Revival of the Fittest

New models in IWC’s Aquatimer collection stake a claim to the deep with diving watch functions, distinctive materials and historical references.

The Expedition Charles Darwin Aquatimer

A bronze case — IWC’s first ever — lends a stately authority to the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin.” A common metal used in ship construction in the 19th century, the bronze here is an allusion to the HMS Beagle, the vessel that first brought Charles Darwin to the Galapagos Islands. The hardy alloy, invented 5,000 years ago but brought entirely up-to-date by IWC, comprises the interior and exterior rotating bezels as well. These newly designed bezels are part of the SafeDive system that graces the entire Aquatimer collection, ensuring that no diver can accidentally underestimate the time spent below the water.

Engraved Darwin caseback

A flyback chronograph movement with 68 hours of power reserve drives this 44mm timepiece, which bears an engraved portrait of the influential naturalist on its caseback. Matte-black rubber on the crown and push buttons echoes the sturdy, practical, black rubber strap. It’s affixed to the case using IWC’s new quick-change system, which is found throughout the Aquatimer collection.

Deep Tradition

Whether professionals or accomplished amateurs, serious divers hold their instruments to exigent standards, and IWC habitually meets and even exceeds these requirements. Paramount among necessities for diving watches is water resistance. This prevents water from seeping in and compromising the mechanism as divers descend and pressure increases.

Aquatimer Automatic 2000

IWC draws upon a rich history of creating watches that are resistant to high pressures like 1982’s Ocean 2000. A spiritual and aesthetic descendant of that iconic watch, the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is pressure resistant to 2,000 meters below the sea. Its 46mm case is crafted in titanium, a subtle nod to the 1982 model.

In-Depth Experience

Darwinian pressures have molded the Aquatimer Deep Three, a diving watch equipped with a mechanical depth gauge. Each generation of this timepiece has become more versatile, more intuitive and safer to use.

Aquatimer Deep Three

As the rotating bezels keep track of dive time, color indicators track current dive depth (blue) and maximum depth achieved (red). Water resistant to 100 meters, the 46mm titanium case frames a display with luminescent touches for optimum visibility. Its reliability and ease of use make it an obvious choice for divers, who never forget that their safety depends on using backups at every point.

Polish and Poise

A chic monochrome vision, the Aquatimer Chronograph prizes function as much as form with a 44mm stainless steel case that frames a silver-plated dial.

Aquatimer Chronograph

Its modern take on the original Aquatimer, released in 1967, is water resistant to 300 meters and features a chronograph, as well as day and date displays. Luminescent details appear green for those relating to the dive and blue for the hour markers. A small seconds display reassures the diver that every aspect of the Aquatimer Chronograph is functioning as it should.

Drawing on the IWC’s past diving watches and adapting them to the heightened demands of the present, the newest iteration of the Aquatimer collection proves that evolution can be just as powerful as revolution.