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R.J.B · 19 November 2010, 08:58 PM

Hi guys,

I have recently been given an old IWC watch and as they are a brand which I have never paid too much attention to before, I have been trying to do a little research into the company.

I was just curious as to where they are perceived to 'fit in' amongst other watch brands?

For example, I came across this table, generalising the different watch manufactures by class. I don't know how much you will agree with what they are saying, but where in your opinion would IWC best slot into a table like this?

http://www.chronocentric.com/watches/brands.shtml

Thanks for your opinions

Russ

vukotab · 19 November 2010, 09:42 PM

I really hate all kinds of classifications, and this one puts Alain Silberstein (high end fashion waches IMHO) in range with Vacheron and Pathek, which is ridiculous and completely untrue. (I have respect for AS watches, but they cannot be compared with such manufactures as Pathek, Vacheron, or A. Lange & Sohne...)
IWC is at least in the same range as Rolex, but their high end models (Grand Complication, Da Vinci or Portugieser Perpetual etc. etc.) are for sure in class bit higher (in purely horological sense) than, I guess, Sub No Date or Expoler (I`m not offending these Rolex watches, in fact they`re my favorites and I would rather have Explorer than any IWC, but it`s only matter of my personal taste) .

Almost every movement in IWC is HEAVILY modified highest grade ETA Ebauche, and I had once interesting quartz chrono, (actually hybrid, with quartz module for time and date, but completely mechanical chronograph function) which movement is produced by JLC.

All in all, IWC produces fantastic watches, absolutely in range with Rolex, Breitling, Omega and such Swiss Made brands.

BH13GMT · 19 November 2010, 09:51 PM

totally agree with the comments above, IWC have a history and do tend to stick with their core model ranges, Pilot, Aquatimer and Ingenieuer spring to mind, you can buy contemporary IWC or choose to go old skool, they have a model range that sits in both camps. I like a few IWC models but they dont make a GMT sports model.

Nothing wrong with them IMHO

Shade · 19 November 2010, 11:43 PM

Iwc is a great brand that is on par with Rolex. Their grande complications are bang for you buck compared to PP, VC, or AP. And I actually fancy their designs. I also think that a pilot watch is iwc's icon as much as a sub is to Rolex. I actually added a pilot chrono rosegold to my collection not long ago.

Aivas47a · 24 November 2010, 01:40 AM

Agree with vukotab's comments ... IWC is a solid brand, comparable to Rolex though not on the same level as Patek/VC/AP/A Lange.

2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:53 AM

I agree with above, and I do like IWC

I have also come across that site before, it seems like it is more of an anti-Rolex site than anything else.

2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:54 AM

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2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:54 AM

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2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:54 AM

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2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:55 AM

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2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:55 AM

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2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:55 AM

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2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:56 AM

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2005rivers · 24 November 2010, 01:57 AM

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heresiarh · 24 November 2010, 05:11 AM

I believe higher end iwc models are above Rolex. But thats just me. I love the brand.

Aivas47a · 25 November 2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heresiarh

I believe higher end iwc models are above Rolex. But thats just me. I love the brand.

Actually I think that's right, especially for IWC's dress watches and complicated models.

blackmsport · 25 November 2010, 02:29 PM

IWC: not as famous/well known as Rolex but built quality on par with Rolex or even better

Mockingbird · 25 November 2010, 03:01 PM

The craftsmanship on their "entry level" models (which use highly modified ETA movements) is on par or above Rolex. Their minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, regulateurs, etc are FAR above Rolex.

oo7 · 25 November 2010, 03:35 PM

IWC's sport models have great teutonic design qualities and style along with great modified ETA movements. I like them but the prices seem everywhere. Since Richemont Group owns them, its nice to know there may be a little Vacherone, JLC or A.L.&Sohne DNA in them. I'm looking for one.

Mockingbird · 26 November 2010, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oo7

IWC's sport models have great teutonic design qualities and style along with great modified ETA movements. I like them but the prices seem everywhere. Since Richemont Group owns them, its nice to know there may be a little Vacherone, JLC or A.L.&Sohne DNA in them. I'm looking for one.

As long as you're looking at their sports models, you should check out their new Vintage Aquatimer, with their new in-house caliber!

B. Doggy · 26 November 2010, 01:58 AM

My BP has become one of my favorite pieces in the collection. IWC's are great.

topcat30093 · 26 November 2010, 03:48 AM

I very much like their Da Vinci range, especially the Perpetual Calendar.

19 November 2010, 08:58 PM	#1
R.J.B "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: England Posts: 118	IWC - Where do they fit in? Hi guys, I have recently been given an old IWC watch and as they are a brand which I have never paid too much attention to before, I have been trying to do a little research into the company. I was just curious as to where they are perceived to 'fit in' amongst other watch brands? For example, I came across this table, generalising the different watch manufactures by class. I don't know how much you will agree with what they are saying, but where in your opinion would IWC best slot into a table like this? http://www.chronocentric.com/watches/brands.shtml Thanks for your opinions Russ

19 November 2010, 09:42 PM	#2
vukotab "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Vukota Brajovi Location: Belgrade,Serbia Watch: ing movies! Posts: 3,812	I really hate all kinds of classifications, and this one puts Alain Silberstein (high end fashion waches IMHO) in range with Vacheron and Pathek, which is ridiculous and completely untrue. (I have respect for AS watches, but they cannot be compared with such manufactures as Pathek, Vacheron, or A. Lange & Sohne...) IWC is at least in the same range as Rolex, but their high end models (Grand Complication, Da Vinci or Portugieser Perpetual etc. etc.) are for sure in class bit higher (in purely horological sense) than, I guess, Sub No Date or Expoler (I`m not offending these Rolex watches, in fact they`re my favorites and I would rather have Explorer than any IWC, but it`s only matter of my personal taste) . Almost every movement in IWC is HEAVILY modified highest grade ETA Ebauche, and I had once interesting quartz chrono, (actually hybrid, with quartz module for time and date, but completely mechanical chronograph function) which movement is produced by JLC. All in all, IWC produces fantastic watches, absolutely in range with Rolex, Breitling, Omega and such Swiss Made brands. __________________ My fashion blog and Instagram: https://stylebyvukota.com/ https://instagram.com/vukotabrajovic/

19 November 2010, 09:51 PM	#3
BH13GMT "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Paul Location: UK, Dorset Watch: and learn Posts: 2,636	totally agree with the comments above, IWC have a history and do tend to stick with their core model ranges, Pilot, Aquatimer and Ingenieuer spring to mind, you can buy contemporary IWC or choose to go old skool, they have a model range that sits in both camps. I like a few IWC models but they dont make a GMT sports model. Nothing wrong with them IMHO __________________ Rolex Sub 1680, Rolex GMT 116710LN, Rolex Datejust 16220 Salmon Dial (the Mrs), Tudor BB58, Tudor Pelagos Blue and Several Seiko's ************************************************ *************** "last one in the chopper is a rotten egg" Jonathan Quayle Higgins III

19 November 2010, 11:43 PM	#4
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Iwc is a great brand that is on par with Rolex. Their grande complications are bang for you buck compared to PP, VC, or AP. And I actually fancy their designs. I also think that a pilot watch is iwc's icon as much as a sub is to Rolex. I actually added a pilot chrono rosegold to my collection not long ago. __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

24 November 2010, 01:54 AM	#7
2005rivers Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Watch: GMT Master IIc Posts: 545	. Last edited by 2005rivers; 24 November 2010 at 02:29 AM.. Reason: I assure you I did not post this many times on purpose

24 November 2010, 01:40 AM	#5
Aivas47a Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Jim Location: Dallas Watch: Love them all Posts: 225	Agree with vukotab's comments ... IWC is a solid brand, comparable to Rolex though not on the same level as Patek/VC/AP/A Lange.

24 November 2010, 01:53 AM	#6
2005rivers Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Watch: GMT Master IIc Posts: 545	I agree with above, and I do like IWC I have also come across that site before, it seems like it is more of an anti-Rolex site than anything else.

24 November 2010, 01:55 AM	#10
2005rivers Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Watch: GMT Master IIc Posts: 545	. Last edited by 2005rivers; 24 November 2010 at 02:27 AM.. Reason: this is embarrassing

24 November 2010, 01:56 AM	#13
2005rivers Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Watch: GMT Master IIc Posts: 545	.

24 November 2010, 01:57 AM	#14
2005rivers Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Watch: GMT Master IIc Posts: 545	.

24 November 2010, 05:11 AM	#15
heresiarh "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: heresiarh Location: Boston Watch: GMT-IIC Posts: 428	I believe higher end iwc models are above Rolex. But thats just me. I love the brand. __________________ "I though paradise was a library" Patek 5711/1A White Dial

25 November 2010, 02:29 PM	#17
blackmsport Banned Join Date: May 2009 Location: Melb - Australia Posts: 2,959	IWC: not as famous/well known as Rolex but built quality on par with Rolex or even better

25 November 2010, 03:01 PM	#18
Mockingbird "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: -- Posts: 2,097	The craftsmanship on their "entry level" models (which use highly modified ETA movements) is on par or above Rolex. Their minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, regulateurs, etc are FAR above Rolex.

25 November 2010, 03:35 PM	#19
oo7 Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Julius Location: Toronto CANADA Posts: 217	IWC's sport models have great teutonic design qualities and style along with great modified ETA movements. I like them but the prices seem everywhere. Since Richemont Group owns them, its nice to know there may be a little Vacherone, JLC or A.L.&Sohne DNA in them. I'm looking for one.

26 November 2010, 01:58 AM	#21
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	My BP has become one of my favorite pieces in the collection. IWC's are great. __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

26 November 2010, 03:48 AM	#22
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,449	I very much like their Da Vinci range, especially the Perpetual Calendar. __________________

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