Usage of the Aquatimer Chronograph under water (while diving)

Hi, I have read from previous posts on this forum that the chronograph buttons of the Aquatimer Chronograph can be used under water, until the rated depth the model is designed for (120m). But other have told me cannot! Which is true?? And if can be used, why does not IWC advertise it? This could give a big boost to sales! From what I know only very few watches are designed in a way so that the chronograph can be used under water (i.e. the Omega Seamaster Professional or PO chrono). I would like to have a definitive answer by someone who knows if possible and explanation about the sealing system IWC uses. I am sure that many people have same question. I have asked some people and they told me that it is safe to use the chronograph under water but is better to check seals frequently. But obviously, who has time for that?? I would like to be secure if I ever attempt to do it. And of course I would never attempt to press them at maximum allowed depth (120m), but at 10 or 15m only. I also understand the case of the aquatimer chronograph has a very similar or identical case to the aquatimer version without chronograph which is rated as water resistant to 2000m! So if IWC put screw down chrono buttons to the chronograph model, would that increase water resistance?? Finally would like to know is the aquatimer chronograph at least safe to swim or dive with on a weekly basis without checking the seals frequently?? (without pressing the chronograph buttons while in the water, just for checking the time and using the bezel). Cause what I knew up to now for a watch to be rated suitable for diving it should be rated 200m (20 bar) at least (or more)!! The aquatimer chronograph is rated 120m only. Thank you

Hi Telisaris,

Wow --lots of questions. I'll try to answer briefly but please check our archived posts (see the magnifying glass, upper right, to get there). All have been "asked and answered" as lawyers say ;)

1. Yes AT chronos can be used under water.
2. It has been "advertised" but really is a technical feature that is not a major selling point. I am not a diver, but the bezel system is, I have been told, better and safer (easier to read, no accidental turn offs, etc.)
3. Yes, seals need to be checked very frequently. For a real diver who uses it frequently, at least once every six months. For others perfect every year. This is true for all watches where lifes --not just of the watch--depend on this. The best gaskets and lubricants can dry.
4. There is information on IWC's "system" in the archives, including if I recall schematics. Basically the water pressure itself compresses a triple seal system, and creates more water resistance. A screw ring, an older system, doesn't help at all when the pusher can be depressed.
5. Ratings are, in my opinion, mostly marketing. Almost no divers can get anywhere near 200m deep. When diving watches first came out, they were mnuch lesser in rating and worked fine for amateur use. If a watch is rated 200m it really doesn't matter if all you do is swim or dive for 15 meters.

Thank you for your fast reply and all this info and clarifications. And sorry for the many questions but wanted to be sure. So if I use watch only for swimming (not for diving) how often would I need to check seals? Cause once a year sounds a bit too often according to my watchmaker.
Also when I spoke about screw down crown pushers I did not mean that such offer protection if chronograph is pushed under water, only that could protect the watch case more (from water penetration) when often in water to someone who has not taken it for maintenance for long time. I think that sounds logical.
Also meant that usually chronographs that are rated for diving (200m or more) usually have screw down chrono buttons (even psycilogically this gives a feeling of better protection cause in same sense, crowns that are not screw down, dont offer same protection from water as crowns that scew down).
Isnt this the major reason that crowns nowadays are designed to be screw down on diving watches?? (to give better and more water resistance).
In my opinion, for the features I have been told about this watch, it has the specifications of a watch of 200m or more! Cause you are right, almost nobody would really ever go even close to 200m. And I know other watches that are rated more than 200m but you cannot use the chronograph under water like you say you can use the aquatimer chronograph (I have owned plenty so would know). Kind regards, Aristotelis

Forgot to ask something...Why on the dial (or backsase) of the Aquatimer chronograph it is not indicated(written) that it is 120m???? While the AT chronometer states on dial to how many meters it is water resistant...This is usually a standard procedure for all diving watches! Thanks

Also wanted to mention that the reason I asked if the chronograph of the AT can be used under water is because the official IWC service center of a European country I called to ask about same thing earlier this week told me officially no, never! Maybe you should update your service centers worldwide..Thank you

Sorry in advance if this had been addressed before or if this is not the right forum for this question - I have a Aquatimer Galapagos circa 2011, yesterday I pushed the push-button to start the chrono but the button simply got stuck/jammed and didn't pop back out. The chrono has been running for over 24 hours now. Have you guys experienced this problem? If so, how did you get the push-button to pop back out? Thanks in advance.

Dear Luke,
The initial reason of this treat was related the usage of the AT botton while diving. I suppose you had the problem on the surface, if I'm right is only a matter of mechanical problem not related to the pressure.I'm a diver and just bought a brand new Jacques Cousteau and to be sure before diving I gave a call to the IWC after sales phone assistant, the lady pick up the call was very kind and paid a lot of attention answering to all my question. she confirmed me that in all the diving watches IWC sells all the functions are avaible while diving, excluding time and date setting.
I suggest to give a call to them or safely go to your AD to solve the problem.
Ciao