has aged to a "ghosty-gray" patina. As is typical with these dials, the surface now shimmers between grey and bronze depending on the light. The originally-white text has faded subtly. The custardy central lume plots do not exactly match the luminous of the inner-bezel and hands, and it is likely those have been relumed. The domed crystal has minor scuffs and scratches. The inner-bezel no longer rotates.

Movement:
The fully-serviced automatic-winding calibre is in excellent condition.

Strap:
We have added an attractive aftermarket gray leather strap.

Shipping/Returns/Warranty Info

Every GAUTHIER timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in excellent working condition and are ready for daily wear. They have been fully serviced by our team of expert watchmakers or inspected for recent skilled service.

We offer complimentary insured shipping within all 50 U.S. states on every watch purchase.

Timepieces are packed in our Los Angeles showroom, and then shipped with fully-insured 2-Day shipping via UPS or FedEx within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required upon delivery to ensure coverage. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee. For clients in Los Angeles, we’re pleased to offer in-person delivery or showroom pickup by appointment.

Returns must be shipped via overnight or priority international service, fully insured, and at the buyer’s expense. A label will be provided and a restocking fee may apply. All returns must be received in the original condition as when shipped.

We welcome international clients—please contact us before purchasing to discuss available shipping and payment arrangements.

Please note:
* Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
* We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
* Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
* Our warranty is non-transferable.

GAUTHIER Watches Guarantee

AT GAUTHIER WATCHES, EVERY TIMEPIECE IS CURATED WITH UNCOMPROMISING ATTENTION TO AUTHENTICITY, CONDITION, AND PROVENANCE. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR FOREMOST PRIORITY, AND IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO GUIDE YOU IN FINDING THE PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR COLLECTION. OUR TEAM IS AT YOUR SERVICE FOR ANY INQUIRIES OR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE.

Our Guarantee:
* Every watch is meticulously inspected, authenticated, and approved by our expert team prior to sale.
* All components are guaranteed to be period-correct unless otherwise noted.
* Authenticity is guaranteed for the lifetime of the watch.

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Aquastar

1960's Vintage Aquastar Ref. 1701 - Ghosty-Gray 'Starfish' Sunburst Dial

1960's Vintage Aquastar Ref. 1701 - Ghosty-Gray 'Starfish' Sunburst Dial

$1,300.00 USD
$1,300.00 USD
Sale SOLD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
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  • Delivery Free fully-insured next business-day domestic shipping.
  • Collectors No sales tax on USA orders outside California.
  • Authenticity Guaranteed 100% genuine and authentic.
  • Warranty Recently fully-serviced. Backed with a 1-year warranty.
  • Returns 7-day return/refund policy.

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.

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
Lug to Lug Width

48mm
Thickness

13mm
Strap Width

19mm
Shape

Tonneau
Material

Stainless Steel
Bezel

Inner-Rotating Bezel (No-Longer Rotates)
Country of Origin

Switzerland

Condition Report

Case:
The case of this honest tool watch has many scuffs, scratches, and nicks, as would be expected of a diver crafted for hard professional use. The wear is consistent throughout the watch. We have not polished the case and it appears to have not been previously polished.

Dial:
The original Aquastar dial has aged to a "ghosty-gray" patina. As is typical with these dials, the surface now shimmers between grey and bronze depending on the light. The originally-white text has faded subtly. The custardy central lume plots do not exactly match the luminous of the inner-bezel and hands, and it is likely those have been relumed. The domed crystal has minor scuffs and scratches. The inner-bezel no longer rotates.

Movement:
The fully-serviced automatic-winding calibre is in excellent condition.

Strap:
We have added an attractive aftermarket gray leather strap.

Shipping/Returns/Warranty Info

Every GAUTHIER timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in excellent working condition and are ready for daily wear. They have been fully serviced by our team of expert watchmakers or inspected for recent skilled service.

We offer complimentary insured shipping within all 50 U.S. states on every watch purchase.

Timepieces are packed in our Los Angeles showroom, and then shipped with fully-insured 2-Day shipping via UPS or FedEx within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required upon delivery to ensure coverage. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee. For clients in Los Angeles, we’re pleased to offer in-person delivery or showroom pickup by appointment.

Returns must be shipped via overnight or priority international service, fully insured, and at the buyer’s expense. A label will be provided and a restocking fee may apply. All returns must be received in the original condition as when shipped.

We welcome international clients—please contact us before purchasing to discuss available shipping and payment arrangements.

Please note:
* Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
* We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
* Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
* Our warranty is non-transferable.

GAUTHIER Watches Guarantee

AT GAUTHIER WATCHES, EVERY TIMEPIECE IS CURATED WITH UNCOMPROMISING ATTENTION TO AUTHENTICITY, CONDITION, AND PROVENANCE. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR FOREMOST PRIORITY, AND IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO GUIDE YOU IN FINDING THE PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR COLLECTION. OUR TEAM IS AT YOUR SERVICE FOR ANY INQUIRIES OR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE.

Our Guarantee:
* Every watch is meticulously inspected, authenticated, and approved by our expert team prior to sale.
* All components are guaranteed to be period-correct unless otherwise noted.
* Authenticity is guaranteed for the lifetime of the watch.

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