Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

1 1 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I L imited to just 50 watches, the Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month combines state-of-the-art technology with quality looks. Hidden away inside a case made of such unusual materials as rubber-coated titanium and 18-carat red gold is a perpetual calendar with a large digital display showing the date and month. The integrated quick-action switch, which advances the month display, has one thing in common with the Galapagos marine iguana: they are both masters of energy efficiency. Over time, the marine iguanas have become masters of energy efficiency: they bask in the sun on the baking hot volcanic rock, storing the energy they need for their strength-sapping dives; once in the water, they reduce their energy requirements by slowing down their heartbeat. This is nature’s way of showing us how to use energy intelligently. Energy plays a central role in watchmaking mechanic as well. The automatic winding system in a mechanical watch supplies the movement with energy, but owing to the limited length of the mainspring, only part of it can be saved. There is enough energy for basic timekeeping and even for energy-sapping complications like the perpetual calendar. But if the perpetual calendar in question has large digital date and month displays with an additional leap year display, it means five display discs may need to be moved simultaneously. And this is where a conventional winding mechanism is soon stretched to its limits. For this reason, the engineers at IWC Schaffhausen developed the quick-action switch. This self-contained mechanical energy storage device builds up the power required to advance the month display discs continuously throughout the month – needless to say, all without any effect on the movement’s accuracy. Digital or analogue: innovative, either way In 2014, The Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month took its place in IWC Schaffhausen’s diver’s watch family as the flagship of the new Aquatimer collection. The distinctly technical design of the dial is characterised by the extra-large numerals of the perpetual calendar, which is mechanically programmed until 2100. The date and month discs have perforated covers. The designers took their inspiration for this particular element from the filter systems that are omnipresent on submarine vehicles. This provides a view of the complex switching mechanism at work: a fascinating spectacle, particularly at the end of the month, when all four date discs move simultaneously. The four-year leap year cycle is also shown digitally. At IWC, the digital display with large numerals has a tradition dating back over 100 years: the company’s first pocket watches with a jumping digital display had their market launch as long ago as 1884. Even today, most individuals prefer an analogue display with hands because it is easier and more intuitive. IWC’s engineers made use of this fact, giving the Aquatimer a second innovative form of indicator: the chronograph display. A subdial at “12 o’clock” displays stop times between one minute and 12 hours as simply as the time of day, using minute and hour hands, while the central hand counts the number of seconds. Anyone who has experienced an analogue stopwatch will only reluctantly go back to aggregate timing using two or more counters.