Advice - IWC & Sinn watches
Discussion
Around summer time i decided to investigate the purchase of a new watch, currently i have a Tudor Day-Date.
I started off wanting an IWC watch, the IW371704 caught my eye! Then i came across Panerai and started to look in earnest at their watches. Recently, I've discounted buying any Panerai due to problems with actually finding somewhere (local) to look at any watches, let alone buy one. I keep returning to Panerai related web sites but i think my mind is made up against them.
Then i discovered Sinn and luckily for me, Neil (Chronomaster) is local and has offered to meet up and allow me to view the following watches 103-Ti-Ar, 6100, 756 Diapal.
Whichever watch i buy, it will be a daily wear and as an engineer, i can't guarantee it will have a gentle life. Ive read recently that the IWC watches tend to mark easily which concern me. Ive arranged to view a new IW371704 at a local jeweller in a fortnights time. What sort of discount should i expect to obtain? Does anybody own a 3717 (or any IWC watch) that would like to pass comment on the watches in general?
The Sinn are completely new to me. Great looking watches and a lot cheaper than the IWC but are they as good? Whilst i dont need the chrono features, i do like the look of the chrono watches, however, im really troubled/struggling with the 6100 watch. No chrono, but its a manual wind regulateur and i think the mutts nutts, but is it a daily work wear or more a special occassion watch? Again, any comments on the above Sinn watches?
For the cost of the IWC i could probably buy all three Sinns, which i wont do as i dont want an instant overnight collection! But im seriously thinking about the IWC, but keep returning to the Sinn's. Any help/advice gratefully received!
For reference, the watches under consideration -
IWC - https://www.iwc.com/collection/_img/4_0_pilotswatc...
103 - http://www.sinn.de/onlineshopPRO/norm-pics/103-Ti-...
6100 - http://www.sinn.de/onlineshopPRO/norm-pics/6100-4N...
756 - http://www.sinn.de/onlineshopPRO/norm-pics/756.Dia...
I started off wanting an IWC watch, the IW371704 caught my eye! Then i came across Panerai and started to look in earnest at their watches. Recently, I've discounted buying any Panerai due to problems with actually finding somewhere (local) to look at any watches, let alone buy one. I keep returning to Panerai related web sites but i think my mind is made up against them.
Then i discovered Sinn and luckily for me, Neil (Chronomaster) is local and has offered to meet up and allow me to view the following watches 103-Ti-Ar, 6100, 756 Diapal.
Whichever watch i buy, it will be a daily wear and as an engineer, i can't guarantee it will have a gentle life. Ive read recently that the IWC watches tend to mark easily which concern me. Ive arranged to view a new IW371704 at a local jeweller in a fortnights time. What sort of discount should i expect to obtain? Does anybody own a 3717 (or any IWC watch) that would like to pass comment on the watches in general?
The Sinn are completely new to me. Great looking watches and a lot cheaper than the IWC but are they as good? Whilst i dont need the chrono features, i do like the look of the chrono watches, however, im really troubled/struggling with the 6100 watch. No chrono, but its a manual wind regulateur and i think the mutts nutts, but is it a daily work wear or more a special occassion watch? Again, any comments on the above Sinn watches?
For the cost of the IWC i could probably buy all three Sinns, which i wont do as i dont want an instant overnight collection! But im seriously thinking about the IWC, but keep returning to the Sinn's. Any help/advice gratefully received!
For reference, the watches under consideration -
IWC - https://www.iwc.com/collection/_img/4_0_pilotswatc...
103 - http://www.sinn.de/onlineshopPRO/norm-pics/103-Ti-...
6100 - http://www.sinn.de/onlineshopPRO/norm-pics/6100-4N...
756 - http://www.sinn.de/onlineshopPRO/norm-pics/756.Dia...
i have too just started looking at sinn watches, really nice, but not actually had chance to view them in person. but the IWC, is stunning and i have had the pleasure of looking at one of these and it is something else.
It was and is out of my budget at present, but if i had to chose and part with my hard earned money for the purchase my heart would say the IWC, a watch for life and passion.
the only other watch i would want is a Rolex Milgauss with the green glass, if i could get one, but these are hard to find and commanding a hefty premium over list.
you should get a slight discount on IWC if you ask, there is a good margin on it, mention cash (if you can), it may help them help you. if they say no, say shame wanted to buy it here but have to go elsewhere. If they feel you will actually make the sale there and then for a deal, 9 out of 10 times you will get one.
but not on a Milgauss ;(
Good Luck.
It was and is out of my budget at present, but if i had to chose and part with my hard earned money for the purchase my heart would say the IWC, a watch for life and passion.
the only other watch i would want is a Rolex Milgauss with the green glass, if i could get one, but these are hard to find and commanding a hefty premium over list.
you should get a slight discount on IWC if you ask, there is a good margin on it, mention cash (if you can), it may help them help you. if they say no, say shame wanted to buy it here but have to go elsewhere. If they feel you will actually make the sale there and then for a deal, 9 out of 10 times you will get one.
but not on a Milgauss ;(
Good Luck.
Tertius introduced me to Sinn through this forum and I really like them a lot. In the same post though he showed a picture of a Stowa Marine Original, and my mind is pretty much made up that this will be my next watch. Might be worth you looking at some of their other watches - the airman in particular is quite similar to the Sinn and looks as if it will be quite robust.
While I haven't had my IWC (Spitfire chrono, steel bracelet) very long I like it a lot. It is the 371704 you are considering and I prefer it with the black to white face and is understated, accurate, easy to wear. To specifically answer your question, it is my everyday watch and hasn't marked in the couple of months I've had it. My favourite thing about the watch is how easy it is to read, day or night. The only niggle is that unlike many makes the steel bracelet has no pin hole fine adjustment on the clasp and the only option is to add or remove a link. This though is very easy to do with the tools supplied. I did consider Sinn and Ollech & Wajs too but was just drawn by the (to me) stunning simplicity of the IWC. Hope this helps. PS It is also a lot lighter to wear than my Breitling Superocean!
Edited by lowdrag on Tuesday 4th December 09:23
If your watch is likely to be getting a less than easy life, then I think you'd be better going for the Sinn - not because the IWC isn't built to take the knocks,it will! Just a bit too nice a watch for daily wear in a demanding environment.
I recently bought an IWC: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... and I'll be a little careful about what I'm doing while it's on my wrist.
I recently bought an IWC: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... and I'll be a little careful about what I'm doing while it's on my wrist.
Thanks for the replies.
pastrana72: I have good pricing on the watch from two jewellers already, so I expect to see some movement on price. I will happily travel to the other jewellers to view/purchase if the is right - the jeweller i'm viewing the IWC at isnt exactly local but nearer than the other two. I agree with you - head says Sinn, heart says IWC.
uktrailmonster: good idea with the IWC. I dont plan on getting rid of the Tudor and also have a Casio Gshock that I could wear day to day. Trouble is, i'd hate to splash out £x'k on a watch and only wear it at weekend. (I'm doing the same with my TVR!!)
lowdrag: Its good to know that the IWC can be used as a day to day wear. I dont intend to bash it around but its something i have to consider!
Stuart: I think it was Tertius who posted a Stowa and Sinn watch he recently obtained. I liked the Stowa, but its not the sort of watch im looking for.
jac-in-a-box: nice watch!
pastrana72: I have good pricing on the watch from two jewellers already, so I expect to see some movement on price. I will happily travel to the other jewellers to view/purchase if the is right - the jeweller i'm viewing the IWC at isnt exactly local but nearer than the other two. I agree with you - head says Sinn, heart says IWC.
uktrailmonster: good idea with the IWC. I dont plan on getting rid of the Tudor and also have a Casio Gshock that I could wear day to day. Trouble is, i'd hate to splash out £x'k on a watch and only wear it at weekend. (I'm doing the same with my TVR!!)
lowdrag: Its good to know that the IWC can be used as a day to day wear. I dont intend to bash it around but its something i have to consider!
Stuart: I think it was Tertius who posted a Stowa and Sinn watch he recently obtained. I liked the Stowa, but its not the sort of watch im looking for.
jac-in-a-box: nice watch!
Edited by hab1966 on Saturday 8th December 14:23
I've an IWC Aquatimer (Titanium) and a Sinn UX EZM2B. Both are superb.
The IWC is my everyday watch cos I'm not in a very violent watch environment. It is beautiful, beautifully made and you can obviously get it as wet as you wish. I bought the Sinn as a backup when the IWC went away for it's service and I needed a second watch anyway. It is what I use at weekends when I'm more likely to be doing stuff where the watch will be bumped etc. It is brilliant, robust, accurate and pretty rugged.
I prefer the Aquatimer because it is just such a lovely thing. If I had to use the Sinn every day, I wouldn't exactly feel like I was hard done by!! The Sinn was a lot cheaper and I got it from Neil at Chronomasters who was a pleasure to deal with.
The IWC is my everyday watch cos I'm not in a very violent watch environment. It is beautiful, beautifully made and you can obviously get it as wet as you wish. I bought the Sinn as a backup when the IWC went away for it's service and I needed a second watch anyway. It is what I use at weekends when I'm more likely to be doing stuff where the watch will be bumped etc. It is brilliant, robust, accurate and pretty rugged.
I prefer the Aquatimer because it is just such a lovely thing. If I had to use the Sinn every day, I wouldn't exactly feel like I was hard done by!! The Sinn was a lot cheaper and I got it from Neil at Chronomasters who was a pleasure to deal with.
Over the last couple of days I've viewed a Portuguese IW371417 and IW371404, along with a Pilots IW371704 and IW371701.
I really liked the Portugese IW371404, but believe this to be an old model. I'd have one immediately, were it not for the lack of a date indicator.
The Pilot watch would probably be the one i choose if i go with IWC (Im looking at some Sinn watches this week), however, neither jeweller were offering much in the way of discount. One intially saying i wouldn't get any discount as the IWC watches were hard to get hold of. When i told him i had viewed one (IW371704) a few days earlier and been offered a price of £3000 from £3200, he immediately matched the £3000 but would go no lower.
I'd actually been looking for a better discount and had been willing to pay cash if necessary to get it. In the end i walked and will carry on looking. I was wondering what sort of discount i should be expecting - 10%, 20%?
I really liked the Portugese IW371404, but believe this to be an old model. I'd have one immediately, were it not for the lack of a date indicator.
The Pilot watch would probably be the one i choose if i go with IWC (Im looking at some Sinn watches this week), however, neither jeweller were offering much in the way of discount. One intially saying i wouldn't get any discount as the IWC watches were hard to get hold of. When i told him i had viewed one (IW371704) a few days earlier and been offered a price of £3000 from £3200, he immediately matched the £3000 but would go no lower.
I'd actually been looking for a better discount and had been willing to pay cash if necessary to get it. In the end i walked and will carry on looking. I was wondering what sort of discount i should be expecting - 10%, 20%?
I walked into Brent Cross and said I'd like to try on the Spitfire Chrono and liked it. The "price" was £3,200 and in short supply she said. I offered my credit card and said £2,750, take it or leave it. They took it, but begrudgingly as I was about to walk out. Make it clear your offer is full and final - concentrates their minds wonderfully.
grumbledoak said:
Gio G said:
I own a IWC chrono Pilot with Leather strap... Great watch. Feels very special indeed. I have to date, not met anyone with the same watch, which is the great thing about IWC, they are not mass produced...
Silver face, brown strap? 
Thought i'd update this thread.
I viewed the following IWC watches at the weekend - IW371438, IW371417 and IW371704 at two local jewellers.
Yesterday, I met Neil (Chronomaster) and viewed the following Sinn watches - 103, 356, 756 & 6100. I like the 6100 (Regulateur) but couldn't see it as a daily wear. I narrowed my choice down to the 103 and the 756.
After a lot of thought i decided to buy the IW371704. I really like the Portugese but the lack of date put me off. The Sinn watches were nice, but the 3717 won though. However, if i decide the 3717 is too nice for daily wear in my job i could be tempted with a Sinn. I would love a Portugese one day!
I've spent this week trying to obtain the IW371704 at a good price. From my recent threads you might have spotted that ive tried most UK internet based dealers but from various discussions ive had, i decided the risk was too great and better to deal with a 'proper' jeweller, plus the internet shops dont have stock.
So, late this afternoon i sealed the deal with Berrys Jewellers in Leeds, so thanks to Cyclone for bringing them to my attention.
I viewed the following IWC watches at the weekend - IW371438, IW371417 and IW371704 at two local jewellers.
Yesterday, I met Neil (Chronomaster) and viewed the following Sinn watches - 103, 356, 756 & 6100. I like the 6100 (Regulateur) but couldn't see it as a daily wear. I narrowed my choice down to the 103 and the 756.
After a lot of thought i decided to buy the IW371704. I really like the Portugese but the lack of date put me off. The Sinn watches were nice, but the 3717 won though. However, if i decide the 3717 is too nice for daily wear in my job i could be tempted with a Sinn. I would love a Portugese one day!
I've spent this week trying to obtain the IW371704 at a good price. From my recent threads you might have spotted that ive tried most UK internet based dealers but from various discussions ive had, i decided the risk was too great and better to deal with a 'proper' jeweller, plus the internet shops dont have stock.
So, late this afternoon i sealed the deal with Berrys Jewellers in Leeds, so thanks to Cyclone for bringing them to my attention.
hab1966 said:
Thought i'd update this thread.
I viewed the following IWC watches at the weekend - IW371438, IW371417 and IW371704 at two local jewellers.
Yesterday, I met Neil (Chronomaster) and viewed the following Sinn watches - 103, 356, 756 & 6100. I like the 6100 (Regulateur) but couldn't see it as a daily wear. I narrowed my choice down to the 103 and the 756.
After a lot of thought i decided to buy the IW371704. I really like the Portugese but the lack of date put me off. The Sinn watches were nice, but the 3717 won though. However, if i decide the 3717 is too nice for daily wear in my job i could be tempted with a Sinn. I would love a Portugese one day!
I've spent this week trying to obtain the IW371704 at a good price. From my recent threads you might have spotted that ive tried most UK internet based dealers but from various discussions ive had, i decided the risk was too great and better to deal with a 'proper' jeweller, plus the internet shops dont have stock.
So, late this afternoon i sealed the deal with Berrys Jewellers in Leeds, so thanks to Cyclone for bringing them to my attention.
I viewed the following IWC watches at the weekend - IW371438, IW371417 and IW371704 at two local jewellers.
Yesterday, I met Neil (Chronomaster) and viewed the following Sinn watches - 103, 356, 756 & 6100. I like the 6100 (Regulateur) but couldn't see it as a daily wear. I narrowed my choice down to the 103 and the 756.
After a lot of thought i decided to buy the IW371704. I really like the Portugese but the lack of date put me off. The Sinn watches were nice, but the 3717 won though. However, if i decide the 3717 is too nice for daily wear in my job i could be tempted with a Sinn. I would love a Portugese one day!
I've spent this week trying to obtain the IW371704 at a good price. From my recent threads you might have spotted that ive tried most UK internet based dealers but from various discussions ive had, i decided the risk was too great and better to deal with a 'proper' jeweller, plus the internet shops dont have stock.
So, late this afternoon i sealed the deal with Berrys Jewellers in Leeds, so thanks to Cyclone for bringing them to my attention.
Berrys have been around for years and although they only have a small amount of shops around the UK they only dela in quality items. Just goes to show that even the established "proper" Jewellers can be just as competitive, plus you have to admit that half the experience of buying a nice piece of jewellery is being at the jewellers to do it.
Jules.
Hey there is your looking for an everday beater then the Paneria is the way to go, I have a PAM91 that still look reasonably fresh after about 8 years.
Today I picked up an ICW Spitfire Chrono Pilot and even though it is a beauty, I can't see it taking the same punishment as the Paneria
Today I picked up an ICW Spitfire Chrono Pilot and even though it is a beauty, I can't see it taking the same punishment as the Paneria
I've had mine now four months and to start with it was gaining a minute a week. It has now calmed down and I haven't had to touch it in a month. It certainly doesn't look as tough as the Breitling Superocean but then it isn't designed for the same usage either. It hasn't scratched or marked (like some people say they do) and seems perfectly strong enough for the everyday rigours of life. It never comes off the wrist either in the shower or at night.
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