Déjà vu

Well, It wasn't that long ago that Rock Star watch brand IWC tested the limits of divers watches in 1999 with the robust engineering of the Deep One. Even though this titanium wonder was produced for a limited time, it definitely took notice of divers and admirers alike but didn't really fly off the shelves. People were afraid and perplexed by the size and the function of what the watch actually did. Even though it didn't seem like it at the time it was one of the smartest moves IWC ever made.

The watch standing 45 mm in case diameter was fitted with A Jaeger Le Coultre Base movement and featured a very cool complication which showed how deep the diver has descended with use of a mechanical depth gauge, which could only be possible by allowing water into the case and that pressure would then allow an internal ring to show an analog reading on the dial. No fine watch company had the creativity and balls like IWC to pull of something so big and well manufactured with purpose. Today The Deep One has become very collectible and a cult favorite amongst watch enthusiasts around the world and is the current inspiration for the entire Aquatimer line that IWC launched a few years back which has become a huge success. I mean how much more testosterone do you need? The watch was even packaged with a penis pump,I mean a pump that tested the accuracy of the depth gauge!

This was to followed up three years ago with the launch of the newly redesigned Aquatimer series headed up by the Aquatimer Split Minute which is the first of its kind in the world for a divers watch. Just like the deep one This 44 mm watch is only available in titanium, and features a Flyback mechanism that works independently of the chronograph with a patented little rocker switch on the opposite side of the case, making it really easy to turn this function on/off without any complication. The watch is 120 meters water resistant and includes a self-winding chronograph, inner rotating bezel for diving and can be clad on a rubber strap to fit any wrist or on the most comfortable titanium bracelet on the market which you can adjust yourself for the ultimate bit of self indulgence.

Even though it is a hair smaller than its older scarier brother the split minute does a fantastic job of combing useful complication, bold colorful dial and clever use of size, and yet still maintains it's legacy from the past makes me have serious déjà vu!

pics courtesy of www.iwc.ch