The Breitling Watch Source Forums

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???

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SHARKMAN

Beautiful watch, I love the yellow accents. I would love to see a lume shot of that bad boy. The quick strap change & link system is very cool. I wish Breitling had an ounce of innovativeness in their bones to bring something like this into their design. Why do I have a feeling this won't be your last IWC???

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I believe it's proprietary Cartier. IWC is licensing it.

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SHARKMAN

I like that all 3 subdials aren't silver, I like the look of the dual silver subs and one black sub. I also like the bracelet a lot; the edges are brushed and the center is polished...similar to the Rolex style. Very nice all around.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

beautiful iwc there sharky. Im more partial to the non chrono version, but this is still a great looking watch.


As serge said, I would love to see a lume shot.

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

Beautiful watch Shark, and a nice addition to your collection.

Add your pics to the thread, John.

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SHARKMAN

Here you go...












I will try to get a lume shot. The 2-tone lume is really cool, and very bright.

I hate you two guys... I start a thread about IWC v Breitling a few days ago and you both come on here with IWCs this week.....while my deal falls through!! Grrrrrrrr.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

john, now THATS what i'm talking about. that baby is gorgeous. Best of luck to you and tom with your new pieces.


Tom, I feel like every week I grow more and more jealous of your collection because of its rapid growth rate. I'm green with envy.

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

Expect a fire sale!

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SHARKMAN

I'm a fresh college grad looking for work and still saving for my first "luxury time piece". Talk to me when you have a give-away! lol

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

I got my paypal website open and ready to fire off some funds to the shark. LETS MAKE A DEAL!!

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Great pick-up sharkman, it's a really nice watch. Love the lume on it too.

Now that you got a new dive watch I can think of a certain Omega that should be in my house next to your old BB.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."