Wenger Aquagraph Watch Range Review
Wednesday - 15 February 2012
Pop open the September 2010 issue of “International Watch” and you’ll see some of Wenger’s fine Swiss pieces prominently displayed. Two pieces grace the pages: the Aquagraph and the Aquagraph Tide.
The latter, the Tide, is what’s known as a “Yacht Timer.” This is a relatively small niche, and it requires a specialised watch for its specific needs. The intricacies of racing demand something different. In a regatta, yachts approach the starting line even before the gun goes off. The intent is to cross the starting line with momentum, at precisely the right time. If a boat crosses too early, it counts as a false start, and if it crosses after the signal, then it gives an edge to its competitors. The Aquagraph Tide helps to optimise this situation. An alert is issued every minute before the start of the race, as well as at intervals of ten seconds within the final minute. Moreover, the piece is attractive: nautically-themed in a array of red, white, and blue.
Its cousin is the Aquagraph, a diving watch that will stand up to some serious pressure: 1,000 metres worth. That’s a depth of 3,300, well over half a mile. You can also think of that as 100 atmospheres. Few watches are manufactured with the ability to endure these crushing forces. Affordably priced at USD $500, it comes in an eye-pleasing colour scheme: a stainless steel bracelet, a red rotating bezel, and a black face with white reserved for the markings. You’re actually offered a choice when it comes to the strap: selecting the rubber option will lower the overall cost of the piece by $100. Of course, under the case is a hardy Swiss quartz movement.
It’s wonderful to see two such unique pieces receive some attention. The Aquagraph Tide reveals the crucial edge that a quality timepiece can add to a race, while the Aquagraph demonstrates structural ruggedness at its very best.
