This year at SIHH, IWC debuted a completely redesigned Aquatimer collection. The Aquatimer is the brand’s dive watch line that originally dates back to 1967. In addition to meeting all of the ISO 6425 dive watch requirements, two features which set the 2014 Aquatimers apart from other dive watches, are its new patented bracelet quick-change system and new internal/external dive bezel with sliding clutch.

Each year, IWC Schaffhausen, one of the powerhouse brands within the Richemont group, creates an incredible SIHH booth to highlight their newest watches, typically focusing exclusively on one new collection. This being the year of the Aquatimer, naturally, there was an underwater theme — which included beautiful scenes from the Galapagos Island as the backdrop.

Entrance to IWC booth at SIHH 2014

To help preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, IWC supports and sponsors the Charles Darwin Foundation and its research organization, which adopts a scientific approach to the challenges on the Galapagos. Furthermore, IWC also supports the Cousteau Society, which dedicates itself to continuing the research work of Jacques Cousteau (1910–1997) and the preservation of the world’s seas. IWC is also launching four special editions in support of the work of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Cousteau Society.

Aquatimer Automatic and Aquatimer 2000

The new Safe Dive external/internal rotating bezel rotates in steps of one minute and has the advantage of not being exposed to elements such as dirt or salt water, yet it is still controlled by an outside bezel, like on the majority of dive watches. A sliding clutch system connects the two bezel rings by the rotation of the external bezel being transmitted to the inside of the case and the internal bezel. For safety reasons, the internal bezel only moves counter-clockwise. When you rotate the outside bezel counter-clockwise, the inside bezel moves counter-clockwise, in unison. However, when you rotate the outside bezel clockwise, the inside bezel does not move, which is a safety measure to make sure that the internal bezel cannot be moved backwards during a dive.

Side View of IWC Aquatimer Automatic

On each Aquatimer, the bracelet is attached to the locking bar from above and locks into place audibly. To release it, the locking lever is pressed outward with the thumb and the bracelet pushed upward to disengage it. This patented quick-change system allows the wearer to effortlessly change between a rubber and steel strap, for example, without a tool.

In total, fifteen new Aquatimer references were launched at SIHH 2014. Below, we give you a basic breakdown of each.

Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month

IWC’s Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month is a highly technical dive watch the comes in a massive 49 mm x 19 mm titanium case, with a black rubber coating, and an 18K red gold bezel and caseback. On top of the “SafeDive” system which comes on all 2014 Aquatimer models, this model comes with a perpetual calendar, with a large double-digit displays for both date and month. Along with a leap year display, stopwatch with flyback function and small seconds at 6 o’clock. Limited to 50 watches. $56,300 (Ref. IW379401)

IWC Aquatimer Deep Three “Depth Gauge”

IWC’s third generation timepiece with a mechanical depth gauge is the Aquatimer Deep Three. It comes in a 46 mm x 16.5 mm titanium case, with a split indicator that displays a maximum depth to 50 meters. $19,100 (Ref. IW355701)

IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000

The Aquatimer Automatic 2000 comes in a 46 mm by 20.5 mm titanium case and is water-resistant to 2,000 meters. Its titanium case and minimalist design are reminiscent of another iconic IWC model: the Ocean 2000, created by Ferdinand A. Porsche in 1982. The Aquatimer Automatic 2000 features the IWC-manufactured 80110 calibre with Pellaton winding system. $10,100 (Ref. IW358002)

Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands”

In support the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Cousteau Society, IWC created four limited edition models. The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos” $11,200 (Ref. IW379504) in a black rubber coated stainless steel case, the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” $11,100 (Ref. IW379502) in a black rubber coated stainless steel case, the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” $11,100 (Ref. IW379503) in a bronze case and the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Jacques- Yves Cousteau” in stainless steel. $7,200 (Ref. IW376805). All four limited editions measure 44 mm x 17 mm.

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph

The Aquatimer Chronographs come in a 44 mm x 17 mm stainless steel cases and are water-resistant to 300 meters. $7,000 with a rubber strap, $8,000 with a steel bracelet. (Refs. IW376801/IW376802/IW376803/IW376804).

IWC Aquatimer Automatic

Presented in a stainless steel case measuring 42 mm x 14 mm, is the Aquatimer Automatic comes, which is the smallest and most affordable of the new collection with a starting price point around five thousand dollars. According to IWC, “The purist design of the dial leans heavily on that of the first Aquatimer of 1967, but offers a more contemporary interpretation.” The three hand diver is available in four versions, with a black or silver-plated dial, complemented by a matching black rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. $5,750 with a rubber strap, $6,750 with a steel bracelet. (Refs. IW329001/IW329002/IW329003/IW329004)

Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month caseback

In summary, the 2014 IWC Aquatimer collection, with its new styling, slick Safe Dive internal/external dive bezel, and innovative tool-less strap change system — emerges as an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and distinctive Swiss made dive watch.