2006 IWC Aquatimer "Cousteau" from Eurotimez

[gioarmani 3]

I know I've had this piece for a week or more, but I've finally gotten around to a short review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the 2006 IWC Aquatimer "Cousteau Diver" from Eurotimez, the third review in my biggest Xmas shipment. A big and warm thank you to US Customs @ JFK in NY, for letting every single order I've ever made slide through unnoticed (even large orders of multiple full-size suitcases. God bless us, every one! )

 

Forever and day I've been torn between the '06 & '07, and the '06 finally won out enough for me to order. I really like the '07 dial's orange, but I feared it might just be a bit too much on me. The wood back on the '06 was probably the deciding factor, to be honest. :(

 

To me, this seems to wear about the same as my DSSD, but maybe smaller on the wrist than the AP ROO Rubens Barrichello. And yes; I plan to have Zig relume this one--I also plan on replacing the wood sticker on the case-back with genuine veneer, per the tutorial on that (sorry--the member's name escapes me).

 

Like the Tag & the AP, this too is my first IWC (and frankly, the only IWC I like). Theinner bezel-ring turns & lines up properly and fortunately none of the dial markers seem to be too far off kilter. This is also the first watch I've purchased with AR, and it really is lovely. It really makes all the colors on the dial pop; the white of the lume, the gloss blue, the oranges, and even the silver of the hour-markers. The day & date also line up perfectly, so unless someone knows if this is the incorrect font compared to the gen, I don't see a reason to replace the wheels.

 

Anyway, on to the pics. I'm quite pleased by how the shape & flow of the band's curvature follows that of the case. Very nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even the buckle is nicely detailed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just like the AP ROO I reviewed, this is on of only two watches I've ever owned without steel bands, and they really do fit & wear more than comfortable. Even though the case-back's wood is merely a digitally printed sticker on the reps, it still looks good enough to the naked eye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharp engravings, as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lume is applied nice and even, but I really like the chunkier look of the relumes I see posted elsewhere, in other member's reviews.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: After waterproofing, this piece just tested solid to 9.381 ATM!!! Quite happy.

 

 

 

 

 

Also, a few quick shots of the inside while greasing the gaskets & rings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And all the dial print is sharp as a tack--even on the ribbed surface of the matte sub-dials (which next to the gloss on the dial makes for a beautiful contrast).

 

 

 

 

 

The crown is also sharp and nicely engraved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all, I really like this piece more than I thought I would. This will certainly be getting most of my wrist time for the next few weeks.

 

Hope you enjoyed looking and a good 2020 to all! Auf Wiedersehen!

 

 

 

 

[greg_r 107]

One of the nicest IWCs I've seen in a long while. Tempting....

[gioarmani 3]

Thanks!

[KinCaidk 0]

Very nice indeed!!

 

Thanks for some great pics

[dingle 62]

gio has some of the best pictorials around. well done!

[gioarmani 3]

Gracias, muchachos!

[KinCaidk 0]

I know I am bumping old threads, but fuck me - I want this.

 

(And you're paying half, Solkryssare for making me want it )

[greg_r 107]

It is indeed a very pretty watch...

[solkryssare 109]

I know I am bumping old threads, but fuck me - I want this.

 

(And you're paying half, Solkryssare for making me want it )

 

 

I tell you what. I will let you have a beer with me once. How's that for repayment? Just once tho.

[KBH 7]

Beautiful indeed. But be aware that unless you have rather large wrists, the rubber is not very comfortable. It's not very flexible and will leave large gaps on your wrists. I couldn't wear it comfortably on 7 1/4" wrist. At the time I had it there were no bracelets available.

[gran 247]

:paddy_beer:

 

I hope I get to see this one in Vegas

[KinCaidk 0]

I know I am bumping old threads, but fuck me - I want this.

 

(And you're paying half, Solkryssare for making me want it )

 

 

I tell you what. I will let you have a beer with me once. How's that for repayment? Just once tho.

 

Alright.. You're paying

 

Beautiful indeed. But be aware that unless you have rather large wrists, the rubber is not very comfortable. It's not very flexible and will leave large gaps on your wrists. I couldn't wear it comfortably on 7 1/4" wrist. At the time I had it there were no bracelets available.

 

When did you have yours?

I hope that they made some better bands for it since. :paddy_beer:

[gB. 0]

gio has some of the best pictorials around. well done!

Yes, the best pictorials around....

 

Oh, wait, you're talking about the watches...lol

[Luthier 1]

Beautiful indeed. But be aware that unless you have rather large wrists, the rubber is not very comfortable. It's not very flexible and will leave large gaps on your wrists. I couldn't wear it comfortably on 7 1/4" wrist. At the time I had it there were no bracelets available.

 

Who said it???

[Dan22 0]

Beautiful. How would one go about getting this, with the orange hands with black leather band with matching orange stitching? I'd love to get it serviced and pressure tested too. I’m ok with quartz, or non 7750.

[Luthier 1]

Robert has very beautiful 21J version, and it's on SS bracelet. Fuck the rubber!

 

http://s424.photobucket.com/albums/pp329/t...t=Clipboard.jpg

[wat44 0]

mine says "Charles Darwin Roundation" on the back

 

[Luthier 1]

Yours isn't Cousteau, it's Aquatimer.

[wat44 0]

thanks - they are all aquatimers

[Luthier 1]

Yes, but Cousteau Divers is absolutely different watch - even different case size.

[wat44 0]

yep

 

Mines better looking, especially on my normal wrists (hehehehehe)