Just like the recently presented limited-edition 2TimeZones Zirconium, the 2010 Aquascope (refs. 60140-11-61C-ACHD in black and 60140-11-11A-AC7D in white) sports JeanRichard’s in-house movement and features a cushion-shaped case with a pair of crowns at 3 and 9 o’clock positions.
However, since the new Aquascope lacks the GMT functionality, the crown at 9 o’clock serves a completely different purpose. Its sole purpose is to lock its bidirectional rotating bezel in a fixed position (an interesting feature if you indeed plan to use this expensive timekeeper as a companion -or, preferably, an emergency back up for an electronic one- for your diving adventures.)
However, while the idea itself is great, I have the impression that the crown is a bit too small to be easily operated by gloved hands, so, if you usually wear ones, just keep that in mind.
The main crown, as usual, operates the hour and minute hands as well as sets the correct date. Well, and, unfortunately enough, in this particular case the, err, case of the Aquascope is made not of zirconium and rubber but plain stainless steel.
The diving instrument is powered by JeanRichard’s own JR1000 in-house automatic caliber. First presented about six years ago with the classy JeanRichard Paramount, the manufacture caliber is built on 27 jewels and its heart beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph for at least 48 hours after the mainspring is fully winded.
This does not seem like a great feat when compared to more widespread movements from ETA that are capable of running for at least 45 hours, but in fact, is much more convenient since you can leave the Aquascope in your desk drawer for whole two days of the weekend without risking finding it on a busy Monday morning dead-cold for a couple of hours.
I mean, just imagine that you have just woke up barely dressed with a major hangover and suspiciously looking bruises on your neck and you know that you have a wedding today, but the phone’s battery is dead and the mechanism doesn’t tick and you have absolutely no idea as to what time it is now. Sounds compelling, enough?
The same movement was also used to power the last year’s Diverscope JR1000 model which was also rated for depths up to 300 meters.
Like most luxury diving tools, the JeanRichard Aquascope sports a pretty much standard dial layout and bezel decoration introduced many years ago by Rolex with its Submariner and Oyster models.
The only deviation from any given Seadweller’s layout is that the dial has the omnipresent triangle at 12 o’clock replaced with a respective Arabic numeral. Also not very original, but, heck, in some cases, like safety reasons, there is nothing wrong with standardization if it helps save lives.
See also: Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel overview
Photos: JeanRichard
JeanRichard Aquascope 300m specification
Price range: $3100 (MSRP)
Movement: JR1000, automatic, in-house, 28,800 vph, 25.94 mm in diameter, Swiss Made
Complications: Date
Power reserve: 48 hours
Case and Bezel: Stainless steel
Shape: Cushion
Case size: 44.5 mm x 40 mm
Case height: 11.85 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel, rhodium-coated with luminescent material
Strap: Black (ref. 60140-11-61C-ACHD) or white (ref. 60140-11-11A-AC7D) structured calfskin strap with polished stainless steel folding buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, AR-coated
Back: Solid, screw-down
Water resistance: 300 meters