The IWC Aquatimer collection is a selection of one of the best watches for underwater use. Designed by IWC Schaffhausen, the Aquatimer boasts impressive water-resistance ratings and accurate dive time readings. The original 1967 IWC Aquatimer Ref. 812, for example, can display diving time without being affected by depth pressure because of its encased bezel that is submersible to 200 meters.
IWC Aquatimer Watches: Dive Into The Action Worry-Free
With IWC Aquatimer watches, anyone can dive into the action with ease. Exploring the deep is made convenient by the timepieces’ top features. The best function of the Aquatimer watches is the IWC patented SafeDive system, where the rotatable external bezel controls the inner bezel from one direction only. As a result, the scale would not accidentally swivel and extend the wearer’s dive time, which may be dangerous during deep diving.
Another top-notch mechanism is the flyback system integrated into Aquatimer chronographs. Flyback models can restart their stopwatch function with one press of the side button. They also allow professional divers to know accurately when to resurface. One more great feature of the Aquatimer is the dial featuring glow-in-the-dark indexes and hands. Even if a luminescent watch face is pretty basic, it is still important because it helps divers to see the time while they are in the darkest depths of the sea or ocean.
As regards water resistance, the IWC Aquatimer watches are also amazing. The majority of the models from the IWC Aquatimer collection are watertight up to 300m. There are exceptional ones that are water resistant up to 2,000m.
Prices at a Glance: Most Popular IWC Aquatimer Watches
Model
Price (approximate)
Size
Features
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Watch Ref. IW376803
$6,799 USD
44mm
SafeDive bezels
Black luminescent dial and three sub-dials with date display
IWC Aquatimer watches are among the market’s best timepieces for diving anyone can get. These timepieces are considered to be low and mid-range luxury accessories, price-wise. Below are the prices and specifications for the best-selling models from the IWC Aquatimer collection.
Prices for the IWC Aquatimer Automatic Watches
The IWC Aquatimer Automatic timepieces are the most basic dive watches from the line. Therefore, they come at an affordable price range of $4,000 USD to $6,000 USD. The dials are not overloaded with complications but have the essentials, including the SafeDive bezels with quarter-hour scale markings, luminous hands, and date windows at the 3 o’clock position. Furthermore, these watches can work underwater up to a standard depth of 300m, suitable for both the adventurers and professionals.
The Aquatimer Automatic watches might look minimalistic but that should not be seen as a drawback because they resemble the oldest diver watch, the iconic 1967 Aquatimer Ref. 812. The modern IWC Aquatimer Automatic Ref. IW329001, for instance, looks nearly the same as the vintage model because of its black dial and strap, and stainless steel case. The differences between the two are minor, being just the label font style, hand and index thickness, and positioning of the crown. Finally, the bezel of the Ref. IW329001 model is not controlled via the crown, unlike that of Ref. 812.
Prices for the IWC Aquatimer 2000 Watches
The IWC Aquatimer 2000 watches are for the hardcore divers, being the most watertight timepieces of the collection. The watches come with the SafeDive system with luminous dials, and they can function at depths up to 2,000m. The durability is because of the case and band being in titanium, like that of the IWC Aquatimer 2000 Watch Ref. IW353803. It is no wonder that the timepieces come at a higher price range of $4,000 USD to $10,000 USD.
The inspiration behind the timepieces’ design is none other than the 1982 Porsche Ocean 2000 Diver’s Watch. This particular model was the first dive watch in the industry that can go up to 2,000m and is likewise a titanium release.
Prices for the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Watches
The IWC Aquatimer Chronograph timepieces combine the wonders of an IWC dive watch and a stopwatch. Besides having the SafeDive bezels, luminous dials, and date displays, these watches integrate the flyback system, which makes chronograph functions such as single-stop and aggregate timing controllable in one button press. The chronographs are consistently packed with features, yet remain neat-looking since their launch in 2009.
Given that chronograph models, such as the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph IW376803, have more complications than regular dive watches from the same brand, the watches’ price range starts at $6,000 USD and can reach up to $11,000 USD.
Prices for the IWC Aquatimer Mechanical Depth Gauge Watches
The IWC Aquatimer watches are not just for keeping track of dive time. The timepieces from the IWC Aquatimer Mechanical Depth Gauge series can also tell how deep the diver is underwater.
The series has three iconic models: the GST Deep One, Deep Two, and Deep Three. In particular, the IWC Aquatimer Deep Three Watch Ref. IW355701 is the only model with the SafeDive bezel among the three. The Deep Two model can gauge up to 50m depth like the Deep Three but it lacks the modern safety feature. The Deep One model, meanwhile, is limited to 45m because its Bourdon tube gauge is accurate only up to that deep. You can get the IWC Aquatimer Deep Three model for $14,000 USD each.
Prices for the IWC Aquatimer Special-Edition Watches
The IWC Aquatimer collection also boasts diver’s watches that are inspired by popular naval explorers, vessels, diving attractions, and even sports charity organizations. These are the special editions that go for $5,000 USD to $14,000 USD. While the said timepieces tout unique designs, they do not compromise on the necessary complications. These watches also integrate the SafeDive bezel system.
The special-edition timepieces that pay tribute to navigators are the IWC Aquatimer Automatic Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau Watch Ref. IW376805 and IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Expedition Charles Darwin Watch Ref. IW379503. The former has a 1967 Aquatimer inspired-dial with a back engraving of the face of the famous French oceanographer its name is based on. Meanwhile, the latter is a tribute to the great explorer and biologist who came up with the theory of natural selection in evolution, and highlights that through its materials and detailing. Its bronze casing is a reference to the HMS Beagle, the ship that Darwin rode to the Galapagos Islands and around the world to collect proof for sharing his ideologies. The back engraving also showcases the face of Charles Darwin, whom the watch is named after.
The vessel-inspired timepiece, meanwhile, is the IWC Aquatimer Automatic Boesch Watch Ref. IW341002. It is a limited-edition watch released in time for the 100th anniversary of Swiss company Boesch Motorboote. Its brown hue is inspired by the iconic mahogany boats made by Boesche. Additionally, the timepiece features a see-through back that houses the caliber 82100.
Finally, the special-edition Aquatimer timepiece inspired by a charity organization is the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Laureus Sport For Good Watch Ref. IW379507. Named after Daimler and Richemont-founded Laureus Sport For Good, which IWC Schaffhausen is a partner of, the watch conveys that sports makes the world better. It showcases this idea through its back engraving based on a child’s award-winning painting about young athletes.
Are Vintage IWC Aquatimer Watches Good Investments?
The IWC Aquatimer watches from the 1960s to 1970s are good investments, as seen by IWC experts. These timepieces can be sold at auctions for up to twice the original price. For instance, a retro Aquatimer, originally worth $20,000 USD, that is still in good working condition and comes with authentic documents can go up to $50,000 USD.
History Behind the IWC Aquatimer Collection
IWC Aquatimer watches were born about the same time diving was starting to become a popular sport. The timepieces’ deep roots hail from 1967. That year, the brand’s first diver’s watch, called the IWC Aquatimer Ref. 812, was released. The original timepiece was already formidable back then, touting 200m water resistance and a rotatable bezel that is encased tightly by the glass.
The succeeding timepieces surpassed the design and functionality of the 1967 version. The Aquatimer Ref. 816 of 1968, for example, came with eye-catching red or blue dials besides the original black.
Then came the Aquatimer Ocean 2000 Diver’s Watch in 1982, a collaboration between Porsche and IWC, which more than doubled the water-resistance of the original 1967 model. The timepiece had a 2,000m depth rating because it was titanium all over.
In 1988, these IWC watches were becoming more specialized for professional diving, being given features that help mine clearance divers. An example is the IWC Aquatimer Ref. 3519 released that year, which integrated the caliber 3755. The non-magnetic movement was very important for the watch’s wearer for it ensured that mines would not get accidentally detonated during the dive.
By 1998, IWC Aquatimer watches proved that they are not only for professionals. The GST Aquatimer Ref. 3536, for example, was a 2,000m water-resistant release yet it had a casual steel or titanium look that made it great to wear for everyone.
In the following year, classic IWC Aquatimer timepieces continued to improve as dive watches. The models were given more safety complications, including the mechanical depth gauge. The GST Deep One of 1999 was the first to adopt this feature.
Aquatimer chronographs also became more convenient for diving. In 2004, the first timepiece that allowed activation of the underwater stopwatch function in a jiffy from the inner bezel, chronograph, or flyback hand was unveiled and it was called the Split Minute Chronograph.
In 2009, the timepieces were calibrated with the SafeDive system that made sure that dive time is limited and accurate. The controller bezel was designed to be external instead of internal to support the feature. It was first seen in the Aquatimer Chronograph that was released that year.
Starting 2014, IWC Aquatimer special editions that pay homage to icons of naval exploration were released. Among the most popular ones were the watches inspired by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a pioneer of underwater exploration who shared to the world via his films, research, and publications the wonders of the deep.
In 2017, IWC Aquatimer watches turned 50 years old. To celebrate that, the IWC Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital-Date Month Edition was rolled out. The commemorative timepiece is the first in the world to adopt Ceratanium, an IWC patented material that is as light as titanium yet durable as ceramic.
5 Reasons to Buy an IWC Aquatimer Watch
Why are IWC Aquatimer timepieces preferred by professionals and enthusiasts versus other dive watches in the market?
1. IWC Aquatimer watches are produced by IWC, the company with the longest experience in making diver’s watches.
2. The IWC Aquatimer makes diving safe and convenient because of its SafeDive and flyback complications.
3. The timepieces have quick-change straps; therefore, the style can be switched to match any outfit.
4. Most of the watches from the collection are not too expensive.
5. Prices for these Aquatimer timepieces appreciate over time, even for vintage models.
Famous Patrons of the IWC Aquatimer
IWC Aquatimer watches impress many people, diver or not. Their fan base even includes famous personalities. Below are some celebrities and sports professionals who wore the timepieces.
Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman, a popular actor from the US TV sitcom Arrested Development, loves theIWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galapagos Islands watch. He once posed for a photograph with his wrist up to showcase the timepiece.
Eric Dane
Eric Dane, an actor known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Charmed, is also a fan of the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galapagos Islands watch. He was seen and photographed wearing the timepiece in several public appearances.
Jürgen Klopp
Jürgen Klopp, retired player and current manager of Germany’s Premier League Club Liverpool, wore the IWC Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital-Date Month Edition during matches. The rare 50th-anniversary watch was photographed when Klopp was celebrating his football team’s wins.
IWC Aquatimer: Always Up for Adventure
Whether for diving, sports, or exercise, IWC Aquatimer watches are well-equipped with the necessary complications. As a result, the models can time the activity accurately and ensure safety, making them the best companions anyone can bring on any adventure.
Editor's Choice
Lloyd Stevens
Editor
IWC Aquatimer Watches
IWC goes on the deep end with their Aquatimer watch. The watch was created for explorers who aren't afraid to go the extra mile. It's durable, reliable and it looks great. The IWC Aquatimer has a quick-change system for it's bracelet so that you're able to swap out your steel bracelet to a rubber strap and change up its look.
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