Hi chaps,
as some of you might already now, I got my second Aquatimer today. The IWC
Aquatimer 2000 "Fanta" (Ref. 3568-07).
My first Aquatimer was the Split Minute (Ref. 3723-01) but I probably would
never have come across this awesome watch, without Mr. Bas Dekkers.
In fact I was looking for an IWC Aquatimer Galapagos, because I stumbled over
some beautiful pictures of it on Instagram (very likely it was Clems pictures
- but I can't remember). So I started digging a bit deeper into the Galapagos
and when I thought I found a decent one, I reached out for a second opinion on
it. And who else could have been better, than the AT expert himself, Bas "Mr.
Aquatimer" Dekkers. =)
He was very friendly, took his time and explained the things to watch out for
on the Galapagos (even tho he was on Jamaica at this time).
Turns out the watch I found was overpriced and in the end I was a bit worried
about the rubber coating. As I use all my watches daily and treat them as
tools and not jewellery, there might have been quite a few dents in the
coating which could not have been fixed in SH.
So I decided to go with another Aquatimer - found the Split Minute - was
overwhelmed by the design and the unique complication - got a decent deal and
bought the watch.
Unfortunately the bracelet was sitting pretty tight. Not way too tight, but
could have been more comfortable...
On the BBAMSGTG I had a little chat with Bas on the Split Minute, the bracelet
and extra links for the titanium bracelet. Turns out he had a spare link he
was willing to send me. What a wonderful move.
After the BBAMSGTG I shot him an email with my address, asked for the price
and the bank details.
Like a true and generous Gentleman he just replied with an information that
the link left the building and that he is happy to help a fellow collector.
I mean, I was already surprised and overwhelmed by the kindness, friendship
and helpfulness of EVERYONE I met in Amsterdam - but this gesture by Bas was
special to me! We just wrote some mails and had a short chat in person, but he
treated me like we know each other for years and years already.
The IWC community - or can I say IWC family - is just AWESOME!
How did I got my second Aquatimer:
Almost every evening I´m quickly browsing through Ebay Marketplaces to check
on IWC merch, goodies and watches of course (Tho my watch budget was exceeded
in February already ^^).
That one evening I saw a picture of an Aquatimer 2000 with orange markers and
hour hand. I had the funny feeling that its kind of a special watch, so I
started searching for more details and background. As it was very hard to find
any decent information on the internet and even on this forum there was a bit
confusen, I (again) reached out to Mr. Aquatimer for some more information.
He quickly replied with all the necessary facts and price indication. Thanks
again, Bas.
The seller obviously did not know what he was selling - it was the Aquatimer
"Fanta" of which only 300 pcs. were made - ever.
The description and price was like he was selling a "normal" Aquatimer 2000.
Good for me :-)
The only drawback was the missing warranty card - but I want to wear the watch
and not read the papers, so I decided to go for it.
Finally I got my first "Soft Drink Watch" (who needs a Pepsi, Coke or Root
Beer if there is Fanta).
Today the watch finally arrived and its so beautiful in person... and guess
what: The warranty card was hiding in the booklet, so in the end I got a Full
Set. =)
Congratulations - you finally made it through a long story (which supposed to
be short) so here are some pictures which worth a thousand words.
Cheers,
Adrian
PS: Bas, there is a little parcel on its way to the Netherlands. =)
