Introducing IWC Schaffhausen Aquatimer watches
Friday - 11 September 2020
There are many reasons to invest in an Aquatimer watch from IWC Schaffhausen, namely their unique internally rotating bezels equipped with a Safe Dive system and their impressive water-resistant capability built into the structure of their robust cases. IWC Aquatimer watches range from affordable prices to the more complex designs featuring tourbillons and perpetual calendars.
Deciding on which watch is best for you will depend on your requirements. The distinct diver look and style of an Aquatimer watch is often an appealing choice for many, including those that don’t even intend to explore the deep dark depths of the ocean with one. Likewise, other IWC Schaffhausen watch collectors will require an Aquatimer watch for its ability to effortlessly measure elapsed time whilst underwater.
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Where it all started…
There are some rare limited edition IWC Aquatimer watches up for grabs both on the new and pre-owned market. Other current models include an impressive 2000 meter water resistance and the Deep Three watch with a depth gauge. Back in 1967, IWC Schaffhausen developed a watch with an internally rotating bezel. It was equipped with a special crown for operating it easily. Today, modern iterations control the internal bezel from an external bezel feature called the Safe Dive system. IWC dive watches with the 2000 meter water resistant capability belong to the Aquatimer 2000 collection. Their designs harken back to the 1982 Porsche Design Ocean 2000, built from a robust yet lightweight case of titanium.
The Aquatimer Automatic 2000
In 2017 a special 50th edition model was launched, powered by a movement used in the Ingenieur. This Perpetual calendar was crafted from matte black Ceratanium which used a titanium-based alloy for improved scratch resistance. All Aquatimer watches, however, are incredibly robust, making them ideal for exploring ocean depths with. As mentioned earlier, the history of the model stretches right back to the 1980s when the German military commissioned a dive tool from IWC for its combat divers. The titanium case was, for its time, revolutionary. Today, however, modern IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 watches are crafted from stainless steel and feature a traditional rotating bezel as opposed to an internal one.
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The Aquatimer Chronograph
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph watches combine the convenience of a stopwatch facility with a robust water-resistant diving tool. Recent models like the new Aquatimer Automatic 2000 watches, measure a broad 44mm diameter. When donned to the wrist, however, or paired with diving gear, they look more than at home on the wrist, offering an impressive 300-meter water resistance. The Calibre 79320 powers the Aquatimer Chronograph watches, based on the Valjoux 7750. The process of transforming the 7750 into the 79320 requires a high level of craftsmanship to give it an almost complete redesign and reworking of the former movement. Balance wheel, mainspring, finishes on the bridges, screws and plates are all undergone at IWC Schaffhausen’s manufacturing facilities.
The Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph is another highlight from the Aquatimer Chronograph collection. It measures intervals of multiple minutes, allowing you as the diver to time decompression stops before re-emerging from a dive. The additional minute hand separates from the main timekeeping hand when you press the 8 o’clock push-piece, enabling you to see when you have spent enough time at a decompression stop.
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How does the Safe Dive facility work?
Despite how easy it is to operate the Safe Dive feature of an IWC Aquatimer watch, the device took a great deal of time and skill to engineer. To operate the patented feature, you simply rotate the external steel bezel in the same way you would a normal diver’s bezel. The inner flange, otherwise known as the internal rotating bezel, moves in unison with it. Simply align the minute hand with the zero point on said bezel. As time passes underwater, read off the elapsed time according to how far the minute hand has travelled.
Aquatimer Edition Expedition Jacques Yves Cousteau models
Other key models from the IWC Aquatimer watch collection include the three-handed and chronograph versions of the Edition Expedition Jacques Yves Cousteau models. The design features a clear dial with a quarter-hour scale highlighted between 12 and 3 o’clock for keeping track of the first 15 minutes of dive time. Recessed grips and a rounded external bezel are handle-friendly. Movement is transmitted by a sliding clutch system. The three-handed model is designed on the original concept of the Porsche Ocean 2000 from 1982. This 300-meter water-resistant watch is completed on a supple black rubber strap but can be alternated with a steel bracelet thanks to the watch’s innovative “quick-change” system. The chronograph version is inspired by the very first Aquatimer watch released in 1967. It can handle single stop times and aggregate timing up to 12 hours.
If you have a particular IWC Aquatimer watch in mind but cannot see what you’re looking for within our range here at C W Sellors, our specialist sales team are on hand to do the hard work for you. Simply let us know the model you desire and we will contact the official manufacturer directly to enquire into the price, details and availability of the watch for you.
