IWC... thoughts and questions

[sleedawg]

Hi,

I was wondering what people thought of IWC as a brand. I was looking at IWC 3717 Classic Pilot Chrono. My AD asked if I'd be interested. He just got two in. I know IWC doesn't make that many pieces. Anyone have any issues with them? Also, does anyone know if they discount these? If so, at what level? I know Omega are available for big discounts. And, I've purchased Rolexes at a decent discount. But have no luck on my Panerai discounts (free straps). Wondering what the sales position is on IWCs.

Thanks!

[applebook]

IWC is a highly respected brand. I've had three and have enjoyed them all.

The 3717 is a proven workhorse and a great looking watch as well. You should have little problem obtaining a discount on one.

[Terry Newton]

I love IWC watches. They are a good manufacturer. The watch you are looking at is sharp. Good Luck in your search. That is half the fun.

Terry Newton

[toph]

I think they are a great band and i particularly like the aquatimer models which are quite sporty.

[Jedi]

Price point is lower than Rolex and about on par with Omega, maybe a little higher.

A solid dependable brand covering the whole spectrum, this IWC. I've considered a few models from them, but have never pulled the trigger. Their Master Watchmaker Kurt Klaus is highly respected.

[haakon59]

IWC is an excellent manufacturer but they are more in the league of specialty manufacturers than anything else. They pay more attention to "horological" values like polishing the movement, etc. Most people who own them report they are quite pleased with their dependability and styling. Their lume performance is a bit underwhelming, but otherwise, their watches are of excellent quality for the money.

[applebook]

Originally Posted by Jedi

Price point is lower than Rolex and about on par with Omega, maybe a little higher.

Not true. Most IWCs that are equivalent to OMEGAs are substantially more expensive.

[haakon59]

I will also have to chime in that many IWC watches are priced substantial above both Rolex and Omega. They do have some lower end models which are priced comparably with Rolex and Omega, but they have several models which are much higher too.

[Clarence]

I loved my GST Auto Alarm. It held its value very well and performed exceptionally well as a daily wearer. I have a GST Chrono at IWC service center as we speak, can't wait to get it back. I'm not sure why they did away with the GST line, but its a shame.

Current offerings dont do much for me!

[bigG]

I have an IWC split minute aquatimer and it is a very good watch. IWC is a fine watch company and they make quality pieces. If you want to go in that direction you can't go wrong. They are less well known than brands like Rolex or Omega but that is not always a bad thing.

[MAC4130]

IWC is a very respected watch company! on luxury surveys they have been recognized as on of the top brands out there!
Prices vay a lot from probably 6k to well over 100k, models are available from very simple 3 hands to tourbillons, minute repeaters and perpetual calendars. Some of the lower models use ETA ebauches heavily modified by them, great quality and finish!
I personally like the Portugese Chronos and they are not that expensive, they are about 6k list but it is likelyyou can get a 15% discount as in Rolex.

[Mandrake]

I have seen many threads in this forum lately asking about the 3717, and all I can say is....get one, I know I did (even before than my Rolex!). Here is mine:



Regards

[vukotab]

Great watches and respectable brand.Absolutely worth buying!

[sub2004]

Love IWC also, very cool pilots watches.

But between the two, i would take JLC, Rolex, and Panerai first.

[Scarface]

IWC?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I owned an IWC "Doppelchronograph" ref. 3713 for a period. I got it straight from the manufactory in Schaffhausen via an AD who took an SS "Zenith" Daytona of mine in exchange. MAN, in retrospective, I regret having done that deal.

Anyway, the IWC D.C. was a very nice, classic watch, but turned out to not be very precise. Despite several regulations, the modified ETA Valjoux 7750 movt. could not do better than + 8 secs./day. Finally I flipped it.

Somehow I lost respect for IWC as a brand along the road. Not that I don't believe they manufacture excellent watches (they do!), but lately there has been a tendency at IWC to make more and more "modern" looking, timepieces with show-off (not meaning "see-through") casebacks like the Doppelchronograph "Top Gun" edition! Ridiculous idea of a limited edition, imho.

The classic, beautiful 3713 D.C. got discontinued, so did the original, classic Aquatimer.

IWC once meant stability, now it means evershifting models depending on whatever the trend is today.

[daveathall]

Beautiful watches, you wont be disappointed.

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

I owned an IWC "Doppelchronograph" ref. 3713 for a period. I got it straight from the manufactory in Schaffhausen via an AD who took an SS "Zenith" Daytona of mine in exchange. MAN, in retrospective, I regret having done that deal.

Anyway, the IWC D.C. was a very nice, classic watch, but turned out to not be very precise. Despite several regulations, the modified ETA Valjoux 7750 movt. could not do better than + 8 secs./day. Finally I flipped it.

Somehow I lost respect for IWC as a brand along the road. Not that I don't believe they manufacture excellent watches (they do!), but lately there has been a tendency at IWC to make more and more "modern" looking, timepieces with show-off (not meaning "see-through") casebacks like the Doppelchronograph "Top Gun" edition! Ridiculous idea of a limited edition, imho.

The classic, beautiful 3713 D.C. got discontinued, so did the original, classic Aquatimer.

IWC once meant stability, now it means evershifting models depending on whatever the trend is today.

hmm, kinda reminds me of Rolex(oops, did I say THAT?).
best, dan

[bigmikebee]

i like to use alanfurman.com as a price reference. IWC 's are great pieces. also, go to any dealer and ask for the book on IWC 's.free I read it and its very imformative.

[jands8916]

Is it me or does IWC need to hire someone to overhaul their marketing? Their magazine adverts seem really budget and spartan. I almost expect a coupon outline in the corner so I can clip one out for to take to any participating IWC dealer. Cheap! spend some money guys!

[bigmikebee]

true that

[Ck8]

Play away from Rolex and bought an IWC Portuguese Chrono Auto and really realy pleased with the purchase.I would say the quality is betterthan a Rolex and as for accuracy, that is not COSC, is amazing. The watch was running spot on and after a year I changed the dial and the watch was running 3 sec/ day fast. Sent it back to IWC and had it regulated and it is now spot on daily. As for the quality and design it ranks with the more expensive watches on the market. If I have the money I would buy the IWC perpetual calendar. Go for one.

[topcat30093]

I am seriously thinking about getting an IWC and have recently done a lot of research on the company.

The 2 watches that I'm very interested in are the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar - which I have tried on it is a big watch and IMO is stunning in its appearance.

The other IWC that I' looking at is either the Older Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar/Chronograph or the newer S/S version.
I am hoping to see the older version in a couple of weeks time and I can't wait.
I haven't been so excited about looking at a watch, since I bought my 1st DD.

As regards to their watch brochure, it truly puts Rolex to shame. With over 300 pages of facts,photos and prices its awesome. So is their quarterly magazine.
IMO Rolex could learn a lot from IWC marketing.

[bigmikebee]

topcat, i agree w/ u regarding rolex s mktg however, the rolex brand is so well known that they dont need to go the extra step. Also, here in the States, IWC is not a well known watch like it is in Europe. my vote is for the port perp calender. good luck on your choice! mike

[Terry Newton]

The perpetual calendar is a lot of money. What kind of discount are you going to get and, is it going to be in gold? I think the perpetual calendars are a fabulous complication though expensive like minute repeaters, tourbillons, Grand Sonnerie, and some others. They are a true watch collectors holy grail though and worth adding to any collection if it is afforded. The perpetual calendar is very useful as well as long as you don't forget to wind the watch.

It is so nice to set the watch once and not have to worry about it until 2100. Something more for the heirs to worry about.

Terry Newton

[taylor]

i lOVE the big pilot

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by bigmikebee

topcat, i agree w/ u regarding rolex s mktg however, the rolex brand is so well known that they dont need to go the extra step. Also, here in the States, IWC is not a well known watch like it is in Europe. my vote is for the port perp calender. good luck on your choice! mike

Thanks Mike
I shall keep you posted.