Aquatico Ocean Star Watch Review
On deck for review today is this good-looking green dial diver from Aquatico. It’s not the first Aquatico to cross my desk, so my expectations were high; after all, how can you outdo the Super Charger?
Aquatico continues to deliver exceptional value at a stellar price point. Its watches like these make you question shelling out three or four times the dollar amount for almost the same specs and quality. It also makes you wonder why more brands don’t make the extra effort in presentation.
The Ocean Star comes in a nice wooden box that holds the watch, an extra strap, and warranty cards. Pretty funny when you think my last Seiko Turtle at the same price came in crushed cardboard and a crappy foam pillow.
The Ocean Star is your traditional diver on a bracelet with a Seiko movement inside; it has awesome lume, feels solid, and wears nicely on the wrist. The dive watch market is crowded, and I have mentioned that many times over the last two years or so, but where Ocean Star leaves the competition behind is in the specs, presentation, and price point.
Once I sized the bracelet and had the Ocean Star on my wrist, I could tell it was a well-made watch. It felt solid and looked like it was put together with care. Aquatico clearly spent time on the small details and the overall finishing, making sure everything was just right. You can feel the quality when you wear it, and it’s clear that they went above and beyond to make a great watch.
The Ocean Star Offers The Complete Package
The green dial is striking, and Aquatico made a good choice in the shade of green they used. It’s not too dark, so you know it was meant to be green, and it’s not too light to make it look silly or like a toy. The green backdrop also makes the white dial markers really pop. All together, it gives the watch a nice put-together look.
The Movement:
At the heart of the watch lies the NH35 caliber, a movement renowned for its precision and reliability. Produced by Seiko, the NH35 is part of the company’s extensive range of unbranded movements available for other watchmakers and microbrands.
The NH35 is well-regarded for its robustness and longevity. Its construction allows it to withstand everyday wear and tear, making it a popular choice for various types of watches, including dive watches and is a good choice for Aquatico Ocean Star.
Water Resistance:
The water resistance of 30 ATM / 300 meters is impressive, allowing the Ocean Star to accompany you on deep-sea explorations, or your trip to the local pool. The solid construction is evident in the screwed crown and case back, providing an additional layer of security and helping get the depth rating.
Lume, Dial, and Case:
But it’s not just about rugged performance; the Ocean Star’s aesthetics are equally appealing. The green dial is adorned with Swiss Super Luminova BGW9, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. This luminous application extends to the handsets, making for a cohesive and visually appealing display. It definitely will give any watch out there a run for it’s money in a lume battle, this guy will last well into the night.
The case back engraving of a beautiful diver’s helmet adds a touch of character and speaks to the watch’s aquatic heritage. This attention to detail adds a layer of sophistication that watch aficionados will certainly appreciate.
Capping of the dial is a domed Sapphire crystal with a layer of anti-reflective coating; the sapphire crystal is scratch resistant, ensuring the watch retains its pristine appearance even with regular use.
The 120-position bezel is uni-directional, offering precise control and usability, while the ceramic bezel insert, also applied with SL BGW9, brings a touch of refinement to this functional feature. Ceramic is known for its resistance to scratches and maintains its appearance over time, and provides an additional layer of durability.
An OK Bracelet:
The bracelet on the Ocean Star is just OK. It’s not a horrible or bad bracelet like you would get on a Seiko at this price point or higher; it’s just nothing special. It has plenty of micro adjustments and it even has a solid milled clasp. It’s a little jangly in it’s sound, and I am not a fan of push-pins. However, the bracelet isn’t a deal breaker, and you could do MUCH worse.
Aquatico didn’t skimp on the details. The use of Viton and Tefzel in the gaskets ensures a watertight seal. These materials are renowned for their resistance to extreme temperatures and chemical corrosion, adding another layer of protection to the watch’s inner workings.
Watch Dimensions:
- Diameter of the Bezel: 42mm
- Diameter of the Case without Crown: 42mm
- Thickness of the Watch: 13mm
- Length of the Watch: 50mm
- Thickness of the Crystal: 3mm
- Diameter of the Crystal: 31mm
- Space Between Lugs: 22mm
- Thickness of the Bezel: 3.5mm
- Diameter of the Crown: 7mm
- Thickness of the Case Back Cover: 2mm
Who Should Buy This Watch?
The Aquatico Ocean Star is more than just a timepiece; it’s a value-packed offering that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Priced at under $400, it presents an incredibly attractive proposition for those in search of quality without breaking the bank.
For the Budget-Conscious Enthusiast: With a reliable Seiko movement at its core, the Ocean Star offers the precision and dependability usually found in higher-priced models. If you’re on a budget but unwilling to compromise on quality, this watch hits the mark.
For the Style-Savvy Individual: Its amazing lume, unique design, and good looks make it a versatile accessory, suitable for both casual outings and more formal occasions. It’s a watch that’s as comfortable at a dinner party as it is on a diving expedition.
For the Practical Adventurer: Water-resistant, robust, and equipped with features like anti-scratch sapphire crystal, the Ocean Star is designed for those who lead an active lifestyle. Whether you’re into diving or simply appreciate a solid watch that can endure daily wear, this timepiece won’t let you down.
For the Value Seeker: Getting a lot for your money is the essence of the Ocean Star. It combines functionality, aesthetics, and durability into a package that’s hard to beat at this price point. If you want a solid watch that has a lot to offer without emptying your wallet, this is a choice that delivers in spades.
The Aquatico Ocean Star is a thoughtfully crafted timepiece that delivers on both performance and style. Its robust construction, well-chosen materials, and unique aesthetic touches create a watch that’s not only suited for the depths of the ocean but equally at home in everyday wear.
Its blend of quality, style, and affordability makes it a standout option for those looking to invest in a timepiece that offers a lot without asking for much in return. Whether you’re a diver in need of a reliable companion or a watch lover looking for something unique, the Ocean Star’s blend of functionality and elegance is bound to impress.
Aquatico Watches:
I own several other watches from Aquatico, all of which have been super solid, good-looking. You are getting a great watch with a reliable movement from a brand that is trying to deliver exceptional value. Here are some additional pictures:
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.
