Slideshow = 14 photos to show this watch in all its angles
+ a video link at the end of this article

A sober diving watch

Based on the new Aquatimer chronograph that came out in 2009, this special series differentiates itself with its colors, materials, and specific engravings.

Let's first take a look at the colors.
This new edition abandons the bright colors (yellow, orange, blue) of the classic IWC Aquatimer range.

The Cousteau now bears a black bezel with a plain white area to demarcate the section between 0 and 15 minutes.

The same idea is used for the dial.
It is now slate grey with a beautiful reflection to it, and has now two subdials which provide the perfect contrast with their midnight blue color.

The midnight blue color is also subtly present in the area around the chronograph's push buttons.
We should point out in passing that the concept is clever and consistent: the push button's color indicate a particular function, with the same color used for the corresponding parts of the dial!

Excellent readability

Also gone are the colored hands from the previous versions of the model: the hands for this new IWC are now white.

But only during the day!
IWC had the great idea (as shown in the slide show photographs) to preserve the colors blue and green for the nighttime display, as a way to bring to light the minutes hand (the most useful one for diving) and the 0-15 minute area on the bezel (corresponding to the average time of a dive without decompression).
It's well designed, and gives a great look to this Aquatimer by night!

One small distinctive feature: the main crown is not made of steel, but rubber, in order to provide a better grip.

Only long-term usage will show if this crown will have the same kind of longevity as a steel one.

This special version also provides us with J.Y. Cousteau's signature just under the date display, as well as an engraving of the Commander's face wearing his legendary hat on the back!

A classy diving watch

For the other parts of the watch, we find all the usual characteristics of the new IWC Aquatimers: a nicely designed sapphire bezel that is easy to grasp with gloves on, an imposing diameter with a straight stature that reinforces that impression, nice big, readable hands - a readability that is aided by the sapphire with its double-sided antiglare coating.

Admittedly, some might complain that this new version has become too posh, and that it has lost the "toolwatch" quality of its predecessors: too classy to be used in a leisure dive without fear of damaging it, and too big to be used as a dress watch...

When all is said and done, it is a good representation of this trend of "lounge" diving watches which for the most part will never see any sea water - maybe just a few drops of champagne in the worst case scenario!

A great production quality

While (as with the older generation models) the water resistance is limited to 120 meters to allow for the use of the chronograph, the push buttons on the other hand should have been made larger.

Indeed they are a little small considering the firm push required to trigger the chronograph.
But most importantly, their small size seems a little out of tune with the esthetic for the rest of the watch, which is more sporty and heavy.
It's unfortunate, but it's not critical!

On the other hand, the clever rapid-change system for the bracelet (under a Cartier license) is particularly well-designed and seems very reliable (see the video).
A real pleasure to handle!

No real surprise regarding the caliber: this watch is equipped with a 79320, derived from the Valjoux 7750.

Sturdy, reliable, and precise, it is also nicely decorated by IWC: circular graining, Côtes de Genève, and immaculate beveling.

Indeed, like all the calibers coming from ETA, IWC customizes them to generate movements that are clean and well-executed.
But you will not be able to take advantage of it because of the solid bottom!

Conclusion

Unlike what is usually the case with many other special series, in this particular case, even if you are not an unconditional fan of Commander Cousteau, you can still be seduced by the simplicity of this version. Especially when the tribute to this great man remains sufficiently discreet so as to easily be forgotten.
You are still left with a beautiful diving chronograph, with an exquisite finish and a good design, that is rather elegant for a sports watch, but which will also meet the challenge of being taken underwater by the those who are a bit more adventurous.

Pros:

• an elegant diving watch
• the quality of the finish
• the system to change the strap

Cons:

• a watch that is a little thick to be truly dressy
• the chronograph's push buttons, undersized relative to the case
• the loss of the "toolwatch" aura

Additional information:

• reviewer/tester's wrist size = 17.5cm
• the advertised price in the manufacturer's spec sheet is the public price in France for this watch at the time of this review's publication on the French version of the website

To watch a video of this IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Cousteau 
(or click HERE if you are unable to see this video):