As requested by a couple fellows, here is the updated IWC Aquatimer Chrono. I had a tough time choosing between the chrono and 2000m version. Opted for the bracelet (will get the rubber strap next week). Because my preferred AD was out of these for 8 weeks, my only other local choice was Tourneau in Scottsdale – perhaps the most singularly annoying buying experience yet - from utter lack of any helpful knowledge to trying to shove down my throat their $500 protection plan. Other than to pick up the strap next week, I will never grace that place again.
The watch is big and bold. The bezel is sapphire crystal capped and is flat. It only has 60 clicks, but is without any play. The lume is bright and bi-colored – the white areas glow blue and the yellow, including small second hand, predictably shine yellow. The subs are done with circular guilloche. Metal surrounds at 6 and 12 subs would have been a nice touch. The minute ring and area around the day/date is raised. Overall the dial is at 3 levels and nicely done.
The crystal is slightly cambered. It is double AR coated but be warned it still pics up a fair amount of glare and the bezel crystal more so.
At this price point it’s a re-worked ETA movement that is keeping good time.
The edges of the bezel are polished SS. The case is all brushed except the outside edges and points of the lugs.
Bracelet is brushed/polished and really quite thin. Thus it has a bit of a tinny feel to it. It does not taper. Clasp is single fold with push button release.
The bracelet can be removed in 2 seconds via the quick release mechanism. The links can be replaced or removed with nothing more than 2 toothpicks or paper clips. I took one side of the bracelet off the case, removed a link, reset the bracelet into the case, and had it back on my arm in under 60 seconds. Pretty slick. Of course I had to Google it to figure it out in the first place since the Tourneau sales bimbo could tell me nothing. All you do is depress the small dimple on the underside of the link (I used a paper clip at my office desk) and then insert a pusher, paper clip, toothpick into the pin to be removed and it slides out just like that. Pretty slick.
This watch accommodates ONLY the IWC bracelet and closed end rubber strap. No after market options due to the quick release system.
In the end – it’s the colors of my alma mater. What choice did I have???
