My current collection is somehow made up of divers only. Its just a preference which I’m still unable to shake off and give others a try; like a pilot or dress or complications watch. So here is my additional divers piece to an already crowded collection. An IWC Aquatimer white dial on rubber, code 329003. Sharing drawer space would be a Tudor Pelagos, Seiko Tuna (Rose Gold), Aquadive GMT (yellow). All equally amazing pieces which I will have a hard time deciding which to dispose of, if it comes to that in the future.
As this is my 1st IWC, I am quite at awe with this brand’s product build, finishing, technology, accuracy, design and heritage (the divers range). Reading and having it in the flesh, is very different. Much praise has been said about IWC, and I agree with a whole lot of it. Initially the pilot chronograph (IWC 3777) was my target, however the flat dial just didn’t make it for me. And a chance sighting of this Aquatimer sealed the deal for me. Some thoughts about it;
Rubber strapWith only 7 buckle holes, my wrist (6.5”) found its comfort on the smallest hole. I am, however, concerned that any wrist size less than that can find a snug fit.
Observing closely at the hole design, they’re shaped on 1 side at an angled 45 degrees. What this does is it lets the buckle pin slot in easily and provide a secure hold thereafter.
Though no vanilla scent was present (eg. Isofrane) neither was there any rubber smell. Its just very well made to smell neutral, no small whatsoever. I appreciate this as a very well produced rubber. The width tapers down slightly (22mm to 20mm) but maintains an almost equal thickness throughout.
Best part about the strap design is the IWC’s quick change system. Its got a custom steel part made by moulding onto the rubber and pin. Bad news, it limits your choice to either IWC’s rubber or bracelet, and Nato style straps to some extent. Good news, its very quick, convenient and an ingenious design. You’ll notice the spring pin that is usually removed during strap change cannot be taken out from its place between the lugs. That’s the downside. I honestly can’t figure out how they made it stuck in there in the first place. Well at least it eliminates the problem of scratching inner lugs during a strap change.
Every rubber strap has a 4 alphabet serial printed below the IWC logo. On its under side, there’s a grooved design ensuring better ventilation and grip with skin, and I suppose better than previous iteration.
Buckle is made with INOX steel, finished in polished underside and brushed topside. There are 2 keepers.
Case & Sapphire glassAt 14mm height, the case has good heft but not overly bulky on the wrist. While a rubber strap is, to me, the best combination for this for its lightness. Whereas the steel bracelet is a solid chunk of metal, I find it adds way too much weight, so I opted for rubber instead.
The vertical brushed sides and polished chamfered edges are very nicely done. Lug edges are not made sharp, they’re made just nice.
Underside has a closed cover with engravings; International Watch Co., Aquatimer, Automatic, 30 Bar, serial number. Simple and easy to read font.
I really like the anti-reflective coating that’s applied on both sides of the convex sapphire glass because it is so clear. Occasionally it looked like nothing is there. Curvature is just barely, not entirely flat but not bulged up like a tummy. Doesn’t show any visual distortion when viewing dial at an angle.
DialAquatimer Automatic range comes with dial that’s in silver or black. On the display cabinet, I also saw the 2016 blue dial version, however the sunburst effect wasn’t as tempting as it looked like in the picture. It is slightly subdued. For an option besides white and black, blue would be a nice match. Just didn’t do it for me.
I found the silver plating more unique than the usual black and matches the stainless steel case very nicely. Applied ‘U’ markers at every 5 minutes give a 3D effect with the rehaut, on the otherwise simple and clean dial. Large hour and minute baton hands fit the divers profile wonderfully, supplied with 2 super luminova colours of green and blue, the glow in the dark is mesmerising. Not sure how long it will last though.
Date display is white if you choose the silver dial and black if its the black dial. Simple idea made effectively. That should be the way, to blend the design seamlessly.
BezelSafeDive system, from IWC, is another well made design utilising a ratchet system (hidden in the 9 o’clock enclosure) that moves the inner bezel in 1 minute increments as you rotate the outer bezel. Being a ratchet style, only counter clockwise will move the inner bezel. Without the previous generation’s bezel design, a flat steel outer bezel gives the look of a large dress watch. Safely going from boardroom to surf board instantly, and looking the part well. Gets addictive too when playing on the bezel. The turns click into place with just enough resistance.
Wearability Despite a long but sharp downward lug, with a flat case back, the watch sits firmly and comfortably on my wrist. The top heavy case with light rubber strap doesn’t feel like a chore when moving the arm. I’m assuming the bracelet may be, as its much heavier altogether.
MovementDespite not supplying an in-house movement, I’m quite alright with that actually, the other components that make up this Aquatimer more than matches the value of this timepiece. An ETA2892/A2 is still a durable and easily serviceable movement.
I understand that IWC buys the 2892 in kit form and assembles with modified/new parts of their own design. Accuracy has been decent, about few seconds +/- a day depending on storage position. Will let it run in a while more. But has been quite close to Pelagos in terms of accuracy.
I like placing timepieces near my ear to hear the seconds or rotor wind. But couldn’t eek any sound from this Aquatimer. Love it.
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