SIHH 2014: IWC - Aquatimer Automatic Ref. 3290

The Aquatimer Automatic comes with a black dial (ref. 329001 with rubber strap, ref. 329002 with steel bracelet) or with a silver-plated one (ref. 329003 with rubber strap, ref. 329004 with steel bracelet).

After the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 and the big Perpetual Calendar Digital Date Month, it is time to get to know the basic model of the new Aquatimer family presented by IWC  this year.

The Aquatimer Automatic comes with a black dial (ref. 329001 with rubber strap, ref. 329002 with steel bracelet) or with a silver-plated one (ref. 329003 with rubber strap, ref. 329004 with steel bracelet).

In the version with the black dial, the dive-related displays are coated with luminescent green Super-LumiNova while the model with the silver-plated dial is more discreet.

This model is also referred to as the 'three hands', and it excels for readability and ease of use. Like the other models in the new collection, the Aquatimer Automatic is equipped with the inner graduated scale controlled by the outer unidirectional rotating bezel. What it looks like a crown on the left side of the case is not a helium valve but it is a slot for the mechanism of the inner/outer rotating bezel. 

The smallest model in this new collection, the Aquatimer Automatic has a diameter of 42 mm with a thickness of 14. Water resistance is 30 bar (300 metres / 1000 feet).

The movement is the self-winding Calibre 30120 with 42 hours of power reserve. The choice  of a  non-manufacture  movement allows IWC to keep the pricing more aggressive for the entry level of the family (the rubber strap version has a retail price of US$ 5.750).