IWC

Here it is: the IWC Hodinkee Edition which I got for my upcoming birthday  

What is the appeal of buying a co-branded Hodinkee piece? Not trying to be glib, just want to understand the rationale because people do seem willing to pay a premium for co-branding with a watch blog/advertising website.

I suspect on this occasion it might be the design and use of material that is attractive to a collector. Of course, some of us, myself included, would rather an original Mark XI for around the same money. Perhaps if IWC were to issue a pilots' watch today a material like Ceratanium would be considered a better alternative to steel.

The flat-tipped hands, no "automatic" on the dial, no date, are very nice, and the case material is actually the kind of thing that I can see would make a difference in day-to-day wear. I didn't buy one, but I certainly see the appeal.

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I really thought the material was the big special offering here. Also they removed the automatic from the dial (and the rest of the writing) that is really a bit too much

I would ask the same question as you in regards to have the Tiffany label on the dial. I would much prefer an identical watch without the Tiffany branding.

is the same identical watch with an extra line of the dial. That I don't understand. I also prefer my nautilus without any co branding..but in this case it is a different model and the dial is really pristine

Enjoy your fantastic new watch.

I think that all the Hodinkee edition that I bought had something different than the original offering. In most cases there was not really a premium e.g. the Zenith, Hermes or Omega.
In this case I also think the price is not really a premium: the new ceramic version is priced as much and the ceramic/titanium proprietary material is really cool. The co branding is really discreet. But hey here is another interpretation: you order the watch in the rush (sometimes funny) window is offered and you get shipped same day. If we compare this with the Omega Speedy Tuesday online offer is way way better. I am impatient by nature so this might play a role. I wanted to a buy a new IWC from the new line but they come up in May or so and my Birthday is in early March In terms of logistics and service they do a great job and I think this is very important for clients!

You got the nicest watch those guys have.

I love the watch, but those guys except for their Seiko guy are real poseurs.

Congratulations on your birthday watch once again; it’s a lovely piece.

I actually met them in real life in Basel and all seemed really genuinely nice, down to earth people. Of course they run a business, but nothing wrong with that.The watch is really quiet simple, no frills but perhaps hat makes it interesting!

the best looking pilot watch ever! Congratulations!  I am not quite into pilot watches but was swayed by this one. Unfortunately they are all sold out!

I think is really nice ! very simple but works with a suit too

I think they did a great job with this one. Nice size, interesting case material, clean dial, correct hands.  Enjoy!  

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just kidding haha thank you

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is not for everyone but I think it fits the field watch theme

The Ceratanium by itself is winner for me.  Add in the minimalist design details and true Mark 11 design elements and it's one of IWC's best pilot watches to date.  Btw, I abhor those erroneous B-Uhr hands and Luftwaffe triangle + dots they use for the rest of their Mark pilot's watches.  I've read all those posts on IG of people complaining about the squared-off hour hand, but they have no idea the history of the British (Mark series) and German (B-Uhr) pilot's watch designs.  I cringe when I see the hands and dial of one put on the other.

but this is very interesting!

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I don't like "real" aged watched sorry.

The cobranding is a non issue, not a factor in any purchase decision for me whether it be Hodinkee or anyone else.  Their watches have each offered something which a subset of collectors have desired, they were never appealing to the masses (like IWC needed to do, and which required adding a date window) and that's the beauty of what they have brought to the market. 

I think is a new way to sell watches. Frankly the direct way made by Omega for example -- with huge waits between order and delivery -- are not as nice as ordering today and get it tomorrow so Hodinkee does a good job on this.

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up such as with the new Spitfires. As i really like a date myself i will see the Spitfire first.

but heh I like this watch also without I guess !