The Aquatimer line has been for 40 years the synonym of sober and sturdy dive watches that privilege functionality before estheticism: the 2009 line has been entirely reviewed, we will see if this new collection keeps its promises.

Overview

With a 1970's look, IWC surfs on the general tendency of the neo-retro style.

Since its handover, something stands out: the alternation between the polished and brushed surfaces, the sharp angles... The coating of the case is gorgeous !

The push-buttons of the chronometer are not screwed but they can be used under water.
Nevertheless, they reduce the maximum waterproofness only to 120m instead of 2000m for the “basic” Aquatimer, which is a bit tight for free diving...

The movement is a modified, robust and accurate ETA 7750. You should not have to look for a watchmaker in between two atolls during your holidays overseas.

The 2009 newness

The major novelty is the external bezel with luminescent numerals covered with non-scratchable sapphire.
It is beautiful.

Another innovation, the system that allows changing the strap without tools in less than 10 seconds: it is absolutely stunning of easiness and efficiency !

The new hands are gorgeous but the dial and the numerals, which have also been modified, sparkle like a disco-ball...
Be careful not to afraid the fishes !

Wearing it

The watch is very comfortable to wear and the rubber strap is a delight.

The weakness of this Aquatimer remains the readability : the over garnished dial, the reflections and the absence of markers for the quarters on the bezel do not allow an instant reading. Even if the night reading remains descent thanks to the luminescent elements...

The generous dimensions and the shimmering colors of the watch restrain it to sport outfit exclusively.
If you do not go to work in a swimsuit or a hiking outfit, the Aquatimer is clearly not meant to go with you to the office.

Conclusion

The Aquatimer chrono is a pretty good watch : the quality of its manufacture and the finishing are excellent.
But it seems to neglect functionality in order to bet on a very (too much?) typed look that makes it not really multitask. 

If you are looking for a dive watch while your budget is not that high, there are other more convincing alternatives in the IWC catalogue, such as the Aquatimer 200, which offers, for 1000€ less, the same quality of manufacture, a better reading and a 2000 m water resistance...

The + :

• the finishing of the case/quality of manufacture
• reliability of the movement
• comfort
• the system to change the straps

The – :

• diurnal readability
• water resistance too tight
• multitasking

Further information :

• journalist's wrist size = 17 cm