The new IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 (Ref. IW358002)

The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) is just around the corner and some of the participants are already making announcement. Such is the case of IWC Schaffhausen, who will unveil the updated Aquatimer diver’s watch collection, consisting of three models: the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 (Ref. IW358002), the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” (Ref. IW379502) and the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles
Darwin” (Ref. IW379503).

“The Aquatimer is a distinctively masculine, dynamic and professional sports watch line, with a tradition dating back to 1967,” explains Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. “The influence of legendary design elements and colours of the Aquatimer heritage is unmistakable. The design of the new generation, however, is more purist than that of its predecessors. It makes a powerful overall impression, effectively accentuated by the new, innovative rotating bezel,the hallmark of the IWC Aquatimer watches.”

With the launch of the new Aquatimers, IWC wishes to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Island, by supporting and sponsoring the Charles Darwin Foundation, which adopts a scientific approach to the challenges on the Galapagos and the Cousteau Society, which dedicates itself to continuing the research work of Jacques Cousteau (1910–1997) and the preservation of the world’s seas.

The Aquatimer Automatic 2000, water-resistant to 200 bar, continues IWC’s tradition of manufacturing timepieces that can withstand extraordinarily high pressures for both amateur and professional divers. Its titanium case and minimalist design are reminiscent of another iconic IWC model: the Ocean 2000, created by Ferdinand A. Porsche in 1982. It features the rugged IWC-manufactured 80110 calibre with Pellaton winding system.

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” (Ref. IW379502)

The Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” (Ref. IW379502) is powered by an IWC-manufactured 89365 calibre and it also has a limited edition version of 500 pieces, the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles
Darwin” (Ref. IW379503).

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” (Ref. IW379503),

Using the same calibre, IWC is paying homage to the great explorer, with the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” (Ref. IW379503). With this model, for the first time ever, IWC is using bronze, a material widely employed in shipbuilding at that time.

Innovative features

The most conspicuous technical modification in the new Aquatimer generation is the innovative external/internal rotating bezel complete with IWC SafeDive system. The mechanism combines the advantages of an internal rotating bezel, which engages precisely in steps of one minute and protects the mechanism against dirt and seawater, with the ease of use of an external rotating bezel that can be moved simply by a diver wearing gloves or with cold fingers.

A sliding clutch system connects the two rings by the rotation of the external bezel being transmitted to the inside of the case and the internal bezel. For safety reasons, the internal bezel only moves anticlockwise. This ensures that, even if a diver were to move the bezel accidentally, zero hour – the time at which he can return safely to the surface without the need for decompression stops – would not be exceeded.

The Super-LumiNova coating for the dive time scale on the internal bezel guarantees excellent legibility at all times, no matter how poor the visibility. The two colours, which glow in the dark, are also an aid to orientation on the dial: green for displays relevant to dive time, blue for the hour display.