The New 2022 IWC Aquatimer Watches
Tuesday - 26 July 2022
IWC Schaffhausen has released three new time and date iterations of the popular Aquatimer dive watch for 2022. The new releases are presented in deep blue or black dial colours and come with the option to utilize the company’s quick-change strap system to transition from ocean to office in minutes.
A bit about the IWC Aquatimer
You may own an IWC Aquatimer watch but may not be familiar with its history as a versatile dive watch. Since its inception, the diving tool has been most notable for its internal ring for safely measuring elapsed time whilst underwater. The range extends to models that offer a staggering water resistance of 2000 meters, whilst other high-end models from the collection offer additional functions like a chronograph or perpetual calendar complication. The three new IWC Aquatimer watches that we’re covering here today at Jura Watches were also released alongside a chronograph version which I covered here in a little more detail. For the main part, however, IWC Aquatimer watches, released after 2014 when the collection was revisited, are renowned for their legible dials, robust cases and incredibly reliable movements. One significant difference seen in the newer updated Aquatimer watches from IWC compared to the original models dating back to as early as 1967 is the replacement of the crown used to operate the bezel, which changed to an external bezel feature. In addition to this, newer IWC Aquatimer watches also feature a SafeDive system that prevents the bezel from accidentally adjusting itself whilst underwater.
Some of the most robust three-handed IWC Aquatimer watches are equipped with 2000-meter water resistance. These have been around from as early as the 1980s and include iconic designs like the Aquatimer 2000, which traces its design back to the Porsche Design Ocean 2000 released back in 1982, crafted from lightweight titanium. There are many good reasons to invest in an IWC Aquatimer watch. Besides brand provenance and a guarantee of quality craftsmanship, some models are also special editions, whilst others feature advanced functions like a helium escape valve.
One of the key advantages of the IWC Aquatimer watch is that its core design has changed very little over the years since the first Aquatimer watches were released by IWC Schaffhausen following the surge in popularity in diving gear during the 1960s. Fast forward to some of the company’s most recent releases and the Aquatimer is still as popular now as it was all those decades ago. But some features have been modified since 2014 and this is worth a mention. Aquatimer watches now come fitted with a SafeDive system as part of the internal/external rotating bezel and their straps are integrated with a quick-change system that enables you to switch the look of the Aquatimer up. You can transition between a rubber strap for underwater use, a stainless steel bracelet for office wear, or a NATO-style strap for something more casual at the weekend.
The new IWC Aquatimer watches for 2022
There are three new 42mm Aquatimer watches entering our ranges here at Jura Watches. These are the reference: IW328803 with a black dial and stainless steel bracelet, the reference: IW328802 with a black dial and matching black rubber strap, and the reference: IW328801 with a blue dial and blue rubber strap to match. All three models are crafted from stainless steel with a mix of polished and brushed finishes. They all offer an impressive 300-meter water resistance for plenty of underwater exploration and swimming on the beach. Developed for coastal-goers, explorers, divers and swimmers, there are many uses for the IWC Aquatimer watch. Features like a screw-down crown and a convex sapphire crystal glass front with scratch-resistant properties and a treatment of anti-reflective material applied to both sides of the glass.
The Safe Dive system implemented into the design of the IWC Aquatimer watch ensures the inner bezel only rotates in a counter-clockwise direction so has to eradicate the risk of accidentally extending dive time whilst underwater. To ensure this, a special sliding clutch on the left-hand side of the case is key to this sophisticated system. Despite how easy it is to operate, the bezel on the IWC Aquatimer watch is easy to facilitate. To operate the patented feature, you simply rotate the external steel bezel in the same way you would a normal diver’s bezel. The inner flange, otherwise known as the internal rotating bezel, moves in unison with it. Simply align the minute hand with the zero point on said bezel. As time passes underwater, read off the elapsed time according to how far the minute hand has travelled.
The blue and black dial versions of the new IWC Aquatimer watches are legible, clear and spacious. Both black iterations are adorned with mint green accented luminous material applied to the surface of the central minute hand and the first 15 minutes on the internal bezel. The rest of the minute and hour markers, together with the central hour and second hands remain in a bright white hue. The blue dial version features all white elements. At the 3 o’clock location, a date resides behind a matching blue or black background. All elements on the dial are protected by the watch’s convex sapphire crystal glass front.
Inside the case of the new Aquatimer watches by IWC Schaffhausen for 2022 is the Calibre 32111, which produces a 120-hour power reserve once fully wound and performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement comprises 164 individual components and 21 jewels. Decorated with Cotes de Geneve and perlage finishes, this reliable movement ensures ultimate precision, day and night. Lastly, the rubber strap and stainless steel options come complete with the company’s quick-change strap system for alternating with other options from IWC’s innovative strap range.
If you’d like more information on the new IW328803, IW328802 and IW328801 watches, you can check out further features in more detail here online, or call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453.
