Allure of IWC Aquatimer Charles Darwin Chronograph Bronze

[carl]

This model piqued my interest while exploring the IWC website. I wanted to see what IWC has to offer in terms of diver watches. This Charles Darwing Edition is especially intriguing. After seeing it in person the first time I was mesmerized. The best way to describe my first thoughts, is that it’s mysteriously attractive. And, yes, I love playing with that incredibly engineered bezel! The in house Flyback movement is a bonus, and the housing for the bezel mechanism looks incredible. Definitely not your typical diver watch. The patina, which I have seen developed in numerous photos, looks remarkable. I believe this is a tool watch that would become a true friend!

After my initial reaction, I started to do a lot of research. Learning more and more about Charles Darwin and his remarkable contributions to the science of evolution. In collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation, IWC developed three versions of Galapagos Aquatimers, including the Charles Darwin edition. This Hodinkee article is a great account of the significant partnership between the Charles Darwin Foundation and IWC:

www.hodinkee.com/articles/field-notes-galapagos-iwc-charles-darwin-foundation

Over the next few weeks, I visited the IWC Boutique no less than 6 times, each time wearing the watch for the duration of my visit. On a couple of occasions, while sporting my Big Pilot 43, and a few times with my Aquatimer stainless steel non-chrono version. I finally realized my love for the Charles Darwin Aquatimer is greater than either of the other two. I knew what I had to do. I sold both of them and acquired the Charles Darwin.

Some quick details: Bronze case, Automatic Manufacture Flyback Chronograph, Diameter 44mm (46mm if you measure the bezel diameter), Black dial with luminescence, Black 22mm rubber strap non-tapered with Quick-Change system, mechanical external/internal rotating bezel with SafeDive system. Here is a link to an excellent short video which demonstrates the bezel and mechanism:



The finer details include the extensive use of rubber. Including the coated crown and push pieces, and the 5mm surround on the case back. The beautifully crafted rubber strap is amazingly comfortable, and easy to remove/change with the IWC quick change system. These details contribute greatly to the comfort and ease of operation. The allure is added to by the housing for the DiveSafe bezel mechanism (often mistaken for a Helium Escape Valve) on the left side of the case. Not to mention the excellent lume!

























Thanks for checking out my review of this remarkable watch!

[muckymark]

Great review carl. Once again congrats on this fine acquisition to your collection. One question, is only the first 15 minutes lumed on the bezel or is the remaining portion not showing in your picture?

[carl]

Thanks muckymark and, yes, the first 15min only lumed. Not quite sure the reason behind that, though. It was kind of explained somewhere, but not being a diver it has slipped my old mind!

[rw16610]

carl Excellent review! Exceptional engineering went into those piece, for sure. Such a cool, unique system for the unidirectional bezel. I'm willing to bet it feels very nice to operate.

I've got a great deal of appreciation for IWC and what they've done for watches over the years. They've created great alternatives to design elements so many brands have done the same for the most part.

Glad to see how happy you are with this watch, Carl!

[carl]

Thanks rw16610 and fingers crossed, this one is going to be a keeper!

[Baco Noir]

Carl - thanks for the video on how the internal bezel works. That so much simpler that a second crown and it well done. I love the larger indents (?) on the bezel too - so easy to grip. Enjoy it in the best of health.

[carl]

Thanks Baco Noir and it is literally the only video, or even diagram I could find, on the inner workings of the bezel. I just explain to people it works as a ratchet. It does work like a charm. I just can't get my head around how they can make it water resistant  . This one is 300m. But some previous models were 2000m! Anyway, the engineering did/does impress the heck out of me.