SIHH 2008: IWC Deep Two Watch

The IWC Aquatimer Deep Two watch is an advanced mechanical divers timepiece which follows a path first traced with the legendary IWC Deep One--a watch which incorporated an accurate integral depth gauge and also indicated the maximum depth attained during a dive.  Achieved through a highly sensitive membrane which transmits water pressure to a lever mechanism that controls indicator hands, this remarkable feature allows the IWC Deep Two watch--like its predecessor--to serve as a comprehensive safety system backing up a dive computer.

The IWC Aquatimer Deep Two watch features a 46mm case in brushed stainless steel.  A unidirectional rotating bezel, knurled along its edge to optimize grip security when operated with gloves, displays the essential graduated scale required for measuring bottom times; to preclude any chance that an inadvertent movement of the bezel could result in a potentially fatal miscalculation, rotation can only be accomplished in the counterclockwise direction.  The matte black dial presents its information with similar lack of ambiguity; large hour markers and hands with an application of Superluminova make legibility natural even in the reduced light conditions that divers typically encounter.  

The depth gauge featured at the perimeter of the dial with its distinctively colored red and blue hands presents information for whatever depth a diver is currently at (up to 50 meters), in addition to the maximum depth attained.  This latter indication will hold its set until the button at the lower portion of the case's left side is pressed.  A self-winding movement with a 40-hour power reserve controls the functions of the movement, which includes a rapidly-adjustable date display and centrally-mounted sweep seconds with a hacking function.  

The IWC Aquatimer Deep Two watch is equipped with an anti-glare treated flat sapphire crystal.  A screw-down winding crown and caseback assist the timepiece in resisting water pressure to a depth of 120 meters.  IWC's new bracelet system utilizes a catch on the underside of the lugs and facilitates no-tools-required changes between the stainless steel bracelet and an IWC rubber dive strap.