ETA 2892 “Top,” automatic; 28,800 vph; 21 jewels, Incabloc shock absorption; Etachron fine adjustment; Glucydur balance; 40-hour power reserve; diameter = 25.6 mm, height = 3.6 mm
The Aquatimer 2000 does not contain a manufacture movement: IWC’s caliber 30110 uses a large-series ETA 2892 as its base. However, many parts of this caliber are post-processed to narrow their tolerances. The base movement is already well known for its reliability and for the accuracy of its rate. Furthermore, it is thin enough that the watch’s designers could fit it inside a case that’s pleasantly slender and reliably waterproof to a very great depth. In comparison, the manufacture movement that animates IWC’s Ingenieur Automatic is 7.2 millimeters thick — twice as thick as the ETA 2892.
When we removed the massive, fully threaded caseback, we discovered a variety of decorative engravings on the movement. These include a cloud pattern, circular graining and a sunburst motif. Also, the heads of the screws are polished and the engraved lettering is inlaid with gold.
The movement is equipped with a quick-adjustment function for the date display, as well as a stop-seconds function, which stops the balance when the crown is pulled out, making it easier to set the time and date.
IWC reworks the reliable, technically mature, large-series ETA 2892 and assembles it according to stricter standards.