Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The 2022 IWC Aquatimer Automatic Collection, now with 5-Day Movement
A discreet update that translates into a more powerful movement.
During the past decade or so, the IWC Aquatimer has lived a very discreet life since the brand’s promotional activities were mostly dominated by the Pilot’s and Portugieser collections. A dive watch with a classic look, solid construction and original internal bezel construction, the Aquatimer has long been underappreciated. In order to bring the watch back into the game without changing much to its design, IWC has decided to apply the same recipe it used with the new Mark XX Series and new Pilot Chronograph 43. So here’s the 2022 IWC Aquatimer Automatic Collection, now equipped with a 5-day power reserve movement.
As you can see from our side-by-side comparison above, the evolution of the IWC Aquatimer Automatic is minimal… Or, to make it simple, almost nothing has been changed when it comes to the design, specifications or case dimensions. It’s all down to the new movement. As such, the basic concept of the Aquatimer Automatic remains unchanged. There might be some minor changes regarding the size of the fonts or some details of the finishing, but that’s all you can expect from a design perspective.
The new (and old, in this instance) Aquatimer Automatic is a 42mm dive watch with a 14.10mm thickness. The shape of the case is a signature element of this collection, which relies on a specific construction of the rotating diving bezel. While most dive watches on the market feature an external bezel, the Aquatimer has an internal 60-minute scale printed on an angled flange. But here again, it’s not like your usual “compressor-like” watch, where a secondary crown actuates this rotating element. Here, IWC has implemented a mechanical connection, which doesn’t require unscrewing or actuating a crown (always a risk for water to enter the case). The external bezel rotates, and as you move it, thanks to a mechanism encapsulated at 9 o’clock, the internal bezel rotates accordingly.
The rest of the watch is classic, with a steel case, finished with brushed surfaces and some polished accents. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with AR coating, the crown is screwed, and so is the solid steel caseback. Altogether, this gives us a comfortable 300m water-resistance.
One of the evolutions concerning this 2022 IWC Aquatimer Automatic Collection is about dial options. Previously only available with a black dial (at least from the permanent collection), IWC now adds a blue edition with a sunray-brushed finished surface, paired with a textured blue rubber strap and closed by a pin buckle (reference IW328801). The matte black model is still present, either with a matching rubber strap (reference IW328802) or with a brushed stainless steel bracelet closed by a folding clasp (reference IW328803). All are equipped with a practical quick-change system. As for the dial and handset, no evolutions are to be noted, and the three models feature large hands and markers filled with white Super-LumiNova.
It’s inside the case of the 2022 IWC Aquatimer Automatic that things really change. In the past, these watches were powered by the calibre 30120, a 4Hz automatic movement with a 42h power reserve sourced from ETA or Sellita (either a 2892-A2 or an SW300-1). This year, this movement has been replaced by the calibre 32111, a movement produced at Richemont Group’s ValFleurier facilities and whose architecture is shared with Panerai and Baume & Mercier’s Baumatic. The main advantage of this movement, which is meant to replace ETA calibres with identical dimensions, is to have a highly improved power reserve of 120 hours (or five days). It beats at 4Hz, and even if it’s hidden under the caseback, it’s decorated with Geneva stripes and perlage.
These new members of the IWC Aquatimer Automatic family are part of the permanent collection and are available now from retailers, boutiques and online at iwc.com. The retail price is EUR 6,300 on a rubber strap and EUR 7,350 on a steel bracelet. For more details, please visit iwc.com.
16 responses
$7,350 for Baume&Mercier? That’s rich even for Richemont!
Dear IWC, please bring back the 3538 Aquatimer.
What a coincidence. I was looking at instagram pictures of this watch today and wondering when they were going to update it. Too bad they didn’t update it.
There’s some problems here, related to the movement. If it’s the same as the Baumatic movement (BM12-1975A) as you say (and I believe is likely, the 120 hour PR being the major indicator)….that’s a larger movement than the 2892. 2892 is 25.6; Baumatic is 28.2.
I note IWC doesn’t say…and the 32111 is actually not listed under the 32000 family. That family mentions 72 hour PR as a feature. Well, OK, both the Mark XX and this are quite new, so perhaps they’ve not gotten round to updating all the affected web pages.
The images suggest to me that the movement size hasn’t changed, because that forces a shift in the date window, at least most of the time.
So something just feels off. And it bugs me in part because I’ve been expecting Richemont to incorporate the Baumatic movement into more lines as they went along.
What a massive let down, no changes to this relict of the 2000s
Does anybody actually buy these, never seen one in the wild be it office or at the beach…
I like the watch but frankly what this update does is give you a „functionality“ nobody needs, that costs IWC hardly anything to justify a 700 (rubber) to 800 (bracelet) Euro price increase.
Charge enough and they will buy it!
unfortunately IWC is focusing ONLY in upgrading the pilot line. And now they “update” the AT by increasing the power reserve with “inhouse movement”??? What for? IWC should consider change its name to International Pilot Watch (IPW). so same for this great company.
This is just lazy. These Aquatimers needs an update and new movement.
I like IWC, I own a Portugieser and a Mark, but ..this is a miss. Previous reference had solid engineering inside, but just a bit too big fo some of us out there. I was really looking forward to a new (somehow smaller) Aquatimer keeping most engineerin g element intact.
But that is pure lazy, sorry IWC. Not a single case, dial whatever change, but ..the movement?
Same colors (along with a white one) were also offered till 2-3 yrs ago.
tbh, I do not care the ETA based older models. Could be easily serviced and regulated everywhere.
Such a pitty it is such a missed opportunity.
I better go with Ulyssee Nardin second hand or Chopard divers, titanium, manufacture movs.
I remember when they introduced the current AT gen a few years ago, it was quite a let down. The new “In-family” movement is a good move but it’s too late, too little. The only time I saw someone wearing the current gen AT was on my IWC sales person’s wrist (probably a loaner from the bottom shelf dead stock inventory). Those good ole day of GST titanium goodness is long gone along with the Genta case Ingenieur.
I for one am glad they didn’t change the aesthetic of the watch, that’s what I’ve always liked about it. It’s unique in its bezel design which I appreciate, the dial has some character without being too much, the case is purpose driven, and I think the date is perfect both in location and size making it almost disappear into the 3 o’clock marker. What’s held me back from tracking one down all these years was paying that money for an ETA. Just won’t do it. And so I’ve never seen one in the metal, until I bought one yesterday. Brief report below.
AD just got the new line in two weeks ago and I stopped in to look at the blue dial. In hand you immediately notice the build quality and the finishing. The vertically brushed surfaces on the case are so good and the polished bevels help define the case without being flashy. The dial is one of those you’ll repeatedly look at without actually checking the time, and the ratcheting bezel action is very well executed. Then I put it on wrist and was sold. It’s comfortable and balanced. The rubber strap is flexible without being too thin and while the quick change system is a great feature I don’t see myself ever switching out that blue strap – it’s excellent. 120 hour power reserve, what? It’s not overly thick at 14mm and the flat case back allows it to sit close to your wrist. Lume is fantastic. Then add in the 8 year warranty. I got it priced at < $5k before tax. This watch at that price is more watch for the money than any diver on the market, IMO. But if you can think of one please mention in the comments because I want to check it out.
I love dive watches and have been through the mill. Rolex Submariners and SeaDwellers (SD4k is the only diver that's stayed and yup, never been nor ever will be in the ocean or on vacations – sad), GO SeaQ, Co-Axial Planet Oceans, Tudor Pelagos, Doxa 1200t, and plenty more. The IWC AT now has top specs, maintains a great design, excellent warranty, and I feel good about being able to use it for what it's intended for instead of just another desk diver.
Bring back the 3568 with in house movement 40mm thickness enough said, get me on the waiting list, also bring back Ingenieur 1832 with crown guards ill have one of them as well…iwc pls listen
A 40mm version in pure black and white (no mint green) and the AT could be a hit with genuine, classic vibes.