One of the coolest watches out there and one of our favorite almost blacked out timepieces is the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galápagos Islands Edition ref. IW376705. This timepiece is the first watch in the industry to be fully coated in rubber since the release of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad that came out in 2002 with only its bezel coated in rubber. The Aquatimer Chronograph Galápagos features a 44 mm stainless steel vulcanized in black rubber making it a totally stealthy watch. Released in 2009, this watch made a statement about a new partnership for the environment when IWC signed an agreement with the Charles Darwin Foundation.
For fifty years now, the foundation has raised awareness about the uniqueness of the Galápagos Islands, to ensure that its flora and fauna remain protected. A large portion of the proceeds from the sale of this watch —at the time—, were donated to the foundation by IWC. Today, IWC continues this partnership with the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition 'Galapagos Islands' ref. IW379502 and the Aquatimer Chronograph '50 Years Science for Galapagos' ref. IW379504 with the same type of rubber-coated case construction but with a bigger case —45 mm—, redesigned bezel system and new calibre.
Undergoing a complex vulcanization process, the stainless steel case is matte black rubber-coated along with its Chrono pushers and crown. Secured by a black rubber strap with a pin buckle, this is the first Aquatimer watch to also features the quick-change strap system that allows the wearer to switch straps within seconds. Its bezel in black and white is very easy to read and easy to manipulate.
Water-resistant to 120 meters, the unidirectional rotating bezel of the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galápagos Islands Edition is made of sapphire crystal and fully coated underneath with superluminova. A combination of green, blue and yellow superluminova make the watch a joy to read under low light conditions.
The solid case back in stainless steel with vulcanized black rubber features a medallion with an engraving of the endangered Galápagos giant tortoise, which is the largest living species of tortoise —up to 417 kilograms in weight— and exclusive to this archipelago.
Approximate Sticker Price $4,500-5,000 USD —based on the condition and availability of boxes and papers. Price for the new IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galápagos Islands Edition Sticker Price $10,600 USD. For more info on IWC click here.
