IWC Aquatimer 2000 Review

[0037ksm]

Well, I’ve had my Aquatimer 2000 (Ref. 3568-02) for a whole week now. Long enough for my first impressions to have solidified. With your indulgence, I’ll pass them on to you.

This is the black and yellow version on the rubber strap with the proprietary quick release system licensed from Cartier. More on that marketing strategy in a moment.

The watch is 44mm across, not including the crown, and 14 mm thick. This is a big, substantial watch especially for someone with smaller wrists such as mine (6.75 in). I’m definitely aware of it on my wrist both visually and weight-wise. In the pictures below you can get an idea of its size especially in the comparison picture with the Sub.

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Speaking of visuals, the watch is stunning IMO, if a little blingy. I’ve read some don’t care for the rather bright color scheme but I like it. If you’d seen some of the guitars I’ve owned over the years – lots of inlay – you’d understand why the watch appeals to me.

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The sapphire crystal is almost flat and is advertised as being double AR coated. That’s surprising because this watch reflects enough light to double as a signaling device! That’s one small demerit. Another is, the sapphire bezel is even more reflective. I don’t know if it’s coated or not but it definitely reflects the light. In this picture you can get a good idea of its reflectivity. I did not have to try to get this much reflection.

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Let’s talk about the strap. I opted for the rubber strap because I wanted a sports watch that could handle the trail jogging and rainy winters here in the Pacific NW. The rubber is very comfortable and, due to the abundance of holes to choose from and the lug structure on the watch, the watch is extremely comfortable. I almost bought the bracelet version but the additional $1000 was a bit of a put-off. I’ll probably wish I’d gone that route because I read the bracelet as an aftermarket product is priced at $1600. You can just make out the strap mechanism in this picture.

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Now, time for my rant. There are only three strap options; bracelet, rubber and hook and loop. That’s it. Nothing else. Aftermarket straps won’t fit because of the proprietary strap changing mechanism. And the price for swapping out the strap? I've read (but have not verified) the bracelet is $1600 and the rubber strap is $175. The buckle is priced separately at $125. This is an example where they have you by the …neck… and they’re going to financially abuse you. Still, I knew this going in and bought the watch anyway but I still don’t like it.

A few other notes. The fit and finish is superb, as I’d expect from IWC. Whereas the size and heft of the AT makes my Portuguese Chronograph seem almost dainty in comparison, it has the same almost jewel-like quality. It does have a screw-in crown. The movement is based upon an ETA 2892.

This is the first watch I’ve ever set to the US Govt. time clock and checked its accuracy. Would you believe less than 2 seconds fast in the last 6 days?! Boom!! Take that COSC Rolex Submariner!

Lume is excellent though not outstanding. After having several watches with C3 SuperLuminova, I’ve decided nothing else comes close to that lume. Still, the time is readily readable in the early morning hours so it lasts through the night. I do like how it’s sensitive enough to pick up whatever ambient light is available and give it back with a very subdued glow even in a partially lit room. Very cool.

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That’s about it. Overall, I love this watch and can’t imagine ever parting with it but I’ve said that before. It’s hard to imagine though.

Thanks for reading.

Chris

[Zed Homme]

Thanks for sharing, thats a great watch! I've always liked IWC but after handling the old aquatimer several times, it always felt like they missed the boat on fit and finish. Yours looks like a big improvement. Do you know anything about the movement?

[0037ksm]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

Thanks for sharing, thats a great watch! I've always liked IWC but after handling the old aquatimer several times, it always felt like they missed the boat on fit and finish. Yours looks like a big improvement. Do you know anything about the movement?

I believe it's a modified ETA 2892, a more "upscale" version of the venerable 2824. My understanding is IWC used to modify the movement in-house but now they have ETA mod it to their specs. Downside, a rather pedestrian movement. Upside, a tried and true movement that can be serviced rather inexpensively anywhere for many years to come.

Chris

[mailman]

Nice looker I like the yellow on the bezel and minute hand

[Mosco]

Nice review - Thanks!

[David Woo]

I love the older aquatimers.
DW

[Widows Son]

Congrats!!!! Beautiful watch. I won't buy a sports watch that limits availability of strap options. Don't sweat the bracelet, it looks nicer on a rubber strap anyway.

[multimedia]

Nice review. Thx for sharing!

Cheers,
Joe

[multimedia]

Nice review. Thx for sharing!

Cheers,
Joe

[brkanand]

Enjoyable and informative

[vukotab]

Nice and useful review, thanks for sharing!
And great looking watch, BTW!

[dddrees]

Nice review and thanks for shariing.

Congrats on your new IWC Aquatimer 2000, Great choice!!!!

[Cigarlvr]

[greg8125]

Originally Posted by Cigarlvr

Nice Honda Odyssey EX-L.

To the reviewer: I don't think the watch is "blingy" at all. If anything it looks more utilitarian than blingy.

[TARDIS]

Is it steel or titanium?

I like the dial, shame about the lume.

[sea-dweller]

Nice watch!

[Michael M.]

Great review and watch!