As far as dive watches go, the triumvirate of reliability, comfort and functionality is all that matters. Very rarely does one come across a dive watch – or any piece of dive equipment, really – that stresses on aesthetics. But that doesn’t mean dive equipment tends to be useful but ugly. Far from it, they have a distinctive, utility-driven exterior that is always a result of some functional necessity; buttons and knobs offer maximum grip, displays are sharp and clearly defined, cases and covers are strong and robust. All these qualities and more can be found with the Aquatimer Deep Three. This third generation model is padded with a host of new and improved features all divers would appreciate.

Firstly, the Aquatimer Deep Three is one of a scant few mechanical watches equipped with a depth gauge, but that’s not all. To a limit of 50m, it can record maximum depth (red indicator) as well as current depth (blue indicator). In addition, the sweeping seconds hand used in combination with the blue indicator allows one to ascend or descend at the optimal speed. Good divers know not to exceed 10 metres per minute to avoid decompression sickness and other kinds of dysbarism. The watch’s depth gauge works with a pressure-metering system housed in a large crown protected by a bow on the left side of the case. As it descends, surrounding pressure from the water will act on this crown, which depresses a membrane and pin. The membrane keeps the case watertight and the pin is connected to the depth gauge levers.

Secondly, the watch is paired with IWC’s SafeDive system that combines the safety of an inner rotating bezel with the convenience of an external rotating bezel. The Aquatimer Deep Three as well as the Deep Two use this system, while the original model, Deep One, was made with an inner rotating bezel controlled by a crown.

Thirdly, the Deep Three is practically indestructible as its titanium case is corrosion-resistant, harder than stainless steel, which was used for the Deep Two. Despite its 46mm diameter, it remains comfortably lightweight due to its low atomic mass. The slim bezel design makes the case appear less bulky and the corrugated rubber strap fits all wrists. Ceramic is also used in this watch, specifically, the depth gauge reset button at two o’clock.

Finally, legibility is never compromised in the making of this timepiece as generous coatings of Super-LumiNova were applied liberally and in different colourations. Displays relevant to the dive itself, such as depth, dive time and the minute and seconds displays are green, while the hour hand and indices are blue, and even though you can’t see it, the self-winding Calibre 30120 inside offers a maximum 42-hour power reserve (S$26,300).