Pre-SIHH 2016:IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano

Not so long ago, at the SIHH 2014, IWC renewed one of their collections, the iconic, sporty and dive-oriented Aquatimer. That’s the way to do at IWC for the SIHH: renewing entirely a family to have a complete coherent collection. Last year was the Portugeiser, 2013 the Ingenieur and 2012 the Pilot watches. For the SIHH 2016, IWC has some new Aquatimer watches to show us, but do not worry, this is not the SIHH 2016 highlight but just some new editions. The design you have known for two years is still on board, just with new colors and styles. Here are the new members of the IWC Aquatimer family.

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano

The IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano” (Ref. IW379505)

This first edition is based on the chronograph version – not the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau that we reviewed here, that is equipped with a Valjoux 7750 – and is a limited edition of 500 pieces. It features the IWC manufacture 89365-calibre movement, with a flyback function and 68 hours of power reserve with automatic winding (an equivalent movement can be found in the IWC Portuguese Chronograph Classic). This chronograph is operational up to 300m.

The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano” pays tribute to the Charles Darwin Foundation, to preserve the Galapagos archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. This limited-edition timepiece is dedicated to the La Cumbre volcano on the island of Fernandina, which explains the selected colors: a 44mm stainless steel case coated with matt black rubber, an internal rotating bezel (actuated by a clever mechanism explained here) with red accents and a matching matt black dial with white hands and indexes. Part of the proceeds from sales is used to support the Charles Darwin Foundation.