IWC present spiffy new models into the Aquatimer collection, they are deep diving watches for equipping divers.
Crafted to suit the specifics of such a niche sport, the expertise that goes into the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ‘La Cumbre Volcano’, the Aquatimer Automatic 2000, and the Aquatimer Automatic Edition ‘Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau’ is technical ingenuity at its finest. A treasured creation among all their timepieces, the Aquatimers have held a unique position in the Swiss brand’s history since their making in 1967. Time has only improved the lineage of this collection with new technological upgrades, honing these diving companions and imbuing them with a distinctive aura of purpose.
Pledging to this gold standard with the utmost commitment is the ‘La Cumbre Volcano’ Aquatimer, named in honour of the eponymous volcano in the Galapagos Islands and the fascinating marine life in its surrounding waters. This limited edition timepiece features the IWC-manufactured 89365-calibre movement, a flyback function, water resistance up to 30 bar, and an automatic winding power reserve of 68 hours.
Fulfilling the chronometre ideals of divers everywhere, the watch comes with the IWC SafeDive system which uses an internal rotating dive ring operated by turning the external bezel to set the dive time. Coated in luminescent paint to ensure peak visibility underwater, this singular timepiece is also engraved on the back with an erupting volcano — the symbol of IWC Schaffhausen’s partnership with the Charles Darwin Foundation since 2009 in their noble cause to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos archipelago.
The dedication to the sport carries on in the Aquatimer Automatic Edition ‘Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau’ that pays homage to the French oceanographer and diving pioneer. Similarly equipped with the SafeDive system and luminescent elements, the watch bears a striking deep blue dial and is etched on its stainless steel case back with the profile of the late French diver in his trademark beanie. Beyond its functions, this Aquatimer model contributes to the Cousteau Society’s endeavours to restore the Calypso, the famous deep-water vessel in which he made numerous research expeditions.
Rounding off this holy trinity of dive companions is the re-launch of the Aquatimer Automatic 2000, now outfitted with visually contrasting yellow hands and numerals against a black dial. Originated from early timepieces designed for mine clearance divers, this robust timepiece is water resistant up to a challenging 2,000 metres and is powered by an IWC-manufactured 80110-calibre movement encased in a 46mm titanium shell. Armed with the SafeDive system and a 44-hour reserve, this timepiece is as vital to a diver as any of their other scuba equipment. Irrespective if you’re a professional or a serious amateur, the Aquatimers from IWC is the chronometre you’d want with you when you’re down in the deep blue.
The new Aquatimers are available at the IWC Schaffhausen boutique. The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ‘La Cumbre Volcano’ is a limited edition issue of 500 units.