The most bizarre aspect of this preview article is that half way through last week, I had asked my friends at IWC Italy if they could lend me an IWC Aquatimer 2000 for a short period of time so that I could take some good pics of it for my next article. The IWC Aquatimer 2000 is the top offering of the three hands series but, so far, I haven't had the time to review it on Horbiter the way I would like to.

Taking some pics of this timepiece during my Christmas holidays in Capri would have been something special but, unfortunately, my friends at IWC Italy kindly asked me to be a bit more patient and wait till the end of the SIHH 2016. At the beginning I couldn't understand why my request had been a bit postponed but now everything seems to make sense; rumor has it that the IWC Aquatimer 2000 will be presented in 2016 wearing a new livery and for those of you who have recently celebrated their 40^th birthday (me included) this surprise announcement takes a completely new meaning because this new Aquatimer will definitely become the ultimate one in my opinion.

Its name is still IWC Aquatimer 2000, like the name of the original timepiece that was revamped in 2014, the new reference number is different though and it is IW358001. The characteristics of this new model are the very same one of its predecessor (i.e. SafeDive system, a case made of titanium and measuring 46mm, an in-house-built 80110 caliber running at a frequency of 4Hz) but the new dial featuring a black background and contrasting yellow counters seems incredibly deep.

This new style makes me go back to the good old times of the GST Deep One and it really makes this timepiece a real collection item. Had IWC come up with a replacement strap made of nylon with yellow stitching, this watch would be the perfect item to wear on every occasion. I am really looking forward to viewing the new livery, touching it with my own hands, taking lots of pictures and being able to share a review of the new IWC Aquatimer 2000 with you but, in the meantime, the only thing that I can tell you is that I have already decided what my first purchase in the year 2016 will be.

Please click here if you're looking for the hands-on review of the IWC Aquatimer 2000.

(Photo credit: courtesy of IWC Watches)

Gaetano C. @Horbiter®

@Gaetano Cimmino