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Old 5 December 2006, 01:43 PM   #1
Timascus
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IWC Spitfire/Double Chrony 42 vs. 39mm

[Guess I'm going to get drummed out of the forum for asking about another brand ]

I've been looking for a daily wear utilitarian watch. I am particularly fond of the IWC Double Chronograph. It has all the features I would want in an understated, day-to-day watch.



For 2006, IWC has enlarged the these guys to a 42mm bezel.

Since I'm an old[er] fart, I feel the larger bezel will not suit me. Can anyone point me in a direction to find IWC enthusiasts like those here. Or where I might find one for sale in the USA?

Apparently, there are 39mm models still floating around in Europe. I will look for one on my next trip overseas (Jan or Feb).
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Old 5 December 2006, 01:47 PM   #2
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That Dopplechrono goes for approx 6000 new, don't be fool by their heavily marked up MSRP. (which is like 9k I believe)
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Old 5 December 2006, 01:50 PM   #3
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Take a look at the Rattrapapnte split second chrono. I been eyeing that one.
A nice dressy chrono.
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Old 5 December 2006, 01:54 PM   #4
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That's a nice looking one, Tim. Why do you think 42mm is too big for you? I bet I've got a couple of years on you and I wear a Breitling Olympus at 43.5 mm and a Glycine Airman 9 at 44 mm with no problem at all.
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Old 5 December 2006, 01:55 PM   #5
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I love the IWC Spitfire line
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Old 5 December 2006, 02:02 PM   #6
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Ed,

I dunno. I grew up associating BIG watches = kid needs help reading a dial. (Read: retarded)

My impression is that 39mm would be perfect, but 42mm might just be a tad too big. But give me a few years and when I have to squint to read I'll change my tune.

Seriously tho: I'd have to have all my cuffs enlarged for a watch that size.

I went to a Tourneau and the sales guy says he will have a 42mm copy in the store for Christmas. I'll check it out but I'd really like to compare it with a 39mm style side by side but they are no longer available in the States.
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Old 5 December 2006, 05:00 PM   #7
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Quote:
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Ed,

I dunno. I grew up associating BIG watches = kid needs help reading a dial. (Read: retarded)

My impression is that 39mm would be perfect, but 42mm might just be a tad too big. But give me a few years and when I have to squint to read I'll change my tune.

Seriously tho: I'd have to have all my cuffs enlarged for a watch that size.

I went to a Tourneau and the sales guy says he will have a 42mm copy in the store for Christmas. I'll check it out but I'd really like to compare it with a 39mm style side by side but they are no longer available in the States.
at your first comment.

Personally, I think that bigger watches in chronograph form look great. 42mm is not really 'huge' by todays standards, and I think you need that space to have a nice balance for everything that's going on. 42mm would be a pretty perfect size for me.

Then again, there are plenty of smaller chronos that look great too, but hey.... I do actually need help reading a dial (I need glasses, I'm not simple...although people may argue)
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Old 5 December 2006, 08:39 PM   #8
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Great looking watch have a big respect for IWC,and you can talk about all brands of watches on TRF,myself prefer 40mm plus.
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Old 6 December 2006, 01:10 PM   #9
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I just traded away a 3717 in 42mm, but the watch wears as comfortable as any watch ever. The thing looks large due to the skinny bezel, but you won't be sorry with that puppy.
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Old 6 December 2006, 01:32 PM   #10
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That's one beautiful watch
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Old 6 December 2006, 03:47 PM   #11
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Get the bracelet. IWC makes one of the best watch bracelet in the industry.

You plan to BNIB or Used? The doppelchrono holds its value quite well. Resale value of Flieger black version is a tad higher than the Spitfire.

Spitfire is a personal preference. I have too many black face dial watches already ;-)
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Old 6 December 2006, 04:00 PM   #12
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Beautiful watch, Timascus, but that white on white camouflage would knock my eyeballs out!!
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Old 6 December 2006, 04:53 PM   #13
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Beautiful watch, Timascus, but that white on white camouflage would knock my eyeballs out!!
None of the pics on the web or books gives justice to this (Spitfire) watch. You'll be amazed on how legible the dial is when you get to see it.
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Old 6 December 2006, 04:59 PM   #14
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None of the pics on the web or books gives justice to this (Spitfire) watch. You'll be amazed on how legible the dial is when you get to see it.
Fair comment, STB. The next time I'm at Watches of Switzerland, I'll take a look!!
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Old 6 December 2006, 06:02 PM   #15
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The photos do not do it justice. I am partial to the silver/white dial w/ strap but we'll have to see how they look.

It looks like if I want a 39mm model in the US I'll have to go used.

I will go look at the 42mm model when it comes in, but I need to see both in person side-by-side.

Going to EU for some business in the first part of 07 and will shop around.
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Old 7 December 2006, 12:25 PM   #16
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The photos do not do it justice. I am partial to the silver/white dial w/ strap but we'll have to see how they look.

It looks like if I want a 39mm model in the US I'll have to go used.

I will go look at the 42mm model when it comes in, but I need to see both in person side-by-side.

Going to EU for some business in the first part of 07 and will shop around.

The older Doppel Chronos (IWC-3713) are already 42mm, while the non-doppel version (IWC-3706) used to be 39mm.

The luminova hands of the older version are slightly greener. BTW, I'm not talking about the Tritium versions. The new ones (IWC-3717) uses White Luminova.
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Old 8 December 2006, 06:23 AM   #17
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STB,

I didn't know the Double Chronys were 42mm already. I was under the impression they were available in 39mm. Good to know. They do make a 44mm edition in a ceramic case . . . .
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Old 8 December 2006, 09:18 AM   #18
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STB,

I didn't know the Double Chronys were 42mm already. I was under the impression they were available in 39mm. Good to know. They do make a 44mm edition in a ceramic case . . . .
The new Doppel is indeed 44mm. It's a limited edition, therefore hard to get, and can be pricey. It's difficult to manufacture the ceramic case.

Good luck!
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