Before reviewing the IWC Aquatimer “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau,” let’s look at the history of IWC and dive watches.
History of the Aquatimer
In 1945, under a British military contract, IWC produced a waterproof wristwatch dubbed “WWW,” an abbreviation for “watch, wrist, waterproof.” The watch wasn’t so much waterproof but more water-resistant. Indeed, unlike other military WWW watches, IWC used a snap-on case back with a lead inner sealing ring to increase water resistance. One can only guess the water resistance level of that watch, but it was likely no more than 10 meters.
Two decades later, in 1967, IWC introduced an actual water-resistant watch and the first Aquatimer. With a water resistance of 200 meters, reference 812 AD, after that redesigned as 1812 in October 1971, used a rotating internal bezel and two crowns, one of which operated the bezel.
Two years later, IWC improved the water resistance to 300 meters when it introduced reference 816 AD. It was later succeeded by reference 1822.
In 1981 when Günter Blümlein became IWC’s CEO, he expanded IWC’s collaboration with Porsche Design. A year later, IWC released the famed Porsche Design “Ocean 2000”, Reference 3500, which Ferdinand A. Porsche designed. As its name implied, it had a 2000 meter, an engineering feat.
The Aquatimer line was revised in 2009, now with an external rotating bezel with specially coated sapphire glass. Further redesigns occurred in 2014, including a new case construction with an external/internal rotating bezel.
About Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Jacques-Yves Cousteau was a French oceanographer, filmmaker, and environmentalist widely considered one of the most influential figures in the history of ocean exploration. Born in 1910, Cousteau became interested in the sea at a young age and studied engineering in college.
After serving in World War II, Cousteau focused on oceanography and underwater exploration, developing new technologies and techniques for studying the ocean and its inhabitants. He is most famous for inventing the Aqua-Lung, an early version of modern scuba diving equipment, which allowed him and his team to spend extended periods underwater and explore the ocean’s depths in a way that had never been possible before.
Cousteau’s groundbreaking work and discoveries made him a household name. He became an internationally renowned figure known for his passionate and tireless efforts to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. He was a strong advocate for marine conservation and was an early voice in the fight against pollution and overfishing.
Cousteau’s work was broader than scientific research and exploration. He also was a filmmaker and author of many books and articles. He produced several documentaries and television series that brought the beauty and wonder of the ocean to millions of viewers worldwide. His most famous work, The Silent World, won the Palme d’Or at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival and helped establish him as a significant figure in filmmaking.
Cousteau’s legacy lives on today through the work of the Cousteau Society, an organization he founded in 1973, which continues to promote ocean conservation and education, and his numerous books and documentaries, which continue to inspire and educate people about the importance of protecting our oceans. He died in 1997, but his contributions to oceanography and conservation will continue to be remembered for generations.
The IWC Aquatimer Automatic Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau”
The IWC Aquatimer Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau” is a fitting tribute to Cousteau’s legacy. The watch is designed for professional divers and features a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a water resistance of up to 300 meters. The watch is powered by the Calibre 30120 automatic movement, which has a power reserve of 42 hours.
The watch case is made of stainless steel and measures 42mm in diameter. The dial is blue, a nod to the ocean, and features a date display at the 3 o’clock position. The hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova, which ensures optimal visibility in low-light conditions.
The back of the watch features an engraving of Jacques-Yves Cousteau with his trademark red beanie, a tribute to the man who inspired the watch. The watch also comes with a black rubber strap that complements the blue dial and is comfortable to wear, even in wet conditions.
The IWC Aquatimer Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau” is not just a tribute to an icon of underwater exploration; it is also a high-quality timepiece that is designed to meet the needs of professional divers. The watch combines style and functionality and is an excellent addition to any collection.
In conclusion, the IWC Aquatimer Automatic Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau” reference IW329005 is a watch that pays homage to the legacy of one of the most influential figures in the world of underwater exploration. The watch is designed for professional divers and is an excellent combination of style and functionality. With its blue dial, and water resistance of up to 300 meters, the watch is an excellent addition to any collection. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Specifications
- CASE
- Stainless steel case
- Diameter 42.0 mm
- Height 14.1 mm
- Screw in crown
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Water resistance 30.0 bar
- MOVEMENT
- 30120 Calibre
- Automatic, self-winding
- 42 hours Power Reserve
- Frequency 28800.0 VPH (4.0 Hz)
- 163 Components
- 21 Jewels
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Côtes de Genève
- STRAP
- Black rubber strap with quick-change system
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Strap width 22.0 mm
- FEATURES
- Central hacking seconds
- IWC bracelet quick-change system
- Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
- Date display
- Mechanical external/internal rotating bezel with SafeDive system
Want to add this watch to your collection? Check out the store for a great example of this watch.
