Over the past few years, the IWC Aquatimer has emerged as a favourite of luxury diving watch fans the world over. While IWC spent much of the last five years re-developing their other collections, the Aquatimer was never forgotten and always launching new technically impressive sport watches.
What makes this so impressive? Well, for one thing, IWC broke from tradition by choosing an external dive bezel instead of the usual internal ring bezel. Another immediate obvious aesthetic improvement is the larger 44mm and 46mm cases. For those who like to change straps, IWC has implemented a new system for quick strap changes that requires no tools.
MAKING THE GRADE
The first Aquatimer, introduced in 1967, was a major development in the evolution of dive watches thanks to its internal rotating bezel, which was operated via the second crown. This system was particularly secure as far as unintentional adjustment was concerned, albeit perhaps not so user-friendly when wearing gloves.
Clearly, something a little more user friendly was in order, and thus IWC is in traducing the Aquatimer Deep Two and The Aquatimer Automatic 2000.
Acclaimed as the hero of the newly launched collection, the Aquatimer Deep Two is a diver’s watch with a mechanical dept gauge. From a functional point of view, this feature is complete separated while using a blue indicator for the maximum diving dept. effectively, complete second safety system in addition to a dive computer.
Whereas its predecessor, in the GST Deep One (launched in 1999) was able to measure water depths to 45 meters, the Aquatimer Deep Two , with a semi-circular indicator on the dial, record depths to 50 meters. The Aquatimer Deep Two is the only member of the family with case diameters of 46mm and water resistant to 120 meters. Additionally, it utilizes the reliable 30110 calibre automatic movement with central second hand, date and 40-hour power reserve. The Deep Two is available in a stainless steel version with a matching bracelet or with a great water-resistant rubber strap.
2000 : A DIVER ODYSSEY
Another specialized model within the new Aquatimer family is the Aquatimer Automatic 2000. Outfitted with a screw –down crown and screw-locked case back, this deep driver watch can descend to 2,000 meters, a level of water resistance required by the most demanding professionals. Large, exceptionally visible squared-off hour makers and hands with contrasting yellow and white luminous applications assure faultless ease of use in poor or non-existing lighting. A stop centre seconds functions and rapidly adjustable date display completes this stylish and functional luxury dive watch. Powered by the 30110 calibre automatic movement, it is available equipped with a stainless steel bracelet or rubber srap.
Boasting the same technical specifications as the Aquatimer Chronograph, the Galapagos Island reference features a protective rubber case coating and an engrave commemorative back that proudly display the ultimate symbol of the Galapagos Island, the giant tortoise. IWC fans will of course remember previous Aquatimer Galapagos collaborations and nothing the company’s commitment to environmental causes, it should be no surprise that every years Aquatimer collections should expose this important area of the world’s biodiversity. In this case , the new Aquatimer Chronograph highlights a new collaborations between IWC and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Functionally this version of the Aquatimer Chronograph is a water resistant to 120 eters and employs a self-winding mechanical movement. The dial supports an adjustable day and date display and the chronograph can be read from the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. Combining a matte black stainless steel case, vulcanized rubber, a black dial and a black rubber strap, this watch makes a sporty statement on the wrist.
Finaly, for those who salivated over the possibility of getting the sprty IWC look in red gold, the company has come up with an 18-carat red gold Aquatimer reference. This watch combines a rubber strap with the UWC 89360 calibre movement that first was used in the 2008 Da Vinci Chronograph watch. Using a traditionsal column wheel, this ingenious mechanical movement with the pellaton winding system and a flyback complication positions the chrono hours and minutes an a single subdial, resulting in an elegant presentation with the added benefit of improved functionality. Despite the luxurious pretense of this watch, it can still handle depths of up to 120 meters.
In all, this is a great year year to be a driver, an IWC fan or both. Certainly, a new look to the Aquatimer was long awaited. Nonetheless, it’s clear that this is not the last of the great improvements to this historically innovative collections.
Sources : Magazine The Time Place
