IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Rose Gold Watch

A timepiece such as this makes the same type of sense that a decadently appointed off-road worthy SUV does. Why do you gild a device meant to go off the beaten track and be exposed to the elements? Just as most Cadillac Escalade owners don’t tread their pampered big-wheelers off road, such is the case with the owners of gold cased IWC Aquatimer Chronograph watches. “Strong enough for the sea, but made for cruising in the Bentley,” as I say.

The watch is still pretty as sin though, and for this Ref. IW3769 watch, IWC gave it their in-house made automatic caliber 89360 chronograph movement – beautifully decorated and finished as visible through the caseback window. The chronograph is special because it has a bi-compax array of subdials, but retains timing of up to 12 hours. The top subsidiary dial has two counter hands in it, for the chronograph minutes and for the hours. The chronograph hands are in all red for clarity, while the lower subdial is for the watch seconds and also has an integrated date window.

In 18k rose gold, the case is 44mm wide and 15.5mm thick. As a good diver’s watch the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph rose gold is water resistant to 120 meters. Nothing too shabby, but you don’t want to take the watch too deep. The new for 2009 Aquatimer watches all have the clever quick release straps and bracelets that release with an easy press of a lever on the bottom side where they attach to the case. It is a beautiful timepiece that will remind you of the activities it will easily survive while you instead choose to remain in whatever luxurious comfort your lifestyle affords.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.