Back in March, I reviewed the Aquatico Sea Star V2, a 300m stainless steel diving watch that delivered a winning combination of tough specifications and quality materials for a nice price. If you read that review and thought, “that’s cool, but I wish they made it in bronze,” then do I have a treat for you. Behold, the Aquatico Bronze Sea Star. It delivers everything you loved about the steel version but in the living metal of bronze. Aquatico gave me this blue model for a review.
Both Sea Stars share the same case design. At 42mm wide, 50mm long, and 14.5mm thick (including the high-domed sapphire crystal) it is appropriately sporty, filling out my 6.75″ wrist for some tool watch swagger. Its overall chunkiness is accentuated by its flat case sides and the absence of beveled edges. The crystal has just enough dome to import some cool edge distortion and a pleasant vintage vibe.
Crown and bezel designs also remain the same and I have no issues with either. Just like on the steel model, the signed crown is easily grippable and screws down smoothly. Bezel action is crisp and free of wobble.
Aquatico offers the Bronze Sea Star in the same black, blue, and green color options as the steel model. For both samples, I asked for the same blue color, sword hands, stick markers, vintage lume, no date combination, thus setting up this side-by-side photo. You can also choose snowflake hands, white lume, and a more traditional diver’s layout.
The glossy ceramic bezel insert is a lovely deep blue with engraved lumed markers that match the blue dial. Gold baton markers and sword hands pair well with the tan SuperLuminova, which burns brightly when the lights go down. A red-orange second hand and bezel triangle offer a lively dash of color. It’s a handsome face, made all the warmer by the deep gold and brown tones in the case.
Being bronze, this Sea Star has no bracelet. No surprise really, as bronze is reactive and can irritate your skin, particularly if you sweat. With that in mind, Aquatico ships the watch on a thick leather strap secured with a bronze buckle signed on its sturdy square frame. It looks correct on this watch and was already starting to develop that mottled patina we bronze fans crave.
Of course, a diver’s watch needs a waterproof option as well. In this case, it’s a tapered blue tropic-style rubber strap. I have to say this was a bit of a let-down as the buckle was polished stainless steel. I’d have much preferred a squared 70s style rubber strap like that supplied with the steel model, ideally one that would accept the bronze buckle too.
On the back side, you will find a solid case back with the Aquatico dolphin. Under it, beats a sturdy Seiko NH35.
Like the steel version, the Bronze Sea Star is a smart tool watch that delivers a respectable bang for the buck. How much buck, you may ask? Just $299 and you can knock another 10% off when you sign up for the mailing list. Check them out at AquaticoWatch.com.
