For 2014, IWC prepares a new series of Aquatimer watches, which are going to be officially unveiled at the upcoming SIHH 2014 exhibition in Genève.
The new editions of IWC Aquatimer watches are bringing the fresh new twist to the classic Aquatimer range, as well as a number of special limited editions fitted with in-house movements and crafted from rare materials. The Aquatimer range was first launched back in 1967, as a response to the growing popularity of scuba diving. The famous divers’ model was, at first, water resistant to 200 meters and furnished with an internal rotating bezel that showed dive time.
Ever since then, Aquatimer family has followed the evolution of the diver’s watches. This famous collection been updated over the years and, since 2009, it brings more sophisticated profile and several technical improvements. The Aquatimer watches are now housed in 44mm cases and topped with external rotating bezeIs with sapphire glass inserts. The underside of the bezels is coated in Super-LumiNova, while the bracelets feature the quick-change system. Last but not least, the new generation of Aquatimer watches is water resistant to 200 bar or 2000 meters.
IWC Aquatimer models for 2014 are keeping the same design codes as the most recent generation of Aquatimer watches, but with a couple of minor technical improvements. For example, the brand has introduced a new internal/external rotating bezel system, named IWC SafeDive. This new concept is bringing all of the advantages of the internal bezel (such as readability and high level of protection against dirt and seawater) with the comfort of use of the external bezel. In addition, there is a clutch system that links two rotating rings so the rotation of the external bezel affects the internal bezel to revolve anticlockwise in minute increments. This means that, even if the diver moves the bezel accidentally, zero hour would not be exceeded.
The IWC Aquatimer Collection for SIHH 2014 will include a full range of complications, starting from a simple vintage-inspired three-hander, to chronographs, perpetual calendar and a number of special editions.
The IWC Aquatimer Deep Three ref. IW355701 follows in the footsteps of the GST Deep One of 1999 and the Aquatimer Deep Two of 2009. The watch represents the third generation IWC’s diver’s watches with a mechanical depth gauge. IWC Aquatimer Deep Three will be crafted in titanium and it will feature an improved depth gauge, for measurements down to a maximum of 50 meters, and an upgraded rotating bezel system.
The Aquatimer Automatic 2000 Ref. IW358002 is announced as a serious divers’ watch built for extreme underwater explorations. This model will be water resistant to 2000 meters and crafted from titanium. The simple design of the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is said to be inspired by the Ocean 2000, created by Ferdinand A. Porsche in 1982. The watch is propelled by the in-house Calibre 80110 with Pellaton winding system.
The Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (Ref. IW379401) features the IWC-manufactured 89801 calibre with perpetual calendar and large digital display for the date and month. This is the largest model in the Aquatimer family, and it comes with a generously sized case of 49mm. As a true flagship of the new collection, and a first ever example of a haute horlogerie complication in Aquatimer family, it is limited to only 50 pieces.
The IWC Aquatimer Chronograph will be issued in three special editions, honoring the 50th anniversary of the Charles Darwin Research Station. The models are aimed at supporting the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Cousteau Society, as well as at preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. The first two models are “50 Years Science for Galapagos” (Ref. IW379504, limited to 500 pieces) and Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” (Ref. IW379502) both equipped with IWC-manufactured 89365 calibre and graced with a black rubber coating. There is also the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” (Ref. IW379503) which tributes the journey of the well-known naturalist to the Galapagos Islands. To honor this event, IWC, for the first time ever, uses bronze for a watch case. The bronze Aquatimer is also fitted with the in-house 89365 calibre.
The IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau” in stainless steel (Ref. IW376805) celebrates Jacques Cousteau and his filmed expedition to the islands in the Pacific, where he studied the behavior of the marine iguanas. To honor this journey, and the film “The Dragons of Galapagos,” IWC unveils this special stainless steel model, and a series of Aquatimer steel chronographs with a black or silver-plated dials (Refs. IW376801/IW376802/IW376803/IW376804).
The new Aquatimer range also embraces a bit smaller Aquatimer Automatic in stainless steel, with a case measuring 42mm in diameter. This three-hander is the smallest model in the range and it is available in four different variants (Refs. IW329001/IW329002/IW329003/IW329004) with a black or silver-plated dial, on rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet.
We will have more about the new Aquatimer watches from IWC Schaffhausen in a couple of weeks, when the collection gets its official unveiling at SIHH 2014 exhibition. Until then, stay tuned to this page for updates and more previews.
Author: Marina Milojevic
If you use one of my articles on your own website or blog, then please credit me and provide a link back to the original.
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