Strap options for Aquatimer range ...

Hello all,

I have two Aquatimers from the current collection and love them but was wondering if there are any aftermarket strap options to fit the proprietary quick change system.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you in advance,

GSY

To my knowledge, the proprietary lugs preclude any other straps being used. Sorry!

Are there any altenative IWC original straps available then ? I have an Aquatimer Galapagos and haven't found any alternative straps to the original one. The quick strap system is made for quick change of straps so there should be plenty of alternative straps available from IWC. Otherwise I do not see the point of the system.

Polymerman

Certainly, switching from the rubber strap to the metal bracelet was one intent of the quick change system. I'm not sure there are leather straps for the diving watches (nor does that make much sense) but I will check.

Thanks Michael. I was not aware of any metal bracelet fitting to the AT Galapagos so I will check that out. Agree that leather strap is not really an alternative particularly for the rubber covered Galapagos. It would look strange I assume.

Polymerman

Like all things coming out of IWC Schaffhausen - these quick change straps are well engineered and serve well for their true function of easily changing straps.

As a diver, who regularly wears my AT's while diving (for the ultimate reliable backup timer device) and who dives both the cold waters here in The Netherlands [where 2x7mm wetsuits or even bulkier dry suits are the order of the day] and do my fair share of warm blue water dives [where shortie wetsuits imply bare wrists] I fully appreciate the fact that changing easily and quickly from the warm water steel bracelets to a longer rubber strap (XXL - available too) and doing so without special tools, is a real feature!

Best regards
Mark

Thanks for the replies. I too have a Galapagos and and AT 2000 - both with the quick change bracelet system. The rubber strap from the Galapagos looks wonderful on the AT 2000 but the SS bracelet from the AT2000 looks horrible on the Galapagos.

I was thinking that the Galagapgos would look good with either carbon fiber, ballistic nylon or hook and loop (velcro) straps as options but they would all obviously require the proprietary quick change strap system. It was for this reason that I made inquiry on whether any aftermarket suppliers had come up with a solution yet. I'll continue my search and post any information if I find it.

Thank you all again,

GSY

I thought there was a Velcro strap option for diving.

There is indeed a velcro strap. It comes in several sizes like the rubber, I believe. It has end links in order to fit the quick-change system.

Can anyone give a detailed example of taking the strap on and off? Should there be resistance and or clicks when depressing the quick release spring bar?

I have a IW3568-06 Aquatimer 2000 with the factory steel bracelet. I would liek to get some straps for my watch, leather, rubber, etc. Where can I get these? Why doesn't IWC make this easier?

94GB,

Actually IWC does make it easy to obtain a rubber ( quick change ) strap option for your white dial AT. Unfortunately, there are not many varieties to choose from. Basically it gets down to the choice of black or blue rubber. A black velcro strap is also offered. These can be purchased through any Authorized dealer or IWC Boutique. They also come up on the secondary market. There are after market strap makers who can custom make a strap. The challenge to making an aftermarket custom is the proprietary lug connection and/or end links. Those that have gone the custom strap route usually purchase the IWC Velcro and have the strap maker utilize the end links. This is a pricy way to get a custom look you may want, but it is at least an option to consider. Once in a while I see a " orange " 3568 rubber strap that was made for  ( I believe ) the Denmark market as a limited edition come up on the aftermarket for sale, but it is rare.

My wish as is with others that IWC offer some additional color choices in rubber or waterproof leathers. I doubt at this point this will happen as the 3568 was retired a few years ago. BUT...we can always hope. With that...I hope this information is somewhat helpful.

Andy

gAndy