The Aquatimer is a diver's watch collection from IWC. Since the launch of the Ocean 2000 in partnership with Porsche Design, this tool watch has continued to evolve and is beloved by watch enthusiasts. We'll explain its history, features, and notable models.
The History of the IWC Aquatimer and Ocean 2000
The Aquatimer is a diver's watch collection developed by IWC. Along with the Ocean 2000, which was previously sold, it has an outstanding presence and popularity, and still attracts many fans in the vintage market.
Let's take a look at the history of the Aquatimer to find out why this watch fascinates so many people.
The Birth and History of the Aquatimer
The Aquatimer is a collection by IWC, a luxury watch brand founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, northern Switzerland.
Since its founding in 1868, the company has produced numerous collections, including the Portugieser, Pilot's Watch, Portofino, Da Vinci, and Ingenieur.
One of these is the Aquatimer, a collection that was released in 1967. It quickly gained popularity after its release, and since then, its functions have evolved to keep up with the times.
The Aquatimer's rotating outer/inner bezel with SafeDive system dramatically improves water resistance. Its design combines excellent visibility with good looks, making it highly practical yet elegant.
Technical partnership with Porsche Design
IWC collaborated with Porsche Design to create numerous collections in the 1980s and 90s, and one of the most popular models was the Ocean 2000, which was released in 1982.
Through its collaboration with Porsche Design, IWC has developed advanced titanium processing techniques. This technology has dramatically improved not only the appearance but also the performance of diver's watches. Lightweight and highly water-resistant, it ensures reliable operation even in harsh environments.
Features of the Aquatimer Automatic
The Aquatimer is equipped with unique features not found in other diver's watches. Since the introduction of the Ocean 2000, the Aquatimer has evolved through trial and error as a professional diver's model. Among these, the unique rotating bezel is a feature that symbolizes the collection.
The advantages and disadvantages of external and internal rotating bezels
Since the release of the Ocean 2000, IWC has been experimenting with the rotating bezel, which is an important function that is a lifeline for divers as it allows them to measure the elapsed time of a dive.
There are two types of rotating bezels used in diver's watches: inner and outer. Inner bezels improve water resistance and reduce malfunctions, but have difficulty in operation. On the other hand, outer bezels are easy to operate, but are prone to malfunctions and have a higher chance of breaking down.
In other words, both have their advantages and disadvantages, but the Aquatimer, released in 2014, combines the advantages of both.
A unique rotating bezel that combines high operability with prevention of malfunctions
The sixth-generation Aquatimer, released in 2014, is equipped with a rotating outer/inner bezel with the SafeDive system. When the outer bezel is turned counterclockwise, it engages with gears inside the case, causing the inner bezel, which is set around the outer periphery of the dial, to rotate counterclockwise.
What makes this rotating bezel even more practical is the clutch mechanism installed in the gears. When the outer bezel is rotated clockwise, it is disengaged from the gears, preventing the inner bezel from rotating, eliminating the risk of malfunction even underwater.
Notable Aquatimer Automatic Models
We will introduce two particularly noteworthy models from this collection, which combine a reliable rotating bezel with excellent visibility.
"Aquatimer Automatic"
Automatic movement (Cal. 32111). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 120 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm, thickness 14.1mm). Water resistant to 30 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
The Aquatimer Automatic, Ref. IW328801, is a new generation model of the Aquatimer, announced in 2022. There are no major changes to the appearance from the previous model, and it retains the same 30 bar water resistance and distinctive outer/inner bezel with SafeDive system.
The biggest difference is the movement used: Cal. 30120 has been replaced with the in-house Cal. 32111, and the power reserve has been significantly extended from approximately 42 hours to approximately 120 hours.
In addition to the blue dial model, the Aquatimer Automatic released in 2022 will be available in three other models: Ref. IW328802, which combines a black dial with a black rubber strap, and Ref. IW328803, which combines a black dial with a bracelet.
Automatic movement (Cal. 32111). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 120 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm, thickness 14.1mm). Water resistant to 30 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
Automatic movement (Cal. 32111). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 120 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm, thickness 14.1mm). Water resistant to 30 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
"Aquatimer Chronograph"
Automatic movement (Cal. 79320). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 44 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 44mm, thickness 17mm). Water resistant to 30 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
The Aquatimer Chronograph Ref. IW376806 is a model that adds chronograph functionality to the watch, while retaining its features such as a stainless steel case with excellent corrosion resistance and water resistance to 30 bar, and a rotating outer/inner bezel that improves diving safety.
The blue dial, reminiscent of the deep sea, is laid out with three subdials, but the wide indexes, hour and minute hands, and diving time scale marked on the inner bezel are coated with luminous paint to ensure high visibility even underwater.
It uses a unique quick-change system, and the blue rubber strap can be replaced with a bracelet sold separately.
Enjoy the operability of the rotating bezel and its unique look
The Aquatimer collection not only enhances diver safety with its rotating outer/inner bezel, perfected through years of trial and error, but also boasts an impressive, massive, sporty look.
In particular, the latest Aquatimer Automatic, which now features an in-house manufactured movement, has significantly improved practicality. Why not try out the Aquatimer, which has a simple design but a striking presence, and enjoy its charm?
