IWC | Aquatimer Split-Minutes Chronograph

IWC

Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph

Text by OPENERS

IWC first ventured into dive watches with the "Aquatimer" in 1967. Its specifications were robust from the start, featuring 200m water resistance and a rotating inner bezel on the original model. This was followed in '82 by the "Ocean 2000," a titanium diver's watch capable of extreme depths with 2000m water resistance, and in '99 by the "GST Deep One," which incorporated the first mechanical diving depth gauge.

With its overwhelming technical prowess, IWC rapidly became a leading brand in the field of dive watches. Then, in 2004, it unveiled the "Aquatimer," bearing the same name as the original model, after careful preparation.

The current "Aquatimer" model name is not only a portmanteau of "aqua" (water) and "timing" but also signifies the culmination and further development of the technological advancements cultivated since the first model, including its rotating inner bezel. Among these, the "Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph," with its 12 bar water resistance, particularly astonished the watchmaking world.

At first glance, the hands on the dial appear similar to those of a conventional chronograph for standard time display. However, the automatic Caliber 79470 conceals an astonishing performance. By operating a switch located at the 9 o'clock position on the case side, the split-minute hand, normally hidden by the minute hand, performs stop, flyback, and restart functions.

This allows for the measurement of elapsed time for ascent or decompression adjustments, separate from tracking dive duration. When combined with the inner bezel, which can be operated by the crown coaxial with the chronograph reset button, multiple elapsed times can also be measured. With this world-first function, IWC once again etched a new achievement into the history of dive watches.

Automatic winding. 28,800 vibrations per hour. 44-hour power reserve. Case diameter 44mm. Case thickness 16.3mm. Titanium case. 12 bar water resistance. Titanium bracelet (¥1,254,750). Rubber strap (¥1,123,500).

BRAND HISTORY
IWC (International Watch Company) is a brand founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, located along the German border. He aimed to introduce the automation already in practical use in America to the Swiss watch industry, striving for more efficient and refined watchmaking.

It is said that Jones chose Schaffhausen as the founding location due to the presence of a large power generation facility established by Johann Heinrich Moser at the time. However, the strategic advantage of its location along the German border contributed to the brand's characteristic of producing robust, high-quality timepieces.

IWC's most rapid growth was linked to the development of the aviation industry. Notably, the "Pilot's Watch," developed in the 1930s, was officially adopted by the British Royal Air Force, as well as the German and Austrian militaries during World War II, becoming the aspiration of pilots worldwide.

Subsequently, the company continued to develop unique mechanisms such as the Pellaton automatic winding system and a perpetual calendar that displays dates up to the year 2499. It also introduced popular series like the anti-magnetic "Ingenieur," the "Portugieser" inspired by its own pocket watches, and the deep-diving "Aquatimer," earning widespread acclaim from watch enthusiasts globally.

Founding Year: 1868
Place of Founding: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Main Series: Ingenieur, Aquatimer, Portugieser, Da Vinci
Inquiries: IWC 03-3288-6359

Official Website: https://www.iwc.com/