MAte, there's nothing like putting things in front of an out-of-focus camera that brings down the quality of a whole video. Please take care of this because 10 seconds of out of focus crappy details is just killing it.
I got the IWC Mark XVIII Le Petite Prince. Beautiful watch! And I got it on the bracelet, which is quite lovely. I say the finishing and the experience of wearing it is on par with my Rolexes and Omegas. I think there is too much pressure for everything to be a bargain buy. That shouldn’t drive everything. What I hear people saying is that they like the watches but want them at a cheaper price. This whole worth it discussion is perplexing to me. Buy the watches you like and hold on to them. Don’t fall for the market analysis stuff. If market drives everything then we will all end up with safe, “value buys.” A boring way to enjoy the hobby. Watches are a way to express your individualism and you just can’t get that at cookie-cutter prices.
Very well said and I agree. I bought a lot of rolexes over the years and normally sold them on later for more than I bought them for. But in recent years I'm sick looking at them everywhere. I still think they are great watches but I stopped buying them since 2020. I somewhat forgot what the hobby was about. Iwc big pilot is one of the best watches on the market and often you can get pretty decent discounts. I bought a rose gold big pilot last week. Priced at around 30k. Got it for 17.5k brand new as a clearance deal. Registered it online at iwc for an 8 year extended warranty. Its a great size for my 8 inch wrist. And it's beautifully finished, love the 7 day reserve, the legibility and the case brushing and finishing. I just ordered their big pilot annual calender and got 2k off it from another dealer. Buy what you like and enjoy it. Don't pay attention to market trends.
@@theonlyredspecial Congratulations on a fantastic watch! Wow that watch is a real stunner and I bet you are enjoying it to the max. And yes that 8 year warranty is really cool. I made a video about the LLP and forgot to mention that’s another perk of IWC. I do love Rolex too but it’s definitely not the only way to enjoy the hobby.
@@ALLinHerMovements absolutely and thanks. The money I’ve made in the last 5 or 6 years with Rolex helped me get two of the watches I really want and enjoy wearing and will keep. Health to you in 2021 my friend.
Well said!!! Do it for yourself. I talk to guys and they even know why their Rolex stops working after a few days-not even knowing it’s an automatic. Goes to show that brand and status is all that matters for most
William Candrick I met Kurt Klaus 10 years ago at a IWC dinner function in London. He was brilliant and great fun to listen to. He loves his whiskey and he was pretty drunk as the night went on. It was a pleasure to meet the great man.
Good afternoon John, how are you? I am happy that you made a video about the brand i work for. What i am not happy is the topic itself you decided to went for and the watches you decided to show to your audience. In fact the Ingenieur Line & the aquatimer line are both the collections that people are the less interested in. I would have expect from you a presentation of a Portugieser or an Iconic Pilot’s watch. I think that you should have developed more into the story of the brand because eventhough there is a lot of brands outside with maybe more interest nowadays, IWC made important pieces in the past that contribute to the watch world. If you think of the perpetual calendar synchronize by the crown, the first watch made fully out of titanium, the destriero scafusia in 2000 was the most complicated watch in the world. But that is just a fact. Also blue dials are part of the brand for decades but people think its only since 2019. I appreciate and consider all opinions from you and from the people in the comments. I just wished you could have gone more into details with our collections and product. I lovely day in Miami, greetings to Federico! Cheers mate & love your content.
Thanks. I did not talk negatively about the pieces really- the question I answered was if they are worth it and the other IWC watches dont hold either. Nice watches, but not great buys at retail price.
John P Watches i am not saying that you said bad things about those watches, i was saying that the use of collections like pilots or Portugieser would have been better options. Cheers John.
IWC watches are among the most beautiful and original watches in the world. The IWC da Vinci, Aquatimer of early 2000, today Aquatimer, Portuguese, Engineer, Big Pilot are very beautiful watches. The IWC Aquatimer original look doesn't look like a Rolex Submariner or an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
@@hamzaa.8082 I love my 3548 Aquatimer! I sold my last Rolex and never going back. In addition, I’ve since purchased 2 MK XVI. A silver on brown strap and a black with black strap. I can honestly say I’m done and happy!
IWCs are overpriced! Especially for their sub $10k watches. I’d rather get an Omega, GS or even an OP. Way better value. IWCs are only worth when you buy used.
I really appreciate the IWC Mark series and would like to own a Mark XVIII, but there are other timepieces that take priority right now for my collection.
IWC are probably the most beautiful watches brand in the world. Love the portuguese models! Top quality and beauty all together in their watches! A MUST for every REAL WATCH LOVER!!!
That "old watchmaker" is Kurt Klaus - one of the legendary master watchmakers in Switzerland and inventor of Perpetual Calendar for IWC's Da Vinci collection, 1985.
If you have a need to impress your mechanic, or janitor at the office buy, and wear a Rolex, but if you want the world to take you serious, buy, and wear an IWC... Simple....
Hi John. I am a fan of Hawaii 5-0 and liked Steve McGarrets IWC Aquatimer Chronograph ( REF 3767-02). Trouble is the modern IWC offerings are nothing like as interesting as this 2010 (ish) model. Whist the range of IWC modern watches is extensive, nothing floats my boat to make me want to pull the trigger any time soon. Great video mate, 👍
I think IWC gets a lot of shit because of the ETA and Sellita movements found in their entry-level models. Many people think paying 4 grand for a Sellita powered Mark18 is a rip-off even though I disagree.
MakawakaM you are totally correct. the eta movement design is already proven to be bulletproof then IWC goes in and upgrades extensively. why mess with an amazing design? I think some of IWCs stink comes from some of the newer models that have essentially drop-in eta and sellita mvts. i could be wrong though. any IWC mvt experts around??
Especially when you’re wanting a simple 3 hand reliable and robust movement... and there’s one out there that’s proven and easy to service and repair. Why would you want someone to make their own and risk it being unreliable down the line
@@manuel_winde if YOU buy a valjoux caliber by your own whit the high quality as possible, you will pay something like 580 dollars, so imagine how much pay iwc when they buy thousands of them
0 respect given to Kurt Klaus by not even calling out his name but instead calling him an old watch maker, In 1985, IWC's Kurt Klaus presented his latest invention at BaselWorld: The IWC “Da Vinci” Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, which went on to become one of the most justly famed perpetual calendars of all time.
If you're at a corporate fundraiser in a tuxedo and an IWC on your wrist, you'll ooze class. If you're a drug dealer in a Range Rover with your hand out of the window, IWC on your wrist, nobody will even notice it.
Well IDK, I think both of them are good choices, nevertheless, the IWC im drawn the most to its the Portuguieser, those complications, the fancy Dressy look... Its súper expensive but It has some particular carisma that I totally like
I have an older generation Ingenieur Chronograph, it's a great watch. I'm a big fan but you cannot get them for retail. I got mine preowned, 10 months from new for less than 50% of the retail price
I like my vintage manual wind cal. 89 IWC. Other vintage IWC watches from the '60's with the in house Pelaton movements are excellent but have recently come down in price. New IWCs not worth the price.
Got an IWC Da Vinci perpetual calendar chronograph since 1999 and still love it .. as well as an IWC Portugieser Chrono in red gold...both glorious and reliable. Not only usable for sunday lunch appointments but for every day if you like 👍🏼
I think that IWC is worth it. And sits on top of brands like Rolex. They are in a different level. With their Portuguiser line and complications like the perpetual calendars. Those watches are next to Jaeger Leoultre, Blancpain and Breguet.
@@gmshadowtraders More like, very expensive for the movements they have on many of the models. For example, why am I going to buy an ETA chronograph pilot for near the same price as an Omega Speedmaster?
I simply can not get enough of my Portugueser chrono. One of the best designed dress chronographs out there. But I knew that I will never make my money back if I will ever decide to sell the watch. I also think that the dials of IWC perpetual calendar Portugueser and Pilot watches are the best designed/proportioned perpetual calendar dials out there. But once again will never nuy one of them new.
I’ve thought this for a while. For me, IWC just doesn’t provide the value that Omega does. I am engineer and love the technical side of horology. IWC seems more focused on case and finishing and when they make a good movement, they don’t put an exhibition case back. If you want both with IWC, expect to pay 10k+. Id rather have 2 omegas for the price of one IWC.
Well the finishing is what you look at 99% of the time so it's more important than the movement in my opinion. All of the Seamaster (including the Planet Ocean and Aqua terra) and Speedmaster range have the same case design with the twisted lugs, it gets boring after a while. Just look at the finishing on an Aquatimer case and compare it to a Planet Ocean, it's light years ahead.
I've had my eye on the Racing Green. These are mostly pretty inexpensive watches, so I don't think there's much reason to sweat the price. If you like it, buy it.
The Ingenieur is very nice, but it wears very small with the case flank being cut down around the sides. It’s a 40mm, but looks smaller on wrist. The Aquatimer is just the opposite. It wears very chunky on the wrist. IWC, for me, is one of those brands that you may want to try on before buying. Love the brand, the prices are a bit high.
They look good, but they're completely NOT worth it. Besides the look, there's nothing special about them, they're not rugged/utility and they're not great finish/luxury watches (just price wise). No special movement (a lot aren't even in house), typically low power reserve, low water resistance, AND it's thick. Very little skill, just cranking them out. So overpriced for what it is really
Dude, I know you said the answer was subjective, but just showing 2 watches (none of which the pilot or Portugieser IWC are arguably best known for) that you currently have on sale to answer the question isn't a good look. If you are talking value for money, then looking at the engineering, heritage, finishing, movements etc. compared to other brands in the price range would be a start.
More and more I'm becoming a real IWC fanboy (among other brands as well). At my AD recently I saw the LePetit Prince chrono on the brown strap and couldn't resist that blue dial. I know IWC gets grief for many pieces with ETA / Valjoux movements but I don't care. My next will be the Portugieser Chrono with in-house mvmt - 3716 with white / silver dial.
IWCs are so overpriced. Some of their watches with a simple Sellita movement are going for over 5K. I think they should adjust their prices and keep it in check with reality.
IWC is a brand that is difficult to fairly assess, because at the entry level, they tend to pale in comparison to brands like Omega, Rolex and perhaps even Breitling. However, when you get into their higher complications like the Perpetual Calendar or annual Calendar models, as well as tourbillons, they surpass the Omegas, Panerais, Rolexes and perhaps give JLC a run for their money. For me personally I own their Big Pilot Le Petit Prince. Its one of my favorite watches in my collection. Truly an Icon in the industry.
@@Not-a-bot222 definitely do not surpass JLC at all especially in the Hybris Mechanica range. IWC does have nice watches in the higher complication range, however. Unfortunately, in those prices, if that's the level you play at, it's just difficult to justify it over a Lange or a Patek to name a few, in terms of value.
Appreciate this is 2 years old but what an awful review. Superficial, elementary analysis without real research. Judging IWC using the ingénieur and aquatimer is like reviewing Rolex using the Air King and Milgauss. Out of touch mate
Spare us your opinion on what was “happening in the early 2000s” (when you were in grade school (or not even born yet?). Worst watch video I’ve seen in a long time. Minus 50 points for gryffindor
I have two pilots watches and I think they feel special. 3717 and a 3706. Both keep fantastic time and the 3717 went 10 years before it needed its first service.
Ruined by greedy marketing by their holding company? ETA powered watches priced at 4 x what the competition would charge? They’ve lost their way big time
The brand name IWC sounds like a name for a famous building which is not appealing at all. For the money they charge there's so many choices and their designs are not even that off the wall.
IWC 150 years old company with best Perpetual calendar in watch industry you compare with Tudor it's like earth and sky difference, ingenieur pronunciation is wrong coz its German word for Engineer.
IWC watches are not all on the same level, I think they can be great value for money specaily when you want high horology like perpetual Callender, on a basic horology to the price of 5000$ they are simply good as Omega, Tudor, Brietling etc.. 😀, in the price tag of 5000 to 15, 000$ the are specail if you like the pocket style movement specifically if you like aviation and marine style. to my opinion they are by far much more interesting than Rolex.
They're such bad value at retail because they're so unrefined. I love the look of it, but they're either thick, bulky, lack power reserve, water resistance, mass produced. If you give any manufacture unlimited size, they can make any watch. IWC Portuguese managed to make a 13+mm thick watch and 41 diameter and still keep the reserve and resistance so bad. They just didn't keep up with the times with R&D trying to save some money
I am not expert in IWC; The best way to know if that watch worth any value is to call on one of the grey dealers and talking to them as if you want to sell your IWC, if he say no noo not even consignment at 50% discount then you know it is a piece of holy shit. If he say please send pictures and we can talk , then you know there will be another fool to take care of the watch if you want to leave for better watch in future
I have an aquatimer 2000 white face rubber strap, great watch but straps are too expensive for what they are and you can not get any alternatives due the unique quick release system. Should have bought a Rolex sub. The iwc is for sale any interest?
The Bal Harbour comments and how you dilute that service experience is alarming and a bit sad. I personally couldn’t watch any further after the 3rd or 4th uninformed comment.
The new Ingenieurs don't have any sort of magnetic resistance. They truly dropepd the ball on this one, would've been a fun historical touch. Now it's just a basic sellita put in a basic stainless case with no features whatsoever.
Last year, I bought a vintage International Watch Company, watch "Isomura " platinum case, 35mm very good condition, for a little over $2,000. I was pleased. I had it serviced, and new alligator strap, now I am very well pleased with this 50+ year old wrist watch!
I think this is mostly in their entry level watches though. At their higher in house complications, they shine a bit better. Certainly not to the degree that the holy trinity or Lange does, but I would say their Perpetual Calendars are better in execution than JLC's. The only thing JLC executed better there, is the thinner movement.
I personally would be unlikely to unless I received an amazing deal. Very cool watch, and it is well made, just everyone has their preferences. If someone loved it, I could give them my blessings on it.
Love my Pilot - everything I wanted - top grade reliable movement, exquisite case finishing, anti magnetic, screw down crown, domed crystal, Hindu numerals and an iconic watch with genuine history.
I bought a IWC Saint Exupery about 4 months ago after owning a IWC Mark II years ago. To cut to the chase, I thought the quality of the watch was poor given the money I paid for it new. The first issue I had was that there was an issue where I had difficultly screwing down the crown. The threads would bind on occassion where I had to back out the crown a bit and restart the process. It was as if the threads were cross threaded or there was a burr on the threads. I was going to return the watch for warrantee service until I realized the second issue. The second issue was that I had to set the time in the counter clockwise direction to take the slop of out the gear train; otherwise, when the seconds hand made one 60 second revolution, the minute had did not line up with the next minute indicator on the dial. I had to set the time by passing the desired hour and then adjust the time in the counterclockwise direction. At that point I realized the quality level I was expecting in the watch was not there and I sold the watch and bought another watch. No longer a IWC fan and would be weary of purchasing another! Keep the videos coming.
I want to like IWC. I love the look of them. But two things for me: the watches are large (especially lug-to-lug) and the power reserves on the lower ranges are a bit weak.
Most autos aren't 100% reliable. Mostly they lose 2 seconds. The reason for this is because there powered by kinetic energy which has to be relayed through. Quartz is cheap and accurate but they dont last. Watches are art. Thats that. Autos do lose time but they have an amazing sweep effect. Its personal pref. And it depends on the model
As if the brand wasn’t hurting enough, just when everyone goes berserk for Genta-inspired designs, IWC changes an actual Genta design to turn it into a horribly boring Seiko-looking turd! Also, the oversized trend is dead and that’s their main schtick rendered outdated. Add to that the unfortunate association with the most contrived musician alive and the brand is basically unsalvageable. You’re very generous to grant them a whole video. Well, I guess you need to move stocks. Good luck 👍
Did you know that you can just say "often" on its own rather than "often times"? Adding "times" doesn't actually add anything because often, by definition, refers to high timing frequency. A watch enthusiast should know this. Please tell your fellow Americans. Thank you.
This video isn't quite living up to the test of time. In a world of COVID where watch prices have soared about 3 months after he posted this. IWC is a brand that is hard to get any discount on, and the used market on most pieces is also very tight. I don't see the point in watching this at all, nothing here in terms of information we don't already know or that COVID hasn't completely stood on it's head.
Own a Solid gold IWC Portofino and a solid gold vintage IWC 3092. Their watches look way better in person. My favorite watch brand, but the sizes are getting way too big. My next watch wont be from IWC. Need to explore other brands.
IWC hurt their brand with the cheesy Top Gun nonsense, other crap special editions, and now - not kidding - a Hot Wheels edition. Ugh. A lot of their watches are also excessively thick. Some people want a big watch, but no one wants a thick watch. Very slab sided too.
MAte, there's nothing like putting things in front of an out-of-focus camera that brings down the quality of a whole video. Please take care of this because 10 seconds of out of focus crappy details is just killing it.
Completely agree. He’s judging one of the better timepieces and can’t use a digital camera
IWC is one of those watches that looks better in real flesh than pictures, unlike For example Tudor
Are you saying that Tudor looks better in photos than in person?
I'm in college in Rochester right now and we have almost no ADs for much of anything.
@@DrZbo yes i meant that, as an example. They are good, although too hyped. Iwc even Mark xviii looks and feels apart.
Is that your personal opinion or do you have empirical evidence supporting your statement?
@@Brown_cheese just starting to think sbout research topic, lol
@@TheVarskvlavtbichuna I don't see how that's relevant to my question - which you didn't answer.
I got the IWC Mark XVIII Le Petite Prince. Beautiful watch! And I got it on the bracelet, which is quite lovely. I say the finishing and the experience of wearing it is on par with my Rolexes and Omegas. I think there is too much pressure for everything to be a bargain buy. That shouldn’t drive everything. What I hear people saying is that they like the watches but want them at a cheaper price. This whole worth it discussion is perplexing to me. Buy the watches you like and hold on to them. Don’t fall for the market analysis stuff. If market drives everything then we will all end up with safe, “value buys.” A boring way to enjoy the hobby. Watches are a way to express your individualism and you just can’t get that at cookie-cutter prices.
Very well said and I agree. I bought a lot of rolexes over the years and normally sold them on later for more than I bought them for. But in recent years I'm sick looking at them everywhere. I still think they are great watches but I stopped buying them since 2020. I somewhat forgot what the hobby was about. Iwc big pilot is one of the best watches on the market and often you can get pretty decent discounts. I bought a rose gold big pilot last week. Priced at around 30k. Got it for 17.5k brand new as a clearance deal. Registered it online at iwc for an 8 year extended warranty. Its a great size for my 8 inch wrist. And it's beautifully finished, love the 7 day reserve, the legibility and the case brushing and finishing. I just ordered their big pilot annual calender and got 2k off it from another dealer.
Buy what you like and enjoy it. Don't pay attention to market trends.
@@theonlyredspecial Congratulations on a fantastic watch! Wow that watch is a real stunner and I bet you are enjoying it to the max. And yes that 8 year warranty is really cool. I made a video about the LLP and forgot to mention that’s another perk of IWC. I do love Rolex too but it’s definitely not the only way to enjoy the hobby.
@@ALLinHerMovements absolutely and thanks. The money I’ve made in the last 5 or 6 years with Rolex helped me get two of the watches I really want and enjoy wearing and will keep. Health to you in 2021 my friend.
Well said!!! Do it for yourself. I talk to guys and they even know why their Rolex stops working after a few days-not even knowing it’s an automatic. Goes to show that brand and status is all that matters for most
Heads up that the ‘old watchmaker’ is Kurt Klaus a renowned watch maker who created IWC’s perpetual calendar mechanism!
I have the one with Richard Habring's work inside. A very cool watch which I bought at the very low end of the chrono24 price spectrum.
I was triggered and was gonna post something, but thanks i'll just thumbs up this now.
William Candrick I met Kurt Klaus 10 years ago at a IWC dinner function in London. He was brilliant and great fun to listen to. He loves his whiskey and he was pretty drunk as the night went on. It was a pleasure to meet the great man.
Amund Bjerve great find! Enjoy it.
Was going to pull the trigger on one as the watch was in my price range, but saw the servicing prices and realised that I'm nowhere near there yet lol
Good afternoon John, how are you? I am happy that you made a video about the brand i work for. What i am not happy is the topic itself you decided to went for and the watches you decided to show to your audience. In fact the Ingenieur Line & the aquatimer line are both the collections that people are the less interested in. I would have expect from you a presentation of a Portugieser or an Iconic Pilot’s watch. I think that you should have developed more into the story of the brand because eventhough there is a lot of brands outside with maybe more interest nowadays, IWC made important pieces in the past that contribute to the watch world. If you think of the perpetual calendar synchronize by the crown, the first watch made fully out of titanium, the destriero scafusia in 2000 was the most complicated watch in the world. But that is just a fact.
Also blue dials are part of the brand for decades but people think its only since 2019.
I appreciate and consider all opinions from you and from the people in the comments. I just wished you could have gone more into details with our collections and product.
I lovely day in Miami, greetings to Federico!
Cheers mate & love your content.
Thanks. I did not talk negatively about the pieces really- the question I answered was if they are worth it and the other IWC watches dont hold either. Nice watches, but not great buys at retail price.
John P Watches i am not saying that you said bad things about those watches, i was saying that the use of collections like pilots or Portugieser would have been better options.
Cheers John.
Could you do an updated video for the newer Ingenieur? The aqua dial is beautiful.
IWC watches are among the most beautiful and original watches in the world. The IWC da Vinci, Aquatimer of early 2000, today Aquatimer, Portuguese, Engineer, Big Pilot are very beautiful watches. The IWC Aquatimer original look doesn't look like a Rolex Submariner or an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
mena seven I agree, especially the portofino
@@hamzaa.8082 I love my 3548 Aquatimer! I sold my last Rolex and never going back. In addition, I’ve since purchased 2 MK XVI. A silver on brown strap and a black with black strap. I can honestly say I’m done and happy!
IWCs are overpriced! Especially for their sub $10k watches. I’d rather get an Omega, GS or even an OP. Way better value. IWCs are only worth when you buy used.
I really appreciate the IWC Mark series and would like to own a Mark XVIII, but there are other timepieces that take priority right now for my collection.
IWC are probably the most beautiful watches brand in the world.
Love the portuguese models!
Top quality and beauty all together in their watches!
A MUST for every REAL WATCH LOVER!!!
That "old watchmaker" is Kurt Klaus - one of the legendary master watchmakers in Switzerland and inventor of Perpetual Calendar for IWC's Da Vinci collection, 1985.
If you have a need to impress your mechanic, or janitor at the office buy, and wear a Rolex, but if you want the world to take you serious, buy, and wear an IWC... Simple....
So you’re saying janitors and mechanics don’t have any taste?
Most non watch people havent heard of IWC. No one except watch people will care. Buy a Rolex if you want a good ROI.
Cringe
Hi John. I am a fan of Hawaii 5-0 and liked Steve McGarrets IWC Aquatimer Chronograph ( REF 3767-02). Trouble is the modern IWC offerings are nothing like as interesting as this 2010 (ish) model. Whist the range of IWC modern watches is extensive, nothing floats my boat to make me want to pull the trigger any time soon. Great video mate, 👍
I like the Portuguesier chronograph out of the modern line. I have a caliber 89, it's a great watch
They are very well made but they have priced themselves out of the market at least here in the Philippines
I would like to see them priced a bit lower, they are attractive but their "entry" level watches start pretty high
If compare with panerai, iwc or panerai has higher level ?
@@antonfelix2339 I'm going to say IWC. Especially in the modern era
I own two IWC portofino pieces, references: 3341 (stainless steel) and 2009 (platinum). I think they are very elegant and classy.
Is platinum made of real platinum?
I think IWC gets a lot of shit because of the ETA and Sellita movements found in their entry-level models. Many people think paying 4 grand for a Sellita powered Mark18 is a rip-off even though I disagree.
MakawakaM you are totally correct. the eta movement design is already proven to be bulletproof then IWC goes in and upgrades extensively. why mess with an amazing design? I think some of IWCs stink comes from some of the newer models that have essentially drop-in eta and sellita mvts. i could be wrong though. any IWC mvt experts around??
Especially when you’re wanting a simple 3 hand reliable and robust movement... and there’s one out there that’s proven and easy to service and repair. Why would you want someone to make their own and risk it being unreliable down the line
@@manuel_winde just because normal people dont like to pay 7k for a watches using the same movement as a watches at 7 hundreds
But im a huge fan of the design of iwc
@@manuel_winde if YOU buy a valjoux caliber by your own whit the high quality as possible, you will pay something like 580 dollars, so imagine how much pay iwc when they buy thousands of them
0 respect given to Kurt Klaus by not even calling out his name but instead calling him an old watch maker, In 1985, IWC's Kurt Klaus presented his latest invention at BaselWorld: The IWC “Da Vinci” Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, which went on to become one of the most justly famed perpetual calendars of all time.
IWC watches are among the most beautiful and original watches in the world
The INGENIEUR CHRONOGRAPHE looks much better.
If you're at a corporate fundraiser in a tuxedo and an IWC on your wrist, you'll ooze class.
If you're a drug dealer in a Range Rover with your hand out of the window, IWC on your wrist, nobody will even notice it.
Well IDK, I think both of them are good choices, nevertheless, the IWC im drawn the most to its the Portuguieser, those complications, the fancy Dressy look... Its súper expensive but It has some particular carisma that I totally like
Very cool line, agreed
They’re great at half off
So are you
More like 70% off
@@LJB006 oOf
@@LJB006 still 2x as expensive than your mama
I have an older generation Ingenieur Chronograph, it's a great watch. I'm a big fan but you cannot get them for retail.
I got mine preowned, 10 months from new for less than 50% of the retail price
Great buy !
Nice pick-up!!
Sounds like a steal Marceau !! congrats
50% is a real knock in such a short time?
I wouldn’t buy anything new….
I like my vintage manual wind cal. 89 IWC. Other vintage IWC watches from the '60's with the in house Pelaton movements are excellent but have recently come down in price. New IWCs not worth the price.
John, you really need to work on your focus for the camera. I am feeling queasy from this video.
Got an IWC Da Vinci perpetual calendar chronograph since 1999 and still love it .. as well as an IWC Portugieser Chrono in red gold...both glorious and reliable. Not only usable for sunday lunch appointments but for every day if you like 👍🏼
For me an IWC watch is like an Aston Martin, Classy, Sporty and Sexy
I just picked up the LTD edition Pilot Chrono Racing Green and love it!
I think that IWC is worth it. And sits on top of brands like Rolex. They are in a different level. With their Portuguiser line and complications like the perpetual calendars. Those watches are next to Jaeger Leoultre, Blancpain and Breguet.
@Mark Michael they don't use low grade selitta, and you know it.
They are worth it for 40% off
That's worse than a Grand Seiko, lol drops like a stone huh
@@gmshadowtraders More like, very expensive for the movements they have on many of the models. For example, why am I going to buy an ETA chronograph pilot for near the same price as an Omega Speedmaster?
@@speedzero7478 nailed it...
@@gmshadowtraders Grand Seiko is the next Rolex. When people will be smarter. Or they would actually read it somewhere. If they can read though...
I simply can not get enough of my Portugueser chrono. One of the best designed dress chronographs out there. But I knew that I will never make my money back if I will ever decide to sell the watch. I also think that the dials of IWC perpetual calendar Portugueser and Pilot watches are the best designed/proportioned perpetual calendar dials out there. But once again will never nuy one of them new.
I’ve thought this for a while. For me, IWC just doesn’t provide the value that Omega does. I am engineer and love the technical side of horology. IWC seems more focused on case and finishing and when they make a good movement, they don’t put an exhibition case back. If you want both with IWC, expect to pay 10k+. Id rather have 2 omegas for the price of one IWC.
Well the finishing is what you look at 99% of the time so it's more important than the movement in my opinion. All of the Seamaster (including the Planet Ocean and Aqua terra) and Speedmaster range have the same case design with the twisted lugs, it gets boring after a while. Just look at the finishing on an Aquatimer case and compare it to a Planet Ocean, it's light years ahead.
I've had my eye on the Racing Green. These are mostly pretty inexpensive watches, so I don't think there's much reason to sweat the price. If you like it, buy it.
The Ingenieur is very nice, but it wears very small with the case flank being cut down around the sides. It’s a 40mm, but looks smaller on wrist. The Aquatimer is just the opposite. It wears very chunky on the wrist. IWC, for me, is one of those brands that you may want to try on before buying. Love the brand, the prices are a bit high.
My primary interest is high end dive watches. IWC has had some great divers, but they always seemed too expensive for me to consider.
The current generation Aquatimer is beautiful.
They look good, but they're completely NOT worth it. Besides the look, there's nothing special about them, they're not rugged/utility and they're not great finish/luxury watches (just price wise). No special movement (a lot aren't even in house), typically low power reserve, low water resistance, AND it's thick. Very little skill, just cranking them out. So overpriced for what it is really
Any thoughts about the portugieser 150th edition with the new in-house movement?
Love their pilot watches.
Dude, I know you said the answer was subjective, but just showing 2 watches (none of which the pilot or Portugieser IWC are arguably best known for) that you currently have on sale to answer the question isn't a good look. If you are talking value for money, then looking at the engineering, heritage, finishing, movements etc. compared to other brands in the price range would be a start.
More and more I'm becoming a real IWC fanboy (among other brands as well). At my AD recently I saw the LePetit Prince chrono on the brown strap and couldn't resist that blue dial. I know IWC gets grief for many pieces with ETA / Valjoux movements but I don't care. My next will be the Portugieser Chrono with in-house mvmt - 3716 with white / silver dial.
I would almost certainly buy anything designed by Gerald genta.. The man was a great designer.
would be cool to own a genta design, I really hope to get one in my own collection
IWCs are so overpriced. Some of their watches with a simple Sellita movement are going for over 5K. I think they should adjust their prices and keep it in check with reality.
IWC is a brand that is difficult to fairly assess, because at the entry level, they tend to pale in comparison to brands like Omega, Rolex and perhaps even Breitling. However, when you get into their higher complications like the Perpetual Calendar or annual Calendar models, as well as tourbillons, they surpass the Omegas, Panerais, Rolexes and perhaps give JLC a run for their money.
For me personally I own their Big Pilot Le Petit Prince. Its one of my favorite watches in my collection. Truly an Icon in the industry.
Surpass JLC?
@@Not-a-bot222 definitely do not surpass JLC at all especially in the Hybris Mechanica range. IWC does have nice watches in the higher complication range, however. Unfortunately, in those prices, if that's the level you play at, it's just difficult to justify it over a Lange or a Patek to name a few, in terms of value.
Appreciate this is 2 years old but what an awful review. Superficial, elementary analysis without real research. Judging IWC using the ingénieur and aquatimer is like reviewing Rolex using the Air King and Milgauss. Out of touch mate
Spare us your opinion on what was “happening in the early 2000s” (when you were in grade school (or not even born yet?). Worst watch video I’ve seen in a long time. Minus 50 points for gryffindor
I have two pilots watches and I think they feel special. 3717 and a 3706. Both keep fantastic time and the 3717 went 10 years before it needed its first service.
Ruined by greedy marketing by their holding company? ETA powered watches priced at 4 x what the competition would charge? They’ve lost their way big time
Their market share hasn't really moved, so I don't think watch buyers share your view?
The brand name IWC sounds like a name for a famous building which is not appealing at all. For the money they charge there's so many choices and their designs are not even that off the wall.
Buy what you like will never go wrong
IWC have the best bracelets IMHO for the price and ease of adjusting.
I love the aesthetic and the bezel function of the Aquatimer, but for an ETA movement, price is a bit steep.
IWC are all about the movement and not about style they make one of the best in-house movement next to Audemars Piguet
IWC 150 years old company with best Perpetual calendar in watch industry you compare with Tudor it's like earth and sky difference, ingenieur pronunciation is wrong coz its German word for Engineer.
Of course they worth best caliber at affordable price and the technical level is incredible
IWC watches are not all on the same level, I think they can be great value for money specaily when you want high horology like perpetual Callender, on a basic horology to the price of 5000$ they are simply good as Omega, Tudor, Brietling etc.. 😀, in the price tag of 5000 to 15, 000$ the are specail if you like the pocket style movement specifically if you like aviation and marine style. to my opinion they are by far much more interesting than Rolex.
They're such bad value at retail because they're so unrefined. I love the look of it, but they're either thick, bulky, lack power reserve, water resistance, mass produced. If you give any manufacture unlimited size, they can make any watch. IWC Portuguese managed to make a 13+mm thick watch and 41 diameter and still keep the reserve and resistance so bad. They just didn't keep up with the times with R&D trying to save some money
Grab a black dial IWC 3508 if you can. Thank me later.
I am not expert in IWC;
The best way to know if that watch worth any value is to call on one of the grey dealers and talking to them as if you want to sell your IWC, if he say no noo not even consignment at 50% discount then you know it is a piece of holy shit.
If he say please send pictures and we can talk , then you know there will be another fool to take care of the watch if you want to leave for better watch in future
If you like the channel commenting helps push the channel on the algorithm even further! Just comment anything!
Thanks Stephen !!!!
I have an aquatimer 2000 white face rubber strap, great watch but straps are too expensive for what they are and you can not get any alternatives due the unique quick release system. Should have bought a Rolex sub. The iwc is for sale any interest?
what year is your white faced aquatimer 2000? The tritium models I hear with the white face are hard to come by
The Bal Harbour comments and how you dilute that service experience is alarming and a bit sad. I personally couldn’t watch any further after the 3rd or 4th uninformed comment.
I ❤️IWC
I thought IWC was known for their pilots watches. I’m surprised you didn’t talk about those
“You can only dive so deep when you’re in the clubs in Miami.” 🤣🤣🤣🤣
The new Ingenieurs don't have any sort of magnetic resistance. They truly dropepd the ball on this one, would've been a fun historical touch. Now it's just a basic sellita put in a basic stainless case with no features whatsoever.
Geez I hate ads in your videos other than that great channel
Thanks 🙏🏽
They are not even COSC certified! You tell me! Still using ETA movements!! I will stay with Omega and Breitling, yes Breitling!!
I have an iwc and it's well within cosc, Patek are not cosc certified and so many other high end watch brands.
Got a gold 1973 Ingenieur Perpetual from my granddad. It’s amazing.
Last year, I bought a vintage International Watch Company, watch "Isomura " platinum case, 35mm very good condition, for a little over $2,000. I was pleased. I had it serviced, and new alligator strap, now I am very well pleased with this 50+ year old wrist watch!
Score!
Bought an Aquanaut 14 years ago and use it both for diving and as a low profile summer watch, love it
IWC has a simplicity that may be perceived as a bit boring but then again they are very well made.
I think this is mostly in their entry level watches though. At their higher in house complications, they shine a bit better. Certainly not to the degree that the holy trinity or Lange does, but I would say their Perpetual Calendars are better in execution than JLC's. The only thing JLC executed better there, is the thinner movement.
IWC Portuguese Chronograph. White dial. Blue Arabics and hands. Perfect. One day...
My favorite too. Almost ready to pull the trigger
IWC is luxury in understatement. It is the anti-Rolex
Money talks; wealth _whispers._
Hey John! Would you consider buying the spitfire 39mm as a daily watch? Keep going with great content! 😉
I personally would be unlikely to unless I received an amazing deal. Very cool watch, and it is well made, just everyone has their preferences. If someone loved it, I could give them my blessings on it.
Love my Pilot - everything I wanted - top grade reliable movement, exquisite case finishing, anti magnetic, screw down crown, domed crystal, Hindu numerals and an iconic watch with genuine history.
Yes, Portugiser and Big Pilot watch
Spitfire! The red text one, with in-house movement! Total STUNNAH
It looks like cheap 25$ watch!!!
A better question is what's the best value for money?
IWC is the first watch I brought n the brand that drive me into this hobby
I bought a IWC Saint Exupery about 4 months ago after owning a IWC Mark II years ago. To cut to the chase, I thought the quality of the watch was poor given the money I paid for it new. The first issue I had was that there was an issue where I had difficultly screwing down the crown. The threads would bind on occassion where I had to back out the crown a bit and restart the process. It was as if the threads were cross threaded or there was a burr on the threads. I was going to return the watch for warrantee service until I realized the second issue.
The second issue was that I had to set the time in the counter clockwise direction to take the slop of out the gear train; otherwise, when the seconds hand made one 60 second revolution, the minute had did not line up with the next minute indicator on the dial. I had to set the time by passing the desired hour and then adjust the time in the counterclockwise direction. At that point I realized the quality level I was expecting in the watch was not there and I sold the watch and bought another watch. No longer a IWC fan and would be weary of purchasing another! Keep the videos coming.
i've never had that or any problem with that watch. It sounds like you had an anomaly.
have 2 Big Pilots, love em.
I want to like IWC. I love the look of them. But two things for me: the watches are large (especially lug-to-lug) and the power reserves on the lower ranges are a bit weak.
How accurate are the IWC watches?
Most autos aren't 100% reliable. Mostly they lose 2 seconds. The reason for this is because there powered by kinetic energy which has to be relayed through. Quartz is cheap and accurate but they dont last. Watches are art. Thats that. Autos do lose time but they have an amazing sweep effect. Its personal pref. And it depends on the model
I have one and I think that it really worth the money. I love it!
No.
What do you think about IWC Top Gun pilot watches?
I am going buy new 40mm Portegueser on white dial, blue hands with dark navy alligator strap&buckle! What would you say about this release? Thanks!
IWC is worth every penny.👍
As if the brand wasn’t hurting enough, just when everyone goes berserk for Genta-inspired designs, IWC changes an actual Genta design to turn it into a horribly boring Seiko-looking turd! Also, the oversized trend is dead and that’s their main schtick rendered outdated. Add to that the unfortunate association with the most contrived musician alive and the brand is basically unsalvageable. You’re very generous to grant them a whole video. Well, I guess you need to move stocks. Good luck 👍
3 years later
Nope
Did you know that you can just say "often" on its own rather than "often times"? Adding "times" doesn't actually add anything because often, by definition, refers to high timing frequency. A watch enthusiast should know this. Please tell your fellow Americans. Thank you.
Haha, I'm sorry John. Youre right talking about second hand prices, you are actually a second hand dealer in the end! :)
I really like my IWC XX.
This video isn't quite living up to the test of time. In a world of COVID where watch prices have soared about 3 months after he posted this. IWC is a brand that is hard to get any discount on, and the used market on most pieces is also very tight. I don't see the point in watching this at all, nothing here in terms of information we don't already know or that COVID hasn't completely stood on it's head.
Own a Solid gold IWC Portofino and a solid gold vintage IWC 3092. Their watches look way better in person. My favorite watch brand, but the sizes are getting way too big. My next watch wont be from IWC. Need to explore other brands.
IWC hurt their brand with the cheesy Top Gun nonsense, other crap special editions, and now - not kidding - a Hot Wheels edition. Ugh.
A lot of their watches are also excessively thick. Some people want a big watch, but no one wants a thick watch. Very slab sided too.