Launched in 1967 as IWC’s first dive watch, the Aquatimer has become a legendary example of an iconic dive watch. While it is undoubtedly a diver, the Aquatimer retains IWC’s refined dressy demeanor in part thanks to its sophisticated bezel system. While external bezels are typically associated with tool watches and dive watches, the Aquatimer uses an internally rotating bezel that is operated by the crown at 2 o’clock, which is mirrored by the crown at 4 o’clock to create a distinct and symmetrical design. Combined with its clear and legible dial layout, stick hands and hour markers, the Aquatimer’s classic round case and angular lugs create a wonderfully familiar presence on the wrist that will comfortably fit most wearers. Powered by an automatic movement and packed with 120m of water resistance, the Aquatimer is a wonderfully capable seafaring tool watch. Indeed inspired by this tool watch design, the Aquatimer Chronograph “Expedition Charles Darwin” ref. IW379503 that we have here draws inspiration from Charles Darwin’s ship, the HMS Beagle, which is the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his expedition to the Galapagos Islands. In those days, bronze was used for portholes, fittings and nautical instruments due to its non-corrosive properties. As such, IWC decided to launch the Aquatimer Chronograph “Expedition Charles Darwin” ref. IW379503 as their first-ever bronze-cased watch to pay tribute to the spirit of discovery shown by Charles Darwin and to the expedition vessels of his era. Merging modern watchmaking with the Aquatimer’s rich and unique heritage, it has become an important piece of IWC’s offering as it breaks from their role in the industry as pilot’s watch manufacturers and doubles down on their ability to produce robust timepieces for any and all occasions and use cases.

Watch is in near-mint condition, showing light signs of wear. The case has achieved a patinated and oxidized look due to the nature of the material.

Paying tribute to one of history's greatest natural scientists, the Aquatimer Expedition Charles Darwin introduced a new metal to IWC's catalog much like how Darwin's theory of eveolution revolutionized how we understood the natural world and how organisms have come to be over the last 4 billion years.