PeterCDE
10167
I think there´s a much easier approach
G'day,
if you´re to compare the gold content, it´s always the same. All serious brands make use of 18K alloys, hence the gold content is always 75 percent of the metal mass.
If you do know the actual weight (without crystals, gaskets, movement spacers or iron shieldings), it´s simply a matter of mathematics 
There a downside, though. Such approach will not include different manufacturing efforts.
Aside the actual material value, very few brands actually do produce their own casework (and IWC is one of them). By far most utilize outsourced components or complete cases and/or bracelets. And these can be done in different ways, such as stamping, casting, milling or forging.
Some methods require more (costly) manual labour, others can be done in fully automated processes on computer-controlled (and costly) machinery. The same applies to finish; a hand-made finish results in costs of labour, a fully robotized finish in machinery costs.
This is quite a difficult area, simply because no manufacturer will reveal the "costs per part" figures for the various watch components under production. It´s the more difficult because finishing methods and efforts required can vary greatly, from "simple" case/surface shapes up to very elaborate geometries challenging the "polishing" department staff.
All in all, first thing to do may be to check your ressources (on reliability and manufacturing of current production gold casings), as well as to gather some figures.
The rest may be personal preferences; complex cases such as the AP RO models (such as the "Jumbo") are difficult to produce AND to finish, which adds more to the cost than easily explained by material value.
Cheers,
Peter
Actual Gold content in an IWC....compared to ???
I think there´s a much easier approach
