IWC

Hi,

I want to see what people’s thoughts on IWC movement finishing is like, on their higher end models such as their perpetual calendars or special models like the Pallweber.

I know they are more tool watches and movement finishing isn’t their “game” or in their value proposition. They are great watches in their own right. But are they all industrially finished without any hand finishing?

Many thanks,
Chi Kai

Regulateur:



F.A. Jones:

That was always my thought too. I like their dials designs. I have always loved their double moon perpetual since I first got into watches. But their movement finishing leaves something to be desired.

I have a rose gold 38mm Blancpain QP Chrono. I love it. It is a great balance between looks, finishing, complication and price. But as I am getting older, it is getting more and more difficult to read. The Chrono makes it even more cluttered. So am thinking of letting it go and replacing it with a larger QP, without chrono. At my budget, the Portuguese Double Moon in Rose gold is a contender (alongside JLC master ones and perhaps another BP). Although I love the dial of the IWC, the movement is a bit of a let down. But it is priced accordingly!

BW,
Chi Kai

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When the time comes, I am sure I will be asking my PuristPro family for their opinions on my different options!

BW,
Chi Kai

I would also imagine their higher end is more hand finished, maybe by an affiliate brand...

I think they have upped their game recently. For example, the 2015 Caliber for their Portuguese QP is better finished than the previous Caliber.

BW,
Chi Kai

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But Hoodikee and others have done so

BW,
Chi Kai

I've never seen IWC as a shiny movement brand - similar to Rolex (although, I'd say IWC is finished better than Rolex movements)... In same cases, I've been downright shocked at how poor the movement finishing on an IWC could be (prior Spitfire Chrono)... I'll never forget when this picture was posted on the collector forum of the inside of one of their collector forum watches - I almost assumed it was fake (but it isn't)!!

not impressive

Almost as bad as the Panerai incident.....

Thanks for posting.

Chi Kai

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Look at the back for a polished beveled edge.  Establish your own criteria for good finishing and develop your own criteria for assessing good finishing.  For me, the biggest thing I look for is a polished beveled edge on all of the plates and the jewel sink holes. 

That is a very good way to think about it and assess it.

BW,
Chi Kai

I think not. 


Not to be glamorous, because they just don't quite have it in their DNA (my opinion)

Made me chuckle. Thanks!

BW,
Chi Kai