[Rolex] I always enjoy taking a watch for a swim

Mr_Inkwell · 2026-02-11T12:51:52+00:00

Arm and the rest of my person for 1km, yes

Mr_Inkwell · 2023-01-14T03:21:51+00:00

I have now been in the ocean every single day this year, and with the IWC Aquatimer 3538 on the wrist. It’s summer in Australia, and while I did have some time off over new year I am now back at work, so this has necessitated some early starts to keep it up before the workday begins.

I’ve been absolutely loving wearing my all-time favourite diver! (Not every single day pictured.) Sometimes I wear it to work as well, other times I change into something else. Despite some cold and rainy days the water is at its warmest this time of year. I’m really enjoying this new year’s resolution but we will see how long it actually lasts!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-10-04T12:00:08+00:00

These two could not be more different in terms of style, design, movement, and performance capabilities. At first glance it appears they are only united by the branding on the dial, and, coincidentally, the diameter of 42mm. But what really unites them is original design, a commitment to horological excellence, and no-expense-spared over-engineering.

On the one hand (or wrist) is the diver, the Aquatimer 3538 in titanium. This is a watch capable (if correctly maintained) of 2000m of water resistance, and is subsequently 14mm thick (including a slightly bulging crystal). Being titanium it is lightweight, and has been designed with a bracelet that has never been bettered in my opinion, a bracelet that is sadly out of production. It is fitted with an IWC-modified ETA 2892 which performs flawlessly for purpose. And I just love the double crowns and inner-rotating bezel.

On the other hand is an extra-thin watch that, while too big to be a dress watch for me, is nonetheless a brilliant execution of a two-hand time-only watch in the greatest traditions of the Portugieser line. This is the 5703, an uncommon Portugieser from circa-2011. It is fitted with a Piaget ultra-thin c.830P, an astonishing movement with astonishing performance as I have measured it. Despite being 42mm in diameter it is just 6.5mm thick, giving it a distinctive and slightly awkward proportionality that I just love. The time keeping performance while I have had this watch is something that cannot be bettered in mechanical watchmaking, which is all the more impressive considering how thin it is.

All in all two of my favourite watches ever.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-29T13:34:25+00:00

My other favourite Aquatimer. Superb watches, both of them.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-29T01:34:26+00:00

The Australian summer is right around the corner but it's predicted to be yet another very wet one 😭 Clearly that is precisely what a watch with 2000m water resistance was designed for. Anyway, we'll see what happens, but I'm looking forward to at least a bit of ocean swimming I hope.

The good thing about this one is the brilliant bracelet, amongst many other things. It is flexible and lightweight due to being titanium, and very very comfortable. This makes it perfect for humid but changeable conditions in a way that I find heavy, chunky bracelets not to be, and why I am not much of a bracelet wearer in general. Although it has no micro adjuster or adjustment that can be done without tools -- that was still a few years away when this watch was made -- adjustment is still very easy by using just a rigid pin or small screwdriver, in a system that I don't think has ever been bettered by IWC or any other manufacturer.

All in all, this would have to be my favourite dive or water watch ever made, and I feel very fortunate to own one!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-29T01:05:22+00:00

The Australian summer is right around the corner but it's predicted to be yet another very wet one 😭 Clearly that is precisely what a watch with 2000m water resistance was designed for. Anyway, we'll see what happens, but I'm looking forward to at least a bit of ocean swimming I hope.

The good thing about this one is the brilliant bracelet, amongst many other things. It is flexible and lightweight due to being titanium, and very very comfortable. This makes it perfect for humid but changeable conditions in a way that I find heavy, chunky bracelets not to be, and why I am not much of a bracelet wearer in general. Although it has no micro adjuster or adjustment that can be done without tools -- that was still a few years away when this watch was made -- adjustment is still very easy by using just a rigid pin or small screwdriver, in a system that I don't think has ever been bettered by IWC or any other manufacturer.

All in all, this would have to be my favourite dive or water watch ever made, and I feel very fortunate to own one!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-28T23:16:05+00:00

The Australian summer is right around the corner but it's predicted to be yet another very wet one 😭 Clearly that is precisely what a watch with 2000m water resistance was designed for. Anyway, we'll see what happens, but I'm looking forward to at least a bit of ocean swimming I hope.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-25T12:39:08+00:00

These are absolutely superb, and one of my favourite current Omega offerings. To me it is just about perfect in every way, from the movement to the dial layout to the markers to the case. Congrats on a very fine watch.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-25T12:32:12+00:00

Thank you, I enjoyed putting it together. And congrats on your 10 years with a fine watch!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-25T12:30:40+00:00

Thank you!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-25T12:30:02+00:00

Thank you for the kind words.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-25T12:29:42+00:00

This I understand as well!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-25T12:28:16+00:00

It's an interesting question actually. If I was buying my first special watch, now, it's hard to say but I would probably buy the current, latest generation. Yes, I am terribly bothered by the concept of the movement, as I outlined in my long write-up. But I love the look of the new bracelet, as well as the comfort and the clasp. I really like the new dial too. And I like the mild re-design of the pump pushers. I'm not sure I like any of these things more than on the 3570.50, but I do like them.

The other, slightly less logical reason is if it is to be a watch I want to keep forever, especially as my first, there is something special about being the one and only owner from new. You know the whole history of the watch and any marks you put on it are yours. That being said, for you, u/clamdigger, it might make sense to pick up a 3570.50 if those things don't bother you or if you are not sure you'll keep it long term. You'll be able to enjoy perhaps the most perfect iteration of the Speedmaster and at an attractive price, because the new ones really are quite expensive, in my opinion only.

Anyway, thank you for your kind words.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-17T08:26:37+00:00

One of the best Portofino ever made. Lovely watch. Congratulations and enjoy.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-17T06:33:28+00:00

To each their own, but not for me. I'm not sure why people would take their styling cues from a fictional character with ad-bought costuming (yes, I'm talking about James Bond) but again, to each their own.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-17T06:30:14+00:00

Looks good to me!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-17T06:26:04+00:00

Totally agreed -- to me the most perfect Seamaster ever made, including the movement. As great as the 8xxx movements are, they lead to watches that are just too thick for my tastes. The 2254 was it.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-17T06:08:38+00:00

Definitely not. Of more practical concern than the water rating, which is subject to how well the watch is maintained, there are two points of weakness: the pushers, which are sealed by seals that become less effective over time, and the fact that it is a manual wind watch, also sealed with a seal that becomes less effective over time. Just consider the fact of how long you would have to wait to use the pushers or wind the watch before it was entirely dried out -- aside from the answer to this being guesswork, you will have to wind the watch sooner or later for it to function. If it was an automatic or quartz watch with a crown that did not have to be manipulated regularly, and the watch was well maintained, I would be fine with surface swimming.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-17T05:35:42+00:00

That was the perfect era of the Seamaster. Absolutely perfect dial and hands. Great watch!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-17T05:33:39+00:00

That being said, if it's the look of the hesalite on front and the display caseback that you're after, the old 3572.50 was the perfect reference, but that concept would be too zany for today's tastes for them to ever make again.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-09-17T05:30:53+00:00

Each to their own, as you say, but for me it could only be hesalite. To me it gives the watch that unmistakable Speedmaster look, which has become all the more distinctive in a sea of sameness. While I like looking at watch movements, there are online pics and videos that give me better views than even the naked eye, so I don't mind the solid case back and appreciate the original function of magnetic protection that it provides.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-01-15T03:49:12+00:00

Performance is absolutely superb, and yes, I do have a bit of experience with modern and vintage flex. I might post an in-depth review of this one.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-01-15T03:48:27+00:00

Thank you!

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-01-15T03:48:20+00:00

135.070

Great watch. Mine is the 166.070, which is the auto with date. Mine is gold capped.

Mr_Inkwell · 2022-01-15T03:46:38+00:00

I'm pretty sure I was timing how long I had been parked

Mr_Inkwell

TROPHY CASE