December 21, 2015: Watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen has added three new members to its diver’s watch family. The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano”, limited to 500 pieces, is dedicated to the eponymous volcano in the Galapagos Islands. The Aquatimer Automatic 2000 will now be available in an eye-catching black-and-yellow combination. Finally, the Aquatimer Automatic Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau” is the latest special edition produced in honour of the French scuba-diving pioneer.
The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano” features the IWC manufactured 89365-calibre movement. Water-resistant to 30 bar, the chronograph has a flyback function, automatic winding and a power reserve of 68 hours. This in-house development from IWC combines the legibility of an internal rotating dive ring with the ease of use of an external bezel.
Since 2009, the company has been working as partner of the Charles Darwin Foundation to preserve this fragile ecosystem and its fascinating biodiversity. The limited-edition timepiece is dedicated to the La Cumbre volcano on the island of Fernandina. The internal rotating bezel, central seconds and minute hand of the chronograph display are dark red in colour to symbolize seething magma. The engraving on the case back shows the volcano erupting. The stainless-steel case is coated with matte black rubber, which gives the watch its singular feel. Every case is individually pressure- and heat-bonded with the rubber. Part of the proceeds from sales is used to support the Charles Darwin Foundation.
IWC Schaffhausen’s Aquatimer Automatic 2000 now comes with yellow hands and numerals and a black dial. Water-resistant to 2,000 metres, the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is a serious piece of equipment for divers. Its power comes from an IWC-manufactured 80110-calibre movement with automatic winding and a 44-hour power reserve. The movement is housed in a 46-mm titanium case. The engraving of a deep-sea diver on the case back and the black rubber strap complete the overall sporty look.
With the Aquatimer Automatic Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau”, IWC continues its series of special editions in honour of the French diving pioneer and oceanographer. As a partner of the Cousteau Society, the Schaffhausen-based watch manufacturer contributes to the restoration of Cousteau’s famous research vessel, the Calypso, among other things. The watch has a stunning, deep blue dial and the design is unmistakably purist. The engraving on the stainless steel case back shows “le Commandant” Jacques-Yves Cousteau with his trademark beanie. Water-resistant to 30 bar, the timepiece has automatic winding and a power reserve of 42 hours.
All three watches have an external/internal rotating bezel to set the dive time. The IWC SafeDive system ensures that the inner ring can be moved only anti-clockwise. The luminescent coating on the hands, numerals and internal rotating bezel guarantee optimum legibility under water.
