SCHAFFHAUSEN
2000m
AUTOMATIC
AQUATIMER
A review by Damon, Marc & Kyle
~BRACELET/STRAP~
DAMON:The bracelet is awesome! To help cut down on the watch looking like it's over powering on someone's wrist; IWC tapered the bracelet towards the clasp. They also made it so that it's very easy to add or remove links, or switch to the tear resistant nylon dive strap. The center links on the steel model do scratch easily, but I actually wear my watch for what it was designed for, so I have no problem with the scratches since they tell my story. The only down side to the bracelet is that it's integrated to the case so you can't use just any watchstrap on it.
People who try to put down this watch often bring up the lack of a wet suit extension on the watch, but the truth is most wet suit extension clasp on watches are too large for most wet suits. You end up having to put the watch on a different type of strap if you wear it over your wet suit, or you have to add links to the bracelet so it will fit right.
The tear-resistant nylon Velcro dive strap comes in two different sizes and colors, small and large and black and gray. The small strap is made for a person with a standard sized wrist, or if you're going to wear your watch on a wetsuit that is smaller than 7-mm thick. The large strap is made for people with wrist that are about 8-inches ore more or if you're going to be diving with a dry suit or a wetsuit that is thicker than 7-mm.
The strap is a really nice option to have, but it is not cheap since it cost $128 USD. The watch does not move around on your wrist with the strap on since the weighting of the watch is perfectly balanced. I personally prefer to wear my watches on a dive strap whenever I go swimming in salt water or SCUBA diving since a bracelet can easily obtain deep scratches from coral or rocks. Unlike other Velcro straps that I've worn on my watches, the one from IWC is very comfortable to wear and it does not rub the skin on your wrist so that it becomes raw.
MARC:You've probably heard this before, but it must be said again. IWC makes the BEST bracelets in the world bare none! This doesn't mean the Omega Seamaster Pro's bracelet isn't any good, nor the Blancpain X-71. They are fantastic, but none compare to the ease of use of IWC's. The push-button link adjustment system is so easy to use, I remember adjusting the UTC I reviewed with toothpicks! Needless to say, I was equally impressed with the Aquatimer's.
It measures 24mm at the case and tapers down to 18mm at the clasp. Usually this would make the watch feel clumsy, but it isn't. It could be because it is made of titanium, it could also be because the watch is snug, I'm not sure. One thing though, it does help when bending your wrist. There is nothing like feeling that pinching sensation when your watchband is too wide. My Doxa Sub 300T was 22mm all the way around, there was no way I could have worn that watch as snug as I wear this one.
The bracelet is extremely supple and for that matter subtle. Just like the case, there are no polished surfaces. The clasp is smooth and when closed it is very thin, you barely feel it on your wrist. Which is nice, I've owned watches that when worn tightly leave marks where the clasp lies. Unlike the stainless version, the clasp does not have the neat circular graining, but still looks great. It is also engraved with the IWC name.
Unfortunately, I cannot comment on the strap, since mine did not come with one.
Let’s move on to the PACKAGING: CLICK HERE!
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