Thinking about getting a IWC Aquatimer 2000

[Jim Jones]

Well I got a chance to see one in person yesterday and I really like it.

Just a couple of questions for you guys. I see on IWC's site they state that the bracelet has a "double push button safety".

Is this a recent development? Because all of the photos I've seen online they only have a little tab on the 9 o'clock side of the clasp and the one that I handled yesterday was the same with only one tab to release the clasp.
I also have a couple of questions regarding servicing.
1. How much is a service
2. How often is it recommended?
3. Do they have a US service center the salesman told me they do but I just want to be sure.

Also I would like to Congratulate IWC for not making a huge bracelet. Most watches that I try on have bracelets that come from the factory sized for Arnold Schwarzenegger. I have 7" wrists and the Aquatimer is the first watch that I have tried on that didn't rest around my knuckles.

I also tried on one with the rubber strap. Personally I'm a bracelet guy and would buy the watch on bracelet because I've read about how expensive they are to purchase separately. But I actually liked the rubber strap and also think that it's cool how easy it is for you to switch between strap and bracelet yourself without tools. Does anybody know the MSRP for the rubber strap? I might buy that and switch off between them. The only bad thing I can say about the rubber is I wish that it came on a deployment instead of a buckle.


Overall I'm highly impressed with this watch and seriously considering picking one up. The other contender is an Omega PO 8500 but since I already have a 2500 PO I was thinking that the IWC would be cooler because it is totally different. I still haven't decided 100% yet so we will see.

[lindstd]

I can't comment on your 3 questions but I just wanted to say I agree with you on several accounts. I really like the Aquatimer and good luck with your potential purchase. I think the 44mm is the perfect size. I personally really like the Galapagos Aquatimer. The pics just don't do justice. I had the opportunity to try the watch on and I was pleasantly surprised of how cool the watch looked on. Anyways, good luck!

[jnelson3097]

I don't know how much the service would cost, but I think my Aquatimer manual says IWC recommends service every 4-5 years but I could be wrong. I'm pretty sure there is a US service center. I had to have mine sent back for some warranty work and it wasn't gone too long.

I've read the rubber strap retails for around $400. They bump up the price due to the strap changing system. Buy it on the bracelet if you do since like you said, bracelets are expensive to buy on their own.

[HR F1]

IWC updated the current Aquatimer's bracelet by adding the double-push button and also the formerly polished center links are all brushed. I have the older Aquatimer bracelet and the single push button has worked fine and I actually don't mind the polished center links as it contrasts nicely with the brushed/polished finish of the case.

As for service, I can't comment on prices as I have yet to send either of my IWCs in but they recommend 2 years for a minor service and 5 years for a full service. The US service/technical center is in Fort Worth Texas (the center handles pretty much all of the Richemont brands). If anything needs to be addressed in Switzerland that cannot be repaired in the US, they will send it back for you.

Good luck with your decision!

[GovtFunded]

You'll spend approximately $660.00 on a service. At least, that's what I spent on my last service. Service did not include the replacement of parts or return shipping. Yes, it can be expensive, but it should only be necessary every 5-7 years.

[slashd0t]

And to be fair, for a service, you DON'T have to send it to IWC... I don't think I would ever send an IWC to IWC with an ETA movement in it as they are ultra common and any competent watchmaker can service these in their sleep for around $250-$300..

If you need case work done etc, that's a different story, but, for a cleaning every 5 years, find a reputable local watchmaker...

If you buy an IWC with an in-house movement, then I would send it to IWC..

[Jim Jones]

Thanks for the replies guys
Still on the fence it's between the AT and the Blue Ti Planet Ocean.
I'm going to try to go see each of them in person once more to help make the final decision.

[catview]

And to be fair, for a service, you DON'T have to send it to IWC... I don't think I would ever send an IWC to IWC with an ETA movement in it as they are ultra common and any competent watchmaker can service these in their sleep for around $250-$300..

If you need case work done etc, that's a different story, but, for a cleaning every 5 years, find a reputable local watchmaker...

If you buy an IWC with an in-house movement, then I would send it to IWC..

slashd0t have you serviced any of your watches yet?

[slashd0t]

slashd0t have you serviced any of your watches yet?

I have never had an IWC serviced yet as the ones I own are both fairly new.. My Big Pilot was bought brand new this year as has my Aquatimer..

I've previous had a few IWC's that all ran nearly perfect so I never sent them in for a service..

That said.. I have had quite a few other watches serviced with ETA movements by a local watchmaker and he did an amazing job on every single on of them... Most recently a mid 70's Tudor Submariner (that I just sold ;) )

[JP Chestnut]

You'll spend approximately $660.00 on a service. At least, that's what I spent on my last service. Service did not include the replacement of parts or return shipping. Yes, it can be expensive, but it should only be necessary every 5-7 years.

This matches my experience. You can add in a couple hundred dollars for a polish on top of that if you choose - they can polish just the watch head for a lesser charge.