A short while ago, I visited with IWC to get a closer look at the watch I have just been dying to see, the Aquatimer Automatic from SIHH 2014. At a glimpse, this watch isn’t dissimilar to its predecessors, but when actually taking the time to sit down and further examine the watch, the modifications speedily become evident. As with most, if not all, professional diving watches, the case is constructed of super-durable stainless steel and, overall, is rugged in nature. To be honest, it wears a bit loudly on my wrist, but at 42 millimeters in diameter and 14 millimeter in height, it’s ideally sized for a modern dive watch, actually the smallest watch of the Aquatimer collection.

IWC emphasized the implementation of the new SafeDive system: A system in which the inner rotating bezel can only be controlled via the counterclockwise movement of the external rotating bezel, ensuring the prevention of the accidental rotation of the inner bezel. If the inner bezel were to rotate accidentally, this may very well cause the diver to lose track of the dive time. Though this attribute may seem useless when not diving, it can be put to good use in everyday “timing” scenarios. Another feature IWC stressed was the bracelet quick-change system. As the name explains, the bracelet quick-change system helps the wearer quickly change the bracelet by pushing in to two latches underneath the fixed spring bars. And voila, the bracelet popped off and, with ease, I attached the rubber strap. Yep, that’s how easy it was.

IWC emphasized the implementation of the new SafeDive system: A system in which the inner rotating bezel can only be controlled via the counterclockwise movement of the external rotating bezel, ensuring the prevention of the accidental rotation of the inner bezel. If the inner bezel were to rotate accidentally, this may very well cause the diver to lose track of the dive time. Though this attribute may seem useless when not diving, it can be put to good use in everyday “timing” scenarios. Another feature IWC stressed was the bracelet quick-change system. As the name explains, the bracelet quick-change system helps the wearer quickly change the bracelet by pushing in to two latches underneath the fixed spring bars. And voila, the bracelet popped off and, with ease, I attached the rubber strap. Yep, that’s how easy it was.

HANDS-ON: Introducing The IWC Aquatimer Automatic