Deep Two bezel: which watch does it remind you of?

It's a handsome watch and I would love to own it - and it's great to see a mechanical depth gauge back on the menu after the problems associated with the Deep One - but I can't help thinking that the Deep Two's knurled black and silver bezel makes it look more like a Rolex Sea-Dweller than a member of the Aquatimer family. This isn't a criticism...to be honest I have always preferred diving watches with a knurled external rotating bezel. But it's funny how so many manufacturers end up building a dive watch with a resemblance to a Rolex.

Deep Two bezel: which watch does it remind you of?

i don't see that myself. it's chunkier and more masculine than the rolex

Isn't it just 'form follows function'? (nt)

You need to see the watch in person, and....

the reason for the rotating bezel had to do with IWC's tests underwater. They really wanted to produce an "extreme" (my word) tool watch.

They found that with gloves on the crowns were harder to use that a bezel. It had nothing to do with trying to resemble a Rolex.

Also, the reason few Deep Ones were produced were not problems --although admittedly the Spring could distort if used beyond specifications-- but cost.

Regards,
Michael

I'm not so sure

There are many dive watches with an uncanny resemblance to the Rolex - but there are also many very practical ones which look completely different. (For example the Tag Heuer Super Professional.) I can't help wondering whether IWC is a little jealous of the Sea Dweller's enduring success.

I'm sure...

Attirbuting psychological jealosy (especially to a corporation) really is speculation. But I can tell you that

--the basic design of the line --starting with the Aquatimer 2000-was based on the GST Aquatimer

--a primary goal was to make an "extreme" tool watch --I'll explain more over the next several days about design decisions, technical characteristics, etc.

--the rotating bezel design was based on tests showing it worked better with gloves (that's why there's indents too)

--there was no intent to be different or not different from anyone, other than to produce a utilitarian product consistent with IWC's heritage (that's after talking to the project manager but not a diurect quote)

Regrads,
Michael

I would love to see more pictures of it

especially one in the dark with the backround lighting on the bezel in action. I think all the new Aquatimers are all highly desirable. It will be interesting to see the pricing of the Deep Two. Sadly in this economy I won't be able to afford it.

The chronograph seems like quite an achievement - usually a diving chrono has cumbersome protection to the pushers, but the IWC ones look very elegant, even though they can go to 12 bar, which I think is 400 feet.

Personal opinion: AT have their own identity

Obviously, need to see them live but really don't look like Rolex SD or DS and - sincerely - Aquatimer look nicer.

Regards

Roberto

With due respect, you're wrong

The parentage goes back to the GST Aquatimer (grand-parentage). I welcome return to a great design.

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Thanks Michael

I don't want to cause offence...I'm sure if we see more photos of the Deep Two we will appreciate it's individual character more.

But I can't help thinking that the new bezel design just doesn't really look much like an IWC tool watch. The indents on it don't have the uber-practical look - they seem very soft and rounded, especially in polished steel.

I couldn't take a photo of the Deep Two...

..since the prototype was outside the factory being photographed for the catalog.

On the bezel, I'm not a diver and therefore not in the best position to evaluate. When I played with it for a few minutes it worked really well. I think we'll have to wait until some collectors try the watch and can compare it.

Regards,
Michael