...when it came out in 2004, I had no idea of the subsequent Aquatimer limited editions, nor the revisions of the AT product line in 2009. I've thought of getting other IWC diving watches --and probably should get one more-- but I always settle on this one. I think that the photo speaks for itself.
It makes my heart skip a beat...
It indeed is a great AT and a beautiful IWC.
Thanks for sharing,
Bill
It is pure beauty and function! (nt)
Totally agreed! . . .
. . . nobody could get enough of this model :=)
I coulnd''t get enough . . .
LOL....Great picture Hans
LOL.....peawatch, peacousteau or pfuhr Hans ? (nt)
This is a great one
There is only one that makes me sigh even more, but that's another category ...
Tilo
Dream-AT
Very nice pictures of wonderful watches
I guess the first Cousteau AT is the most characteristic one. The new gold AT Chrono is growing on me, one of the nicer watches with a 89360 movement.
I have a question, though. Was there any connection between Cousteau and IWC in the days of Mr. Cousteau himself? That must have been probably in the 1960's. I read somewhere that he wore a Fifty Fathoms. The newest model of it is quite nice, by the way.
Kind regards,
Paul, wearing rose gold VC Portuguese
about your historical question...
No, IWC had no connection with Cousteau himself. But don't get too much out of the Blancpain-Cousteau connection.
Blancpain is a different company, with different watches today, and Cousteau also dived with other brands. Also, if you Google "Cousteau watches" you see that one of Cousteau's sons has licensed the name to some very inexpensive (under $200) dive watches, which probably have more right to the name. Of course, IWC has a right to use the name given its agreement with Francine Cousteau (his widow) and the Cousteau Society.
On the history of diving watches, over 10 years ago I wrote a history of them. It was taken down due to a dispute regarding republication rights. However, several other websites then picked the article up and without my consent republished it! One such pirated link is below, although the article was edited to delete images. I guess they respected some copyrights!
Very interesting article Michael!....
I regret that it was pirated...but appreciate you posting the link so it could be read here!
Best regards,
Jim
Great article. Thanks for the link. nt
Very nice and interesting article
Strange that it is not availble in its original form with pictures. I enjoy these stories of all to try and succeed to excel, leading to great products. It makes you want to have such a watch a bit more. Who knows...
Kind regards,
Paul, wearing rose gold VC Portuguese
And a little bit special ........
being the first of the Cousteau series.
Regards
Ivan
iwcforme
Thanks MF, great article
Great watch - nice dial but which Aquatimer next?
Case manufacturers advertisments ...
... promoted their water resistant cases.
And both of the above case manufacturers have links with IWC.
Taubert & Fils were the successors to François Borgel and examples of Borgel cased pocket watches and wristwatches can be found.
E Piquerez_Fresard, made the early Aquatimer cases and a recent post by Mark Levinsohn on 5.7.2010 shows the Swiss patent numbers, 317537 and 337462 both registered to Ervin Piquerez.
Cheers from the cellar
Taubert & Fils
Piquerez_Fresard
Genuine Case Back 816 by Mark Levinsohn on 5.7.2010
I often say if I only had one watch.....
It would be the Cousteau Divers. I wear mine on a bracelet and it gets more wrist time than any other watch in my collection. Of course, it shows the "love" scratches, rips, dents, you name it).
Sometimes I forget that it came on a strap.
I'm on the list for the Cousteau Chrono 2010 and I'm really looking forward to that.
Larry
If I remember right....
The first several hundred had a different finish on the case sides maybe they were polished and those that came later were brushed. Does anyone remember?
Mine is #403 and it is brushed.
Very good article
would have liked to been a fly on the wall during that time period.
Larry , you are correct, there were ...
there were indeed two different finishings. The one with the polished sides and the other ( most of them ) with the brushed sides.
Great picture of a great watch Michael!!!! nt
thanks greg, most interesting! nt
Wonderful piece Michael...
enjoy it in the pool this weekend.
--
Best from Isobars.
