Living La Dolce Vita: New Colors For The HTD Aquatìc Bicchierini And SpaceBoy Dive Watches

With the Italian summer coming to an end, HTD is just in time to grace us with new colors for its Aquatìc divers for one last jump into the warm Mediterranean waters. But before jumping in, you first have to choose from the seven new variations joining the lineup. Don’t worry, though; it’s not as complex as it may sound. Essentially, HTD is introducing three new, shared colors for its Bicchierini and SpaceBoy, the two available dial designs within the Aquatìc line. The seventh and last option is a special orange-dial version of the Aquatìc SpaceBoy. HTD sent us four of the new models to check out during the latter days of summer.

I have a huge soft spot for HTD. The brand has released several watches that I will always fondly remember wearing. The first that comes to mind is the 2021 Safarigraph. Another one that debuted not too long ago and left a great impression is the stunning Hesagraph Variante B, which is still part of the HTD catalog. Both watches have an undeniable charm that you’ll find throughout HTD’s collection. That same charm also made last year’s updated Aquatìc series of divers instantly grab my attention. Inspired by classic skin divers from the 1950s and ’60s, the Aquatìc Bicchierini and Aquatìc SpaceBoy are great, affordable retro-style dive watches.

Introducing four new colors in the HTD Aquatìc series

Until now, the two models were only available with black dials. Many watch enthusiasts prefer this shade, so it made sense to introduce the black version first. But the new color variants add something fresh to the HTD Aquatìc series.

As mentioned, HTD introduces three colors for the Aquatìc Bicchierini and Aquatìc SpaceBoy. Both models are now available in blue, green, and brown. While those three colors will tell you something about their presence, in the end, the shade of each color makes the most impact.

Importantly, HTD chose lively versions of those three colors. I was particularly impressed by the rich blue shade reminiscent of the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a depth and vibrancy that really draw the eye. The brown and green are also lively shades of their respective colors, creating a well-rounded palette for the Aquatìc collection.

The six new references are joined by an orange-dial version of the Aquatìc SpaceBoy, which features a black bezel. It’s a classic dive-watch aesthetic that immediately ups the retro vibes. HTD kindly sent us the orange and green versions of the SpaceBoy and the blue and brown versions of the Bicchierini.

The details of the HTD Aquatìc Bicchierini and Aquatìc SpaceBoy

Let’s go over the details of the two watches and discuss the design differences between their dials. All Aquatìc models feature a 39.4mm stainless steel case with a 47mm lug-to-lug and an 11.5mm total thickness, including the crystal.

The watches also feature a 200m depth rating and a 120-click bezel with a blue, green, brown, or black aluminum dive insert, silver numerals and markings, and an applied lume pip. The overall profile is nice and slim, making the watches super comfortable on the wrist.

HTD updated the design last year, and the details reflect the updates introduced with those two black-dial models. The case features a predominantly brushed finish with polished cambers and case flanks. Additionally, the lugs’ inner facets are polished for some extra visual brilliance. As I said in my review last year, the bezel’s edge is reminiscent of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M’s bezel. The scalloped edge also features a nice mix of polishing and brushing to enhance the appearance.

The two dial variations in the HTD Aquatìc series

The two dial variations give the Bicchierini and SpaceBoy very different looks. The SpaceBoy has the characteristic dial reminiscent of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five. It features abundant lume, color-inverted 3, 6, and 9 numerals, and extended hash marks on the minute track. As with last year’s models, the lume application is thick for added depth. This retro-style dial is a bit of an acquired taste, but many enthusiasts love it.

The Bicchierini dials, however, feature traditional dots and dashes. The applied indexes are filled with lume that lights up blue in the dark. Overall, the Bicchierini dials channel the classic Submariner aesthetic, and I think HTD chose these skin-diver styles well.

Hovering over the dials of all Aquatìc variants are lume-filled, double-tapered hour and minute hands and an arrow-tipped seconds hand. Regardless of the dial, the text is the same too. The upper half features the brand’s logo, while the lower half features the Aquatìc name and the depth rating. It’s a fairly familiar, straightforward approach to dial design, inspired by the past. But if executed well, as on these two HTD series, it feels nice and familiar.

The movement, bracelet, and clasp

Hidden behind the screw-in case back is the automatic Miyota 90S5. This 24-jewel caliber operates at 28,800 vph and has a 42-hour power reserve. In terms of accuracy, the 90S5 should run within -10/+30 seconds per day. While not a groundbreaking movement, it is a reliable choice for these sub-€1k dive watches.

Completing each watch is a 20/16mm three-row Oyster-style bracelet with a folding clasp and push-button release. It’s a familiar-style bracelet that feels well made, with a straightforward clasp that offers four micro-adjustment positions. Notably, however, you must use a pin or tool to adjust it. Thanks to the screws in the links, the bracelet is easy to size with a flat-head screwdriver.

Wearing the latest HTD Aquatìc Bicchierini and Aquatìc SpaceBoy variants

After I sized the bracelet, the first thing that stood out about these watches was not the different colors but the slim profile and comfortable proportions. No matter your preferred dial color or design, overall comfort is crucial to enjoying wearing a watch every day, and the Aquatìc series delivers just that.

Of the variations that we received for review, I prefer the classic Submariner-style design of the Bicchierini. While I love the charm of the SpaceBoy, I wouldn’t want to wear it every day. With the Bicchierini, I will never doubt that. It feels so trusted and familiar that it’s my preferred daily wearer of the two.

When it comes to the colors, it’s completely personal, of course. I adored the blue Bicchierini, and it became my top pick among the four variants we got. It was a bit of a surprise, though, because I have a thing for brown dials, so when I read that a brown HTD was coming our way, I was most curious to see that one. While I did end up liking its overall charm, I prefer a darker, deeper brown color than HTD has picked.

Overall, all versions suit the late-summer days perfectly, and I like that. They are lighter, more vibrant shades of each color, fitting the serotinal vibes. Overall, these new variations of the HTD Aquatìc Bicchierini and Aquatìc SpaceBoy will appeal to fans as a welcome change from the usual. On top of that, hardcore dive-watch fans will love the orange-dial SpaceBoy with the black bezel.

All seven new Aquatìc models are available now on the official HTD website for €803. They make for a nice, affordable range of retro dive watches that celebrate the famous skin divers from the ’50s and ’60s in style.

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