The new IWC Aquatimer 2000 ref. 358002 is one of our favorite watches from the new Aquatimer collection. Fitted with a very robust and thick titanium case measuring now 46 mm in diameter —instead of 44 mm as its predecessor— and 20.5 mm in thickness, this new watch is definitely an upgrade from the previous Aquatimer 2000. Rated to a depth of a 2000 meters, this beautiful watch is fitted with a black dial, a rugged rubber strap and now with an in-house automatic movement calibre 80110 with 28 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound.

This watch just like all the other new Aquatimers, is fitted with a chunky external rotating bezel that can be adjusted easily even when wearing gloves and, as the name SafeDive system suggests, offers the diver a very high level of security. Something that we have not explained on earlier posts regarding the new Aquatimers, is that what appears to be a second crown or valve on the left side of the case, is actually the drive wheel and drive pinion for the new SafeDive bezel system. In order to guarantee uncompromised water resistance, the watch is fitted with a solid case back with the only one motif that was thought appropriate for engraving: the classic diving helmet worn by deep-sea divers.

The 2014 Aquatimer collection from IWC Schaffhausen comes with inspired technical features, even more in-house calibres and a patented IWC bracelet quick-change system. The prototype was built in 1982 as a watch for mine clearance divers and designed by the legendary Ferdinand A. Porsche. The version for non-military use, the Ocean 2000, was the first watch with a pressure-resistance of 200 bar and was much coveted by collectors. Subsequent models, namely the GST Aquatimer and the Aquatimer Automatic 2000, were one thing above all: first-class diving instruments for professionals and ambitious amateurs. The new Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is a reliable backup system, even for the most exacting underwater missions.

Sticker Price $10,100 USD. For more info on IWC click here.