Aquatimer owners from all generations.

First post, let's do this.

So I'm considering an Aquatimer, likely an IW329002, once I flip my Seamaster chrono. The quality, difference of appearance, engineering, and under-the-radar status of this piece really is attractive to me. Where I work/live, the submariner is so incredibly common that it's quite the turn-off to that line of sports watch and company. What I'd like to ask is this: What do current owners of Aquatimers like best about their watches? What do you like the least? Have people had good experiences with service and customer service? And finally, if you're interested in doing so, share some photos! All in all, how does the Aquatimer fit into your lives as owners?

Thanks all!

I have owned a number of Aquatimers from different generations and have posted some pictures for you below. I still own the first and the last; others left home to live with other admirers. My favorite is the 3536 (first photo), because of the understated look and the fact that nobody does titanium like IWC.

I found each to be great every day sport watches that can take a licking and still look and run great. I never had a bit of trouble with any of them. The only issue I ever had was on the first Cousteau. I found the original rubber strap to be hot and uncomfortable. I replaced it with a bracelet and had a watch I still regret selling. In fact, I owned that model twice, sold it twice, and wouldn't mind trying again!

Aquatimers are great basic IWC's. I think it would be hard to go wrong with an Aquatimer (or any other IWC!)

The 3536 and the Aquatimer 2000 are on my radar as far as prospective acquisitions. My current seamaster chrono is titanium and, from the photos, I can tell that it may not be up to the quality the IWC has. This is partially why I'm drawn to this brand: the build quality. I've also been to Schaffhausen a few times on my way to Basel and to Milan, so having a watch made just down the road from where I'm stationed is really quite cool in my mind.

Your photos look great! 3536 and Aquatimer 2000 are my top two favorites, but the IW329002 might wear better on my wrist at 42mm. Granted, the 2mm difference between the 44mm 2000 and 42mm IW329002 is really a very small distance...So I may not even notice it. The really big question for me, concerning those models, is black or white dial? They both look excellent and white-dialed sports watches are also things you don't see everyday. I like the appeal of that exclusivity that you just don't seem to get with other brands.

Thanks again for sharing, WHICHWATCH. I really appreciate it.

Fantastic response and I agree 100% with Dick's post.
I love my Aquatimer although it's a little old now ;o)
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I think there is a lot of good reasons to love the current line of Aquatimers. I think it is very understated, yet a very rugged and utilitarian watch to wear for all occasions.

If you are moving from a seamaster chrono to it, I would recommend looking at the Aquatimer Chronos using in-house movement with flyback functions. Perhaps the bronze one or the new Galapagos limited edition.

One un-documented feature of the current aquatimer watches is that it not only provides you with a strap/bracelet quick-change system, but also allows you to put on any aftermarket straps (as it has a regular spring-bar for you to put on regular straps). Getting some custom-made leather straps for it would give it a very distinct look and character. I highly recommend it.

According to my opinion the highlights are the 376706 and the 371928.

I love my Aquatimers and have to say that my customer service experience regarding them has been terrific.

It's good to hear that customer service is good. Swatch group is a big company with lots to manage so their customer service/customer relations departments have slipped for me from time to time. I understand that it's a lot to manage on their part, but that shouldn't mean your relations and service are sub-par. I'm very excited to get into the IWC community, as it appears to be a great group of folks and collectors.

Love my AT's.

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Ah Aquatimers - the very first good mechanical watch I was interested in was this Aquatimer 3548 in steel:

Next one was the black and yellow 3568:

It features the very clever strap system and I happily switched between rubber and the steel bracelet.

One day I found the corresponding Chrono 3767 on ebay - one of the best bargains in my watch history.

This one also shows a second nature on the bracelet.

I wanted to have a titanium watch for a long time and so the 3538 found it´s way on my wrist. A really impressive watch. Being only 42 mm in diameter and not that high it withstands a pressure of 200 (!) bar. No need for helium escape valves or other potential weak points in the construction. That is a true toolwatch. I oftentimes wonder why the current 2000m model has to be a whopping 48mm in diameter and build as high as a can of tuna to just achieve the same result.

And to make the trifecta of Aquatimers of the 2004 generation complete I recently sourced a 3548 Cousteau which I really admire. It has one of the nicest blue dials IWC ever made.

And once again on the bracelet:

That´s my Aquatimer story so far - next on my list is the current 3290 Cousteau model. And a 3767 Galapagos. And most of all the 3231 VC - Jarrods pic just blew me away again... :-)

Lovely Jochen :o)

The Ref 812 Aquatimer from 1967. The first generation.

All of these are so excellent! Now it's hard to choose which one I want most...

I mean I guess there are worse problems to have?

Most of the ones people showing you can no longer be purchased new...

anyway, I love mine. Here is one of them:

The readability and lume on these is just fantastic. I've been a watch aficionado for a few years now and only when I got stationed in Germany and had traveled to Schaffhausen did I really look into IWC. I feel like I've been missing out on this company and their excellent timepieces.

I'm surprised by the responses. Lots of examples and good guidance in a pretty short amount of time. This is definitely the way I want to go with my new-found interest in IWC.

On a side note, this thread was featured on the IWC Facebook page. Seemed cool to see something I've participated in be highlighted! Again, thanks for all the advice and photos! I love it all and still need to decide which one to go after, new or used. They all look so good!

The legibility is just second to none on yours. Being able to read my watch when I wake up in the middle of the night is a must. Great photo and thanks!

I must admit that photo was taken in a very special event. I was at an aquarium/ocean world type of place on a very sunny day. I walked into some dark places underneath ground level, after my watch being exposed to direct sunlight for a couple of hours.

Just thought I would clarify.

For the record, this was my old post, featuring the photo which I showed you: link to my old post...

Saw this thread being featured on the IWC Instagram page and figured it was high time I registered – particularly after having just taken delivery of a 3290. There are lots of flavors of the AT, but I think the current iteration is the best proportioned, and the best mix of IWC's classic and modern design elements. Plus, I'm also a serial strap-changer, and the fixed bars on the 3290 gave me the best chance to wear it on more than just the factory rubber or bracelet.

Have always been drawn to the brand – affiliation with modern ocean conservationism (which feels genuine and not a smokescreen or PR stunt), exceptional build quality, and after-sales support reputation. The latter of which, was affirmed recently upon visiting the flagship boutique in NYC. Really great folks working there, and a genuinely awesome place to start a connection with the brand.