IWC Schaffhausen GST Aquatimer

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Once upon a time there was the Aquatimer: IWC’s first diver’s watch, compression-resistant to 200 meters, accompanied the world’s first scuba divers as they began to discover the sub aquatic world.

In 1998, Schaffhausen based watch manufacture launched GST Aquatimer, and extreme professional diving watch built to withstand pressure down to 2000 m below sea-level or the equivalent of 200 atmospheres.

This professional-grade dive watch belongs to GST, the series bearing the unmistakable signature of the Ingenieur line. Developed in line with the maxim that functionality is all, the line was a clear successor to the watches created for IWC by F. A. Porsche and whose technological sophistication brought the company a number of world records.

IWC Schaffhausen GST Aquatimer 2000m

The IWC GST Aquatimer watch was the result of some highly sophisticated mechanical engineering combined with 20 years’ expertise in the machining of titanium.

In addition, the GST Aquatimer was developed with the close cooperation and involvement of experienced divers to ensure it would meet their specific requirements. The result: a solid GST case, diameter 42 mm, height 14.5 mm, available only in titanium and steel because gold would not be strong enough to meet the immense pressure-resistance requirements.

A special sealing system on the back and a screw-in crown with multiple security features. It is equipped with a 3.2-mm thick sapphire glass, convex on one side. The rotating dive bezel ring has engraved black minute markings (1-15) and five-minute markings (15-60). For even greater safety, the ring only rotates when depressed at two opposite points. If ever the ring gets unusually dirty, it can be removed for cleaning using the screwdriver supplied.

IWC GST Aquatimer 2000

The dial is cool and clear-cut, in typical IWC style. The fully integrated metal bracelet with its push-button clasp and an intermediate link for precision adjustment can easily be exchanged for an optional water-resistant Velcro strap, which enables the watch to be worn over the diving suit.

The watch is powered by a 28 800-beat 32524 calibre automatic movement with date, central seconds hand, 21 jewels, gold weight on the rotor and 42 hours’ power reserve. As a reminder of the first diver’s watch to come from IWC, each GST Aquatimer has an engraving of the submarine symbol on the back.

Technical details

Model: IWC GST Aquatimer

References
IW353601: Titanium case, black dial, and titanium bracelet
IW353602: Stainless steel case, black dial and stainless steel bracelet
IW353603: Stainless steel case, white dial and stainless steel bracelet

Case
Titanium or stainless steel
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 14.50mm
Sapphire crystal glass (3.2mm thick)
Screw-in crown
Water resistance: 2,000 meters

Movement
IWC 32524 Automatic
Power reserve: 42 hours

Bracelet
Titanium or stainless steel bracelet