A sporty, and highly technical, diver’s watch equipped with a depth gauge complication invented by Richard Habring during his time at IWC. Circa 1999.
Case: Titanium case with three crowns: one to turn the internal bezel, one for time setting, and one, at 4 o’clock, where water enters the Bourdon system and where the included pump can be attached.
Bracelet: Titanium bracelet with deployment clasp. Velcro strap also included.
Dial: Black dial with depth scale, internal rotating bezel (first fifteen minute segment in yellow LumiNova), central hours and minutes, small seconds at six o’clock. Date at three o’clock. Large white hand to indicate current depth. Yellow hand indicates deepest depth reached.
Movement: Self-winding, IWC caliber 8914, based on the JLC caliber 891. 36 jewels. 28,800 mph (4 Hz). 36 jewels. 38 hours of power reserve.
Diameter: 42.8mm. Thickness: 14.75mm.
Condition: Excellent condition. Complete set with box, case, papers, velcro straps, and aluminum pump.
More about IWC:
The use of titanium in watch cases is a modern development, having been pioneered by IWC in the 1980’s with the Porsche Design “Titane” model. In the 1970s, IWC developed a series of new strategies for targeting new markets, including working with Porsche Design to produce sportier watches. Titanium was appealing for a number of reasons, including its lightweight, resistance to corrosion, and antimagnetic properties. However, because it is difficult to work with, it is challenging to produce a large number of watches in titanium cases.
The present watch, a rare, complete set, includes the original aluminum pump used to test the depth gauge complication before a dive. The watch itself utilizes a Bourdon tube, a thin, metallic tube which expands and straightens as pressure water increases to measure depth.