Discover all the new IWC Aquatimer watches with plenty of exclusive pictures, see two exclusive HD-videos and listen to my interview with IWC-CEO Georges Kern.
End of October last year I met Georges Kern, CEO of IWC, in the Sultanate of Oman. There I had the opportunity to see the entire new IWC Aquatimer Collection and to tape an interview with him. Due to an embargo until today, 1st January 2014 00:00:01 I could not show you these pictures earlier.
Is it possible to resume the new Aquatimer in only one phrase? Yes!
The combination of sport and adventure, outstanding technology and masculine appeal embodied by the diver’s watches perfectly reflects the central message of IWC ‘Engineered for men’.
“The Aquatimer is a distinctively masculine, dynamic and professional sports watch line, with a tradition dating back to 1967,” told me Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. “The influence of legendary design elements and colors 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.”
Please listen to my interview with Georges Kern, CEO of IWC, recorded in the Sultanat of Oman and get the full story about the new Aquatimer-Collection
https://soundcloud.com/watch-insider/131030_0000-wav/s-Q9h5j
Since I forgot to take a picture of Georges in the Sultanate of Oman I am using this one…
The combination of sport and adventure, outstanding technology and masculine appeal embodied by the diver’s watches perfectly reflects the central message of IWC ‘Engineered for men’.” 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 rotated simply by a diver wearing gloves or with cold fingers. A sliding 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 colors, 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.
Christian Knoop, Creative Director at IWC, explains the design of the new Aquatimer watches: “The choice of less vivid colors and the functional design of the dial reference the first Aquatimer released in 1967. By contrast, we took our inspiration for the gently rounded and recessed grips on the external bezels from the legendary Porsche design of the Ocean 2000 of 1982. The new rotating bezel mechanism gives the current Aquatimer collection overall a more sophisticated look and feel, despite the addition of a protective cover for the sliding system on the left-hand side of the case. The polished and satin-finished surfaces likewise enhance the high-quality appearance of the watches. Apart from this, I’m personally delighted that by using bronze we’ve managed to integrate a very attractive and living material into IWC’s repertoire of case materials.”
Following in the footsteps of the GST Deep One of 1999 and the Aquatimer Deep Two of 2009, the Aquatimer Deep Three in titanium (Ref. IW355701) is the third generation of IWC’s diver’s watches to feature a mechanical depth gauge. Both the depth gauge and the rotating bezel system have been continuously developed and improved. During a dive, the blue depth indicator moves to show current dive depth, while the red maximum depth indicator remains at the maximum depth attained, down to a maximum of 50 meters. The Aquatimer Deep Three thus provides a complete backup system to a dive computer.
Built for extreme depths, the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 (Ref. IW358002), 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.
With the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” (Ref. IW379503), IWC Schaffhausen traces the journey of the well-known naturalist to the Galapagos Islands. Here, Darwin collected the evidence that formed the basis of his theory on the origin of species. As a tribute to this event, and for the first time ever, IWC makes use of bronze for a watchcase: the metal alloy was one of the materials typically used in shipbuilding at that time.
With the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” (Ref. IW379504), limited to 500 watches, IWC honors the 50th anniversary of the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific institution set up by the Charles Darwin Foundation.
The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” (Ref. IW379502), which comes with identical technology, has been an expression of IWC’s commitment to the threatened archipelago. Both watches have an attractive black rubber coating and new technical features.
Thanks to the more discreet colors and shapes, the Aquatimer Chronograph in stainless steel (Refs. IW376801/ IW376802 / IW376803/IW376804), with a black or silver-plated dial, also cuts a fine figure in everyday use. The purist design of the dial leans heavily on that of the first Aquatimer of 1967, but offers a more contemporary interpretation.
With a case measuring 42 millimeters in diameter, the Aquatimer Automatic in stainless steel (Refs. IW329001/ IW329002 / IW329003 / IW329004) is the smallest member of the diver’s watch family. The watch, with its three hands, is available in four versions, with a black or silver-plated dial, complemented by a matching black rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet.
The most conspicuous technical modification in the new IWC 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 rotated simply by a diver wearing gloves or with cold fingers. A sliding 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.
See how the bezel works and sounds …
It´s easy to change the bracelets within the new IWC Aquatimer collection. My video shows you how simple it is …
La verdad,es que se han superado,está super bien la forma de mover la corona de buceo,,,hole,por los ingenieros de I.W.C.
Another set of Awful looking, over dimensionned, over priced set of watches!
I did not understand a bit from the video.When the bracelet is released the thumb is covering the action. Give one more try.Alex if i want to subscribe for watchtime which would you suggest the paper copy or kindle variant. I am not sure that I can archive the kindle variant properly. Thanks wait for your short answer if you are so kind thanks alex
Alexander, there is a button where the thumb pushes on and then the bracelet is released. I can not “give it one more try” since the thumb has to push that button – sorry! When you subscribe for WatchTime go for the paper version and As a subscriber you should also get access to the kindle edition for free.
nice good job IWC!
I agree!!
Alex, why is IWC still using ETA movements ? I’m sure they could make their own small movement even if it means prices up for the watches…looking forward to your answer, thank you
Only the basic Aquatimer´s still have ETA-calibres and the basic Aquatimer Chronograph. It´s just a question of time until all IWCs will be equipped with in-house calibres …
When will be the pre order start!?
In fact you can order through your IWC dealer now and he could then order more or additional watches at the SIHH in two weeks …
Great post! Far more informative on the Aquatimer, sooner, than any place else I know about.
From the strap change video you posted, it kind of looks like they’ve come up with a quick-change system that fits over a regular spring bar. Is that a regular, removable spring bar? If so, it means we can BOTH fit IWC’s fabulous proprietary quick-change rubber and steel bracelets AND still fit regular straps to the watch.
If that’s right, it’s the best of both worlds, and a HUGE positive step from IWC, and something that, as far as I know, nobody else does.
Ian, your statements are correct! And, thank you so much for the positive feedback … 🙂
Thanks again Alexander for the quality of your articles. The new Aquatimer collection looks very good and I believe they can sell weel. It was quite urgent to replace the old ones that have a very common design and are a pain in the head for the retailers…
Hello,
When will these watches be available to purchase?
I have no official information yet, but I assume the first Aquatimers will be delivered in early summer 2014 …
Just another great example of information that is as up-to-date as it only can be. Thanks Alexander!
And of course you do not only present lots of pictures of all new Aquatimer models. You also add VIDEOS of the two technical innovations, the new bezel mechanism and the new bracelet change system. And you even have an interview with Georges Kern.
While others present facts and numbers you transport the authentic hands-on experience. GREAT JOB!!!
So, you set the standard for what we expect from you this year. 😉 And the best is: I am sure you will not disappoint us. Happy new year!
Andreas, thank you for your feedback, I am touched!
Alexander, as usual thanks for the much appreciated update!!
I have one specific question. I noticed similar module that includes those tiny holes for measuring pressure on all modules and not only ono the Deep Three. I may have missed something in the resume, but what is the function of this module on the models with exception of the Deep Three. I mean, none of them are gauging depth, so why is the module there?
Would appreciate any reply! Many thanks, ciao Rob.
A part of the mechanism of the turning bezel is designed that way. So there is one common design feature through all the collection…
Also had to add– I’m happy they lost the garish colors. The “more mature” look that Alex mentioned in his interview is the correct way to go for a brand like IWC. The internal bezel is a good signature feature to separate from the pack of ceramic and sapphire bezels.
Alex,
As always a great reportage, thank you very much for this
Do you happen to know if the Aquatimer automatic houses the caliber 80110? It would be a shame if it does not…
Happy 2014
Cheers
It´s not the IWC 80110, it´s an ETA 2892 …
Very nice! Thank you for the elaborate review. I must say that I’m not really sure what is the direction of IWC. It feels like they are shooting in all directions without a clear vision..
Nice and very innovative, true IWC watches
Lieber Alexander! What a wonderful New Year’s gift this unveiling of the new Aquatimer represents! Thank you so much! Can’t wait to see the showcase IWC will undoubtly build for it at the SIHH!! Any indication of retail prices yet?? All the best for 2014 and hope to see you again!
Prices at IWC move upwards (more and more in-house calibres are used) so the new Aquatimers will make no exemption…
Thx Alex for your reportage, great job done there! Great news with the 7750-based steel model! Now a few other questions are the case/bezel diameter, the micro-adjust clasp for the bracelet, the lug-to-lug size (NOT the interlug strap width size…) and possibly finally leather strap options for (non-diving-)suit occasions with the new fixing system. And again, folding clasp options for all kind of straps… hope Velcro is still in the pipeline.
Steel bracelet seems to be nicer as simpler.
I’d be happy if this model should come without the 9-o’clock thingy, but I’ve just learned that this is part of the bezel rotating system.
Prices, delivery times…
A blue-dial Laureus would be also fine.
Oh yessss, and I’d be glad to know wether the base movement comes from ETA or Sellita.
Gone for XC-skiing, still with my 376706 on my wrist 🙂
HNY!
Robert
That’s to early, I can not answer you all theses questions … Sorry!
I did some perusing online and found out that the Aquatimer 2000 comes in at 45mm; the chronos at 43 or 44mm; and of course the basic three hander at 42mm. Looks like we have some choices! This certainly doesn’t answer all your questions, but hope it helps.
I’ve been waiting for these new Aquatimers! Great pics as always. And once again, Happy New Year to all!!