IWC Schaffhausen continues the evolution of its diver’s timepieces. At this year’s SIHH exhibition in Geneve, the Swiss manufacturer will present the 2014 Aquatimer collection which brings some novelties to the classic Aquatimer family.
The new Aquatimer range comprises several outstanding timepieces, as well as some interesting special limited editions equipped with in-house calibres and crafted from rare materials. Although these newcomers keep the same design elements as the recent generation of Aquatimer timepieces, they bring a few technical improvements, such as a new internal/external rotating bezel concept, named IWC SafeDive and IWC patented bracelet quick-change system.
IWC Aguatimer Collection Watches
The new bezel system brings some crucial advantages of the internal bezel, such as readability and high level of protection against negative external influences. All this is achieved with the comfort of use of the external bezel. Furthermore, there is a sliding clutch system that connects two rotating rings so the rotation of the external bezel affects the internal bezel to turn anticlockwise in minute increments. This ensures that, even if a diver were to move the bezel unintentionally, zero hour would not be exceeded.
The dive time scale on the internal bezel ensures perfect legibility in all kinds of lightening conditions thanks to the superluminova coating. There are green and blue colors which glow in dark. The first one for showing dive time, and the second one for the hour.
IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 Watch IW358002
The new Aquatimer watches feature polished and satin-finished surfaces which heightened their high-quality appearance. Here is a short overview of the new Aquatimer models:
The Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (Ref. IW379401) is the second largest IWC timepiece in history, after the Big Pilot’s Watch of 1940. Its colossal case measures 49mm in diameter. This novelty is powered with the in-house manufactured caliber 89801 with a perpetual calendar and a large digital display for the date and month. This watch is the flagship of the new collection and it is issued in the limited series of only 50 pieces.
The Aquatimer Deep Three (ref. IW355701) is the third generation of IWC divers to be equipped with a mechanical depth gauge for measurements down to the maximum of 50 meters. The watch is crafted from titanium and like the other new Aquatimer models, it boasts the new internal/external rotating bezel concept.
IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 Case Back Watch
The Aquatimer Automatic 2000 (ref. IW358002) is made for extreme depths.
This exquisite divers’ timepiece provides water resistance of up to amazing 2,000 meters (about 6,600 feet). The watch is inspired by the IWC’s iconic model – Ocean 2000, created by Ferdinand A. Porsche in 1982. Besides the fact that this diving tool can withstand extraordinarily high pressures, it is tooled with the rugged and impeccable in-house manufactured caliber 80110 with Pellaton winding system. Its case is crafted from titanium and it measures 45mm in diameter.
The Swiss watch manufacturer is also launching special editions in support of the work of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Cousteau Society. The Aquatimer Chronograph will be produced in three special editions, each paying homage to the 50th anniversary of the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” (ref. IW379504) and Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” (ref. IW379502) are powered by the in-house manufactured caliber 89365. The first one will be issued in the limited quantity of 500 pieces. Both of them are embellished with black rubber coating.
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Galapagos Islands Watch IW379502
The third model is the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” (ref. IW379503) which particularly tributes the Darwin’s journey to the Galapagos Islands where he collected the evidence that formed the basis of his theory on the origin of species. For the first time, IWC used bronze for a watch case. This metal alloy has been one of the most commonly used materials in shipbuilding at that time. This special edition timepiece is also powered by the caliber 89365.
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Expedition Charles Darvin Case Back Watch
The Schaffhausen-based manufacturer will also present the redesigned Aquatimer Chronograph which will be available in four steel variants (refs. IW376801, IW376802, IW376803, IW376804) with a black or silver-plated dial.
The new Aquatimer family also comprises Aquatimer Automatic in stainless steel which will be the smallest model with the case measuring only 42mm in diameter. The most basic model of the collection will be available in four different versions (refs. IW329001, IW329002, IW329003, IW329004) with a black or silver-plated dial, and with the choice between a rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet.
