For this week's visit I thought that it would be nice to head back to le monde du silence and take a look at an exceedingly rare piece in IWC's catalog...
(The Flagship Boutique's 'underwater' vault)
The piece in question is none other than the Aquatimer Chronograph ref. 3769-05 (MSRP: $21.9K). While this isn't a limited edition piece, it is quite limited in production; if you've seen one in the wild, consider yourself lucky.
Yes, this watch is a bit of an odd duck. I mean, who in their right mind is going to take what amounts to a $22K watch into the briny deep? Good question, yet as with all Aquatimers, this watch is more than capable of wreck diving on the Andria Doria should the owner decide to bring it along. It's water-resistant to 120M (remember, all you need is 100M to pass muster with ISO certifications), and what's more, the chronograph can be operated under water, which lends itself to timing bottom time or decompression stops. As with the other Aquatimers, it glows like Chernobyl in the dark.
So, what separates this Aquatimer from Aquatimers past and present? Well, as you may have noticed, it's crafted out of red gold, so there's that. The case hews to the same design as its stainless steel counterparts, but thanks to its use of this noble metal it positively oozes luxury. Naturally, the finishing is exceptional, with perfectly linear brushed lugs and case sides coupled with bevels that are polished to a mirror-like finish. In a word, it's gorgeous. Ordinarily I'm not a fan of precious metals on what amount to tool watches, but I'd make an exception for this beauty. The dial is also worth a closer look, thanks to its checkered, wave-like pattern, which at first blush appears to be carbon fiber. The way that it captures the light and winks in and out of sight is mesmerizing.
(note the rubber elements on the crown and pushers)
(yup, the buckle is gold as well; there is no bracelet option, which is probably a good thing, since the wearer would go straight to the bottom were one offered)
And what of the movement? Those versed in the brand will recognize a dial layout endemic to the c.89000 family of in-house chronographs. This is another first for the contemporary Aquatimer line, which up until now has relied exclusively on outsourced, albeit massaged movements from ETA and even JLC (the Deep One). Like the other chronographs in this series, the c. 89361 is a column-wheel design with a flyback function and a generous 68-hour power reserve. It is capable of recording aggregate times of up to 12 hours.
(Apologies for my iPhone's inability to take proper macro shots; this really is an attractive movement)
So, what's the verdict? Well, as always, that I don't make nearly enough money. For the lucky few who manage to put this diver on their wrists they will be rewarded with a watch that its equal parts beauty and beast. It's luxurious without being ostentatious, and should the need arise, it can take its lumps beneath the waves with the best of them. No, it's not cheap, and yet all things considered -- top-level in-house movement, solid gold case -- you do wind up with a lot of watch for the money. I, for one, am smitten.
After making the necessary apologies for missing my appointment last week (I had to show Patrick pics and videos from my son's tae kwan do exhibition before he would agree to sit with me), it was smooth sailing as always. Andre was kind enough to discuss the new Ingenieur line, as well as some upcoming pieces that have yet to be unveiled (you won't be disappointed, trust me); Patrick, after conceding that perhaps my time was better spent with my family last week, took time out of his busy schedule to show me the ref. 3769 (and endure my rhapsodic exclamations as I pawed it incessantly); and finally, the lovely Liana came downstairs to say hello and catch up with her favorite visitor (that would be me, BTW).
Basically, it was business as usual. But with an extra piece of chocolate.
After I finished my customary espresso...
(Patrick wanted me to make sure that everyone knows that he gave me THREE chocolates this time)
...and paid my respects to Nigel, the man who keeps me honest (i.e. prevents me from pulling a runner with the piece du jour), it was time to brave the elements and trek back to the office and file my report.
- craniotes