The new IWC Galapagos editions ...

[slashd0t]

Hey All,

I'm considering picking up one of the new Galapagos models, but judging on Instagram and forums, it doesn't appear that anyone has actually bought one of these watches .... Seriously, I don't think I can find a single owner ... Curious what everyone's thoughts are on these? I used to own the original Galapagos, which I liked, but I always worried about the rubber coating (which never did become an issue and outside a single thread on WUS, I don't see any other complaints). I quite like the fact that the new model has a flyback in-house chrono, but it comes at a fairly significant price hike..

I have to be honest, the fact that it appears no one on the planet has actually bought one, makes it a bit more desirable for me ...

Anyone have any experience with this model? Thoughts? I'm also suck between the regular model and the La Cumber Volcano model..

[JP Chestnut]

The case back on that Volcano model looks like something pulled off the back of a micro brand watch. I like the front though.

[JP Chestnut]

Double post...

[slashd0t]

Double post...

Did I miss a similar thread? I can't find anything..

[streetracer101]

It is the most boring of the new AT models imo. The old version had more unique-ness. This one is just blah.

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[JP Chestnut]

Double post...

Did I miss a similar thread? I can't find anything..

I double posted due to forum latency and edited my dub.

[logan2z]

I don't think the new Aquatimers have been selling well which is probably why you're not seeing many around. My AD admitted to me that they've sold very few.

I haven't tried on the Galapagos but have tried on the three hander a few times and think they look pretty nice in the metal. My favorite of the bunch is the model with the silver dial.

Sorry, can't be of much help on the Galapagos models except to say that the rubber coating still scares me and I'd be reluctant to buy one.

[BBK357]

I like the new Galapagos

I think the red on the volcano version looks dull


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[slashd0t]

I like the new Galapagos

I think the red on the volcano version looks dull


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Yeah, I kind of agree.. The regular Galapagos is just has a cool stealth look to it.

[toxicavenger]

Rubber cases/bezel/crowns are dumb for longevity.

[matt.wu]

Rubber doesn't age well. AP replaced most of the rubber on their ROOs with ceramic.

[logan2z]

Rubber doesn't age well. AP replaced most of the rubber on their ROOs with ceramic.

Still there on the Diver's crowns unfortunately, but I haven't heard any horror stories about it. Worse comes to worse they replace the crowns, not the entire case.

[toxicavenger]

Rubber doesn't age well. AP replaced most of the rubber on their ROOs with ceramic.

Still there on the Diver's crowns unfortunately, but I haven't heard any horror stories about it. Worse comes to worse they replace the crowns, not the entire case.

Didn't someone with a JLC alarm have a torn rubber on the crown?

[logan2z]

Rubber doesn't age well. AP replaced most of the rubber on their ROOs with ceramic.

Still there on the Diver's crowns unfortunately, but I haven't heard any horror stories about it. Worse comes to worse they replace the crowns, not the entire case.

Didn't someone with a JLC alarm have a torn rubber on the crown?

Hopefully it was a sterile dial.

[toxicavenger]

Rubber doesn't age well. AP replaced most of the rubber on their ROOs with ceramic.

Still there on the Diver's crowns unfortunately, but I haven't heard any horror stories about it. Worse comes to worse they replace the crowns, not the entire case.

Didn't someone with a JLC alarm have a torn rubber on the crown?

Hopefully it was a sterile dial.

I hope so also.

[jimyritz]

IWC ruined the AT line..

[rockmastermike]

I had the OG version and loved it.....can't speak to the longevity of the rubber as I rarely keep watches for very long
come to think of it, I haven't seen or heard much about the new one either.

[dinexus]

Guess I'm in the minority – I love the 3290 series Aquatimers. I like the new dive chronos as I'm a sucker for anything with a twin-register layout, but I don't like the lack of a running seconds hand (oh the irony). They also wear sorta big, so I was limited to the 3-hander to make it work.

[slashd0t]

Thanks all for your input!

While I'm concerned with the rubber coating, like others, I typically don't hang on to watches for 10-15 years... Also, the traditional Galapagos has been out for I believe 7-8 years now, with no adverse complaints that I can find, outside a shady poster on WUS, who disappeared after complaining about what appeared to be a trashed Galapagos..

I actually think the new line of Aquatimers are a huge step forward for IWC. At the end of the day, watches are very subjective, but I hardly think IWC "ruined" the AT lineup.

I'm still a little shocked that I can't actually find an owner of a modern Galapagos. I've posted here, on WUS and on the IWC Collector forum and nothing.