Aquastar Regate Newport Automatic 1970s

Interesting regatta watch in very nice original condition and with countdown, Switzerland, 1970s

Story of this watch

# Aquastar Regate Newport

# Interesting regatta watch with a 5-minute regatta countdown in blue and orange and a with screw-down case in original condition

# Very nice condition, original, with flyback

# Lemania Cal. 1345

# Case number 9856

# Automatic

 # 43.5mm (39mm without crown)

 # Original bracelet 

# 1970s

# Switzerland

 The Aquastar is in perfect working order and has just been serviced: (282°; -1s/d). 

The watch shows very little wear. There are no deep scratches, dents, or similar damage, and the crystal is scratch-free.

Brand story

#1 Founding

Founded in Geneva in 1962 by Frédéric Robert, a passionate diver and sailor, Aquastar grew out of the heritage brand JeanRichard. The brand was deliberately focused on professional timepieces for use on, in, and under water. 

#2 Innovation through patents

Aquastar developed numerous widely acclaimed technical innovations, such as special seals, an internal rotating bezel system, decompression bezels, and even a multifunction wrist panel that was a precursor to digital dive computers.

#3 Survival & revival

The brand changed hands several times but retained its maritime heritage. Since 2020, Aquastar has been experiencing a revival under new leadership, including Rick Marei, with iconic models such as the Deepstar returning as modern reissues.

#4 First regatta watch movement worn on the wrist

The Aquastar Regate is considered the first regatta yacht-timer wristwatch, equipped with a five-minute countdown function displayed by five colored discs on the dial—a groundbreaking innovation in the 1960s.

#5 Further development with a Lemania caliber

Later, Aquastar, together with Lemania under Albert Piquet, developed the improved Lemania Caliber 1345 with a 10-minute countdown function, patented (CH563037, US3910362)—pioneering work that influenced many later regatta watches.