IWC Schaffhausen crowned the 50th anniversary of its iconic product group Aquatimer Collection with a special model made from a new alloy called Ceratanium.
The well-established brand, which continues to operate within the Richemont Group, has largely devoted its 2017 novelties to the renovated Da Vinci Collection, but also introduced new models from other collections as well. IWC’s latest novelty came from the iconic Aquatimer Collection which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The most striking feature of the new model is the Ceratanium alloy used in the construction of its case (and its buckle). As the name implies, the new alloy is a mixture of ceramic and titanium materials. It provides the hardness and scratch resistant nature of ceramic combined with titanium’s lightness and durability. The new material, which is completely anti-allergenic, is the result of a five years R&D process carried out by the IWC’s material laboratory.
For the introduction of the new material, IWC chose the iconic Aquatimer Collection, which has been highly acclaimed back in 1967 when it was first released with its 200 meters water resistance rating and inner rotating style diver’s bezel.
The new model is offered in a matt black Ceratanium case measuring 49mm in diameter and 19.5mm in height. Like the other models in the up to date Aquatimer Collection that was re-designed in 2014, the model features an inner rotating bezel secured with IWC’s patented SafeDive system which prevents accidental movement of the scale. The case sports scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides (domed and double AR coated on the front) and offers 100 meters water resistance rating.
The dial of the new model is mostly dominated in black with red and white accents. The date and month displays are shown with digital style large numbers. The lap times in hours and minutes are displayed in the sub-counter placed at 12 o’clock while the leap year indicator and small seconds are located at 6 o’clock.
IWC Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Edition “50 Yrs” is powered by the brand’s in-house Caliber Ref. 89802. 51 jewels self-winding movement beats at 28800vph and offers 68 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Some of the movement’s components including the oscillating rotor are black coated in order to match with the model’s overall look. The movement features a Perpetual Calendar module which requires no adjustments until 2100.
IWC Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Edition The "50 Yrs" model comes with a black rubber strap with the brand’s patented easy strap changing system. The strap is secured by a standard buckle made of matt black Ceratanium as well.
The model with a sales price of CHF 50,000 is expected to reach IWC Schaffhausen boutiques in October.
