Last week in Geneva, IWC presented four Aquatimer Chronograph ‘Specials’. Today, I will review the most eye-catching model – Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” which commemorates the Charles Darwin Research Station’s 50th year of scientific work on the Galapagos Islands. This Jubilee model is issued in the limited quantity of 500 pieces. As we got used to from IWC, a part of the proceeds from sales of the Galapagos editions will go to the Charles Darwin Foundation.
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” Watch
This novelty differs from the other special edition models firstly by its striking blue accents on the dial. This color was maybe chosen to remind of the exotic blue-footed booby bird which early mariners used to ridicule for its trusting nature and waddling gait. This interesting bird flies skillfully and is a fantastic plunge diver when on the hunt.
Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” (ref. IW379504) is housed in a round stainless steel case which has been subjected to heat and pressure and bonded with rubber in a complex vulcanization process. Its sporty case measures 44mm in diameter and 17mm in thickness and it is equipped with a rotating outer and inner bezel with the SafeDive system. The sleek watch dial is protected with a double anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal.
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” Watch Front
Like all Aquatimer Chronographs, Galapagos Edition is powered with the IWC-manufactured caliber 89365 self-winding mechanical movement with a flyback function. The sub-dial at the 12 o’clock position displays elapsed minutes, while the times of less than a minute are measured by the central stopwatch hand. The seconds hand in the lower counter which is located at the 6 o’clock position shows that the watch is running normally and can be stopped to enable synchronization.
Traditionally, the dial also features a small white-on-black date window at the 3 o’clock position. The hands and markers are coated with several layers of Superluminova and they glow in the dark in two different colors. The diver thus knows instantly which display shows the time of the day and which shows his dive time.
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” Watch Case Back
This limited edition Aquatimer Chrono timepiece is able to dive to the depths of 300 meters (about 1,000 feet). The case back of the watch is adorned with a special engraving that honors the 50th anniversary of the research station on the Galapagos.
This newcomer is attached to a black rubber strap and it is tooled with the practical IWC bracelet quick-change system.
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” Watch Back
