The new blue/orange/white Aquatimer...
I just saw CAD pics of that version recently. I really like my original "Cousteau" Aquatimer, because I really like the colors of that version. The blue and orange go together well. I think this would be appealing for the same reason.
Gold Vintage Portofino Moonphase-
the update of a classic watch. A subtle redo of the simplicity of the original 5251 captured along with the enahancment of a new in-house movement. Another classic, not a trendy copy.
Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month
I think this is the watch of the year 2009 because:
In one sentence: it is a true new IWC, completely IWC: in my opinion no watch with an ETA-movement should be IWC watch of the year.
Kind regards,
Paul, wearing the no-winner Saint Exupery Chrono with ETA movement (still beautiful and well running)
winner: Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Galapagos
The IWC Edition Galapagos Islands must win because it is as beautiful on your wrist as it states the beauty of the collaboration between IWC and the Charles Darwin Foundationto preserve sealife.
yours sincerely
Bas Dekkers
Portugiser Minute Repeater >
The Portugiser Minute Repeater is the the "Watch of the Year" for it's link with the past watch making tradition of IWC. This new model is the next step in a great series of limited IWC watches. It's simple design combined with the best in watch making offers a collectors dream come true.
my chioce
This is difficult. I like a few of them for different reasons. But i think I've got to go with the Ingenieur Mission Earth. I like the ethos, I like the size, I like the fact it's such an all rounder and it's probably the one I'm most likely to be wearing one day.
Aquatimer 2000
Why?
In the first place I believe the design of this watch is the perfect follow up of the existing series, because of its rigid and solid looks. This model is just a little more 2009, more modern so to speak, but of course this is just my opinion..
Also I think belive that, within the IWC family, the Aquatimer has its own strong and young identity; this new model in particular is very much the right evaluation of that idea in my point of view... I love it, and hope to own one once. And that should be the black/white one...!
All the best
Frans
2 models for me...
Portuguese minute repeater. I've loved this watch from the first time I saw it. This and the new Da Vinci perpetual with big day and month displays are mechanical complicated watches.
As I'm technician I suppose the lot of hours spent in the development of any of them. The date display in the Da Vinci is cool (as in A.Langhe&Sonhe watches). The sound of the minute repeater incredible.
Good luck,
Julx
My nomination
Da Vinci Digital Day-Month
I think IWC did a great job on integrating the date and month displays in the dial. Although there are a lot of windows on the dial, it doesn't look busy al all. Last but not least, I loved the way it felt on my wrist.
Bas
The Aquatimer Chronograph 3769 in 18k Red Gold
I really struggled to select just one watch from an sublime field of great pieces. What it came down to for me is what the new Aquatimer Chronograph 376903 represents - a true luxury watch with the rugged look of a dive watch. The pattern on the dial, which is unique to this watch is also a fantastic detail. This pattern seems to be inspired by the "ripple pattern" of how light shines through the surface of waves on to the deep.
The 5N red gold is so rich, and the case, bezel, and buttons are finished with such great detail. I was really surprised how comfortable the watch wears - and I like the IWC Caliber 89360 chronograph movement.
Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth
I would like to nominate the Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth
Ref. IW3236.
I like the latest interpretation of the Ingenieur because it's taking ruggedness to new hights. The integrated shock absorber is a welcome addition to the traditionel protection against magnetic fields.
Jens-Kristian
The Deep Two...
The D2 is my pick of the litter. The most innovative mechanism for the water pressure gauge is a most amazing accomplishment. And secondly, the great bracelet quick-change system.
I have always thought the D1 was a 'sleeper', and now, ten years later, I find myself 'wowed' again. I'm not a diver, but I have this watch on my list, for sure.
One Man for Deep Two
The Deep Two is the continuation of a legacy of fine diving watches produced by IWC, and the revival of one of the most unique, interesting, and rare complications: the depth gauge. Best of all, it's the type of complication that makes mechanical watches so wonderful: it's a mechanical work of art that is utterly useless to the vast majority of those who own it. Rather, it's something to marvel over and enjoy for its own sake.
My vote: Deep Two
IWC Edition Galapagos Islands
Very tough choice...........
but I'll have to go with the IW 3762 Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Edition Kurt Klause.
I think I like it the most because of the man that designed it.
The Red Gold Case and Black Dial combo, Looks Great !!!
The engraved back.
I would Love to own a Perpetual Calendar. Especially a Limited Edition Work of Art like this.
Joe
Deep Two, Too
I believe "watches of the year" ought to be, on some level, accessible to a respectable percentage of a brand's customer base, in addition to representing the continued evolution of innovation for which they are usually chosen. I believe the Deep Two accomplishes both objectives.
TR
Ingenieur Mission Earth.
A rugged watch that will stand up to rugged use. A watch that encompasses tradition and innovation, and returns to the idea that Ingenieurs were distinguished by their anti-magnetic properties.
My vote for 2009 is.........
...Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Antoine de Saint Exupéry in White Gold.
The reason is quite simple for me:
To add another BP to my collection of 5 BPs.
To add a new metal to my BP. I have Steel, Titanium and RG already.
Great, 2 sentences accomplished.
Cheers,
SC