HIGH PRESSURES. LOW TEMPERATURES. Salt water. Dive operations are the most taxing on a watch's mechanisms. Furthermore, complete dependability, absolute readability and precise timekeeping are crucial to a diver's safety. Among IWC's illustrious past is a line of timepieces designed specifically for use in water. Over the years, IWC diving watches have come a long way since their beginnings in 1945 when it manufactured the "W.W.W." (an acronym for "watch, wrist, waterproof"). But the first wristwatch that IWC created which was labelled waterproof wasn't actually designed for diving; instead, it was for a British military contract. Few watchmakers were ready to cater to divers' demands in the 1960s; when scuba diving as a sport was becoming increasingly popular, IWC was off to a good start, introducing the Aquatimer in 1967 and solidifying its reputation in dive watches. That classic watch, originally designated as reference 812 AD, had a water resistance to 20 atmospheres or about 198 metres. It used a rotating internal bezel and two crowns, one of which operated the bezel.
After the renowned Günter Blümlein took over as CEO of IWC in 1981, the company's partnership with Porsche Design deepened the Schaffhausen brand's association with diving exploits. In 1983, the "Ocean 2000" reference 3500 was introduced. The Ocean 2000 then was followed with other IWC/Porsche Design Ocean models, including the especially collectible "Ocean Bund" - a watch used by divers in the German military.
This story is from the Issue 198 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 198 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Watchmaking Distilled
With the Patrimony collection, Vacheron Constantin its the quintessence of watchmaking front and centre for Watches Wonders 2024.
Just Because A Thing Sounds Good In Theory Doesn't Mean That It's Necessary
Sometimes, it’s only right that the why’ trumps the what’.
Like A Slow Boat To China
Belmond Senior Vice President Brand and Marketing Arnaud Champenois tells Augustman that quiet luxury’ is yesterday’s trend. A focus on experiences and stories to tell is heralding a new trend slow luxury.
Rings To Rings Is Beyond Three Generations
This Year, Cartier Celebrates 100 Years Of Trinity With A Party Held Across The Three Monumental Cities For The Maison.
A Man Of Interest
Singaporean Actor Ayden Sng Is A Pond With Undiscovered Depth.
Remember Me For Centuries
Loro Piana celebrates a hundred years of legacy and heritage, built upon the foundation of artisanal expertise.
How Real Are We Going To Get?
In space, everyone can hear you scream about representation.
The Art Of Connecting People With Mandala Club's Ben Jones
For the past few years, Mandala Club has been the site of some of the greatest parties and social events. We look at what makes the social club so brilliantly... social.
ART ON WHEELS
RECENTLY SOLD to a mysterious Singaporean buyer, Rolls-Royce presented the stunning coachbuilt Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail.
THE SANCTUARY OF THE HEART
Tucked away in the quiet of Magelang, facing the majestic Candi Borobudur and the ring of volcanic mountains, lies the tranquil resort of Amanjiwo, a home for the wandering soul.