IWC Blue Dial Watches: Reference Guide

sham1 · 2022-03-07T15:03:39Z

Explore the IWC Tribute to Pallweber in steel, a digital display masterpiece. Sham1 reviews its blue lacquered dial, impressive movement, and collector appeal.

sham1

WPS member · IWC forum

36 replies3624 views5 photos

Sham1's acquisition of the IWC Tribute to Pallweber in steel offers a compelling look into the pursuit of a grail watch. After a three-year wait, his detailed review highlights the watch's exceptional blue dial, impressive movement, and the unique digital display complication. This article delves into why the Pallweber stands out as a significant piece for IWC and a potential cornerstone for any collection.

Three years ago I tried on arguably the most spectacular IWC watch for a generation but due to other priorities, I had to give the watch a miss. Fast forward three years later and while browsing the 'dreaded' chrono24 website, I came across a brand new IWC Pallweber in steel which must be one of the last unsold ones. I even managed to negotiate a discount with the AD which is not a bad thing considering the prices of these watches have somewhat appreciated since its launch. Now the steel version was produced in 500 pieces and might be accused of being more common than the 150 rose gold or the 50 platinum pieces but one cannot deny the beauty of the blue dial on the stainless steel version. I mean twelve layers of lacquer on a dial is almost unheard of and the photos I have taken do not do the dial justice.

Then, there is the movement - it almost fills up the entire case back and is one of the best finished IWC movements for quite a while. The watch has a 60 hour power reserve which is quite a feat for a watch with a jump hour and jump minute counter. In comparison, Lange's much lauded Zeitwerk has a 36 hour power reserve.

I have been infamous of late for not keep my watches for more than a few months but I like to think that in the years to come, this IWC Pallweber will remain as one of the pillars of my small collection.

Thank you for reading.

Key Points from the Discussion

The IWC Pallweber's jumping hour and minute display, combined with its multi-layered lacquered dial, creates a visual experience that is far more impressive in person than in photographs.
The movement of the Pallweber is noted for its large size, architectural design, and superior finishing, which is considered a step above what is typically expected from IWC.
Sham1 emphasizes the importance of truly loving a watch to keep it in a collection, noting that watches he only 'liked' eventually made way for others, including a Glashütte Original Senator Excellence and an FP Journe Élégante.
The Pallweber's 60-hour power reserve is a significant achievement for a jump hour and minute complication, outperforming the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk's 36-hour reserve.
While IWC watches are generally robust, some older movements, particularly those with a 7-day power reserve and a single barrel, have faced accuracy issues.
The blue dial's twelve layers of lacquer give it a depth and color-changing quality that can be mistaken for Grand Feu enamel, adding to its perceived value and aesthetic appeal.

The Discussion

sham1

Mar 7, 2022

The wire lugs allow me to wear this 45mm watch. if not for the lugs, it would merely be a watch that I would have admired from afar!

TeutonicCarFan

Mar 7, 2022

The movement fills the case. That beautiful dial. Love the digital display, and those numerals (art deco?) Really look nice.

sham1

Mar 7, 2022

For me it is IWC at its best!

christianch

Mar 7, 2022

you keep some watches just a few months ? Do tell I recently managed to sell some watches in exchange for new ones and it felt good somehow!

@lberti

Mar 7, 2022

You must be in love with this piece 😊

sham1

Mar 7, 2022

but when we have to live with it, the novelty wears out and the once enticing dial or case or movement just fails to get the adrenalin flowing. And for me, if I do not love a watch in my collection, it will have to make way for something else. The casualties over the last two years have been the Glashutte Original Senator Excellence (16 months), The FP Journe Elegante (3 months), The Grand Seiko SBGY007 (5 months), The Laine V38 (7 months), the Louis Erard Alain Silberstein Chronograph monopushe

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