An iconic piece of diving history, the JeanRichard Aquastar 60, known as the ‘grail’ of all dive-watches, is set to be auctioned at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas on November 15th. Bidding for this legendary timepiece will start at $50,000, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a watch that has ventured to the ocean’s deepest points on multiple historic expeditions.
This distinguished watch gained notoriety after accompanying Captain Don Walsh on his record-breaking 1960 dive, descending almost 11 kilometers below the surface of the Pacific Ocean in the bathyscaph Trieste. Initially bought as a simple timekeeper for scuba-diving training, the Aquastar’s legacy skyrocketed as it became an integral part of Walsh’s remarkable journey.
After its historic dive with Walsh, the Aquastar continued to make waves, venturing even deeper into the ocean during the Five Deeps Expedition in 2019 and 2020. Remarkably, the watch has been to the Challenger Deep in the Marianas Trench on three separate expeditions, making it a truly unparalleled relic of deep-sea exploration.
The watch’s design, featuring a 36mm stainless-steel case, a bi-directional bezel, and luminous indices, has remained in remarkable condition despite its incredible underwater adventures. While the patented bezel might no longer rotate, its historic significance remains undeniable, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
With its upcoming auction, the JeanRichard Aquastar 60 is poised to find a new owner who can appreciate its unique place in the annals of diving history. Whether it finds its way into the hands of a passionate collector or an avid history enthusiast, its sale is set to draw significant attention from the global community of watch connoisseurs and deep-sea exploration aficionados.
For those unable to participate in the bidding, Divernet will provide updates on the final price the iconic Aquastar fetches at the Heritage Auctions event. This historic timepiece continues to stand as a testament to human exploration and the relentless spirit of adventure that drives mankind to explore the depths of the unknown.
