Specifications
- Case – Stainless steel
- Diameter without the crown – 42.5 mm
- Lug to lug – 50 mm
- Thickness – 12 mm (13.4 mm including the crystal)
- Weight – 76 grams without the strap
- Movement – Ronda 763 quartz
- Lume – White lume (green glow) on dial, hands, and “pip”
- Crystal – Flat mineral glass with a sapphire coating
- Water-resistance – 200 meter/660 ft
- Lug width – 20mm
- Price – $295 in their own webshop.
Case
The Aquinus Hydrautica has a 316L stainless steel case. Although almost the entire case is brushed, the sides of the watch are polished. Including the outer edges of the lugs.
This chunk of steel has a diameter of 42.5 mm without the crown guard, a lug to lug distance of 50 mm, and a weight of 76 grams. So, it’s not a small watch.
It feels durable and well-built.
Case back
It has a clean screw-in case back with six notches.
It says Swiss Movement – All Stainless Steel – 20 ATM Water Resistant and it has a medallion with the Aquinus logo and brand name in the middle.
Crown
The screw-down crown has a diameter of about 7.5 mm and it’s 5 mm deep.
It’s signed with the beautiful logo and it has a good grip with those wide notches.
Bezel
Okay, this is a bit embarrassing. It’s the bezel that attracted me to this watch.
It reminds me of one of my dream watches: the Rolex 16710 “Coke”. I know, I know…don’t shoot me…these two watches can’t be compared. It’s not even in the same universe. I’m only referring to the black and red color scheme.
The aluminum bezel has 120 clicks, neat markings, and an accurately centered lume pip.
In addition, it feels very stable and has almost no play.
Dial
The dial is fascinating because it mixes various influences.
The hour markers have a Japanese feel to them. The Seiko “Sumo”, for example, almost has identical hour markers, but it also has a Citizen vibe.
The black satin dial on the other hand has a Swiss feel because it’s very reminiscent of that of a new Omega Seamaster. The wavy pattern on the dial is a clear indication that this is a dive watch.
Hands
This style of hands is ideal for diving watches. They’re a fresh take on classic sword hands with extra arrow-shaped support for the lume.
The red of the bezel is picked up on the tip of the sweep-second hand.
Lume
The Hydrautica has white lume on the dial, the hands, and the “pip”. As you can see, the lume is neatly applied and the greenish glow is fantastic.
In fact, its lume is so good that it makes plenty of more expensive watches look bad.
Movement
The Hydrautica is powered by the Swiss-made Ronda 763E quartz. It’s very reliable and is used by many watchmakers.
According to the Ronda website, accuracy is -10+20 seconds per month.
It can be repaired, but it’s also easily swappable since they cost about $6 online. Plus, it’s got a power-saving mechanism. If you pull the crown while you’re not wearing it, you can save 70% on power consumption.
Strap
The Hydrautica series is available on a bracelet and on a black rubber tropic strap. I got mine on the tropic, so I can’t comment on the bracelet.
First of all, I’m not a fan of Tropic straps. I find them uncomfortable and they’re dust magnets. Don’t ask me why I didn’t get the watch on a bracelet then. I plead temporary insanity.
Anyway, the tropic strap that comes with the watch isn’t as uncomfortably stiff as many others. It’s actually quite thin and supple and it has quick-release spring bars. So, if you do like tropics, you’re good to go.
Packaging
The packaging is outstanding. This watch is a pleasure to unpack.
The outer box is sturdy, and it has the Aquinus logo on it. When you open it, you’ll find an internal warranty card, a bag, and a strap for the bag.
If you didn’t know Hydrautica is a diver’s watch, Aquinus lets you know. The bag (also with the logo) inside the box is water-resistant. Great for keeping your phone, wallet, or documents dry while traveling.
The container with the watch is inside the waterproof bag.
I like surprises like this, and they make for a nice experience. It shows that they care enough to go the extra mile.
So, would I recommend it?
Yeah, I sure would. What’s not to like?
The watch is built like a tank, has a Swiss movement, is water resistant to 200 meters with a screw-down crown, and the lume is amazing.
If you don’t like it in black and red, it’s also available in various other color schemes.
What do you think about the Aquinus Hydrautica? Let me know in the comments below.