IWC?

[ReaperCushions]

Hey folks, happy Sunday.

Just browsing for my next addition (as I do constant, but rarely actually go through with it). I’m verging on a new purchase having had some inheritance through recently.

IWC have never really been on my radar but having had a poor experience looking for a Rolex stainless sports model recently (haven’t we all?) I decided to expand my horizons and see what else was around.

Specifically the Aquatimer has caught my eye, although actually the older Chrono models, like this one:





I like the chunky feel and rubber strap combo with a splash of color. I also like the rotating bezel on these ones vs the new ones that are fixed.

Anyway.. specific models aside. What’s the feeling in this brand? Any experiences of the watches or how they are received in the market and on the wrist?

Residuals seems to be average at best.. but this is a long term keeper so less of a concerns to me personally.

Any thoughts?

[Snubs]

If you haven't already found it, you could try having a read of this thread from April:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Whilst not specific to the Aquatimer (it was on the Pilot Chrono iirc) the general forum feedback, including from myself, was very positive on IWC.

Edited by Snubs on Sunday 10th June 12:21

[kman]

ReaperCushions said:

Hey folks, happy Sunday.

Just browsing for my next addition (as I do constant, but rarely actually go through with it). I’m verging on a new purchase having had some inheritance through recently.

IWC have never really been on my radar but having had a poor experience looking for a Rolex stainless sports model recently (haven’t we all?) I decided to expand my horizons and see what else was around.

Specifically the Aquatimer has caught my eye, although actually the older Chrono models, like this one:





I like the chunky feel and rubber strap combo with a splash of color. I also like the rotating bezel on these ones vs the new ones that are fixed.

Anyway.. specific models aside. What’s the feeling in this brand? Any experiences of the watches or how they are received in the market and on the wrist?

Residuals seems to be average at best.. but this is a long term keeper so less of a concerns to me personally.

Any thoughts?

Hi I have the exact same model Aquatimer and I can tell you its a superb watch. The lume is really cool and a bit different, wears very well on the wrist and the build quality up there as well. I don't really wear mine that much now due to other pieces tbh. I think residuals will be fine on it, you're obviously buying 2nd hand and from what i've seen the used prices seem stable. If you've found one, go for it, if you're looking for one I could be tempted to sell!

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Best mate has one, not sure on the model number but it's the one given to the top gun pilots in black. Despite owning other brands such as Rolex and Patek it's his favourite and most worn watch. Nice bits of kit IMHO

[Beachbum]

Slightly off subject.
IWC Portugese, white face, blue hands, is one of my Grail watches.

Overall, I would recommend them. Far more stelath like, than a Rolex and for those that know considered jsut as good

[ZesPak]

I haven't seen that one, reminds me a bit of the Oris Prodiver GMT:

[bobbybee]

Older models were over priced considering they were IWC cased ETA movements, reliable, but nothing special.

Some models are good lookers though

[hilly10]

Really nice watch those, i was looking at one on TZ Sales Corner yesterday. It’s in good condition and up for £2700 I am very tempted

[ReaperCushions]

Thanks chaps for all the replies, also the offers to purchase! I'm based in the US so buying out of the UK will be more hassle than its worth with the postage / insurance etc.. But thanks anyway.

I went into my local IWC boutique yesterday and I must say I was underwhelmed by the current line up. Compared to the older styling of the Aquatimer (As pictured above) I really feel like they've lost their way and gone very generic.. even though the movements are now inhouse... anyway.. it was still a better experience than the Rolex boutique and this current trend of not having any SS sport watches in stock anywhere in the world... tossers.

[Alex L]

I have the non-chrono and love it, it’s my holiday watch as it’s robust and waterproof

Here it is on the beach in Bali

It is worth noting that replacement straps are very expensive and even a pair of rubber keepers set me back circa £20

DSC00277 by Alex L, on Flickr

[Nick67]

I have the non chrono older version which is great

[jonny70]

Iwc have revamped the Aquatimer and completely changed the watch 3 times in the past decade or so and in my opinion Every time they relaunch the watch it’s worse than the outgoing model.

IWC core watches tends to be its pilot /dress watches. So if u opt for an aqua timer push for a discount ( even pre owned )as it isn’t there most popular range.

Beachbum said:

Slightly off subject.
IWC Portugese, white face, blue hands, is one of my Grail watches.

Overall, I would recommend them. Far more stelath like, than a Rolex and for those that know considered jsut as good

Portuguese Chrono with blue hands was my grail 5 years ago and still have it - it won’t disappoint and is one of the most beautiful watches out there in my opinion.

[Zod]

Nick67 said:

I have the non chrono older version which is great

I have that one on a titanium bracelet. I also have a Portuguese 7 Day Power Reserve (white face, blue hands).

They are lovely watches, but they need regular servicing and things can go wrong. Both of mine went into the Bond Street store last year and the Aquatiemr had to go back to have the repair sorted.

Repairs are a lot quicker now than they used to be. Ten years ago, my Aquatimer went off for ten weeks!

[rog007]

ReaperCushions said:

IWC have never really been on my radar but having had a poor experience looking for a Rolex stainless sports model recently (haven’t we all?)

Any thoughts?

Hundreds of Rolex to choose from here, both new and used:

https://www.chrono24.com

[NickXX]

ReaperCushions said:

IWC have never really been on my radar but having had a poor experience looking for a Rolex stainless sports model recently (haven’t we all?) I decided to expand my horizons and see what else was around.

Haha - I had the same experience and thought the same. After trying a few on, my favourite was the Portuguese Automatic (7 day) - SS case, white face and gold numerals.

[Koln-RS]

Yes, I also like the classic looking Portuguese models, just looks so classy in a world of bling and over complications.

Particularly nice in rose gold

[Beachbum]

Koln-RS said:

Yes, I also like the classic looking Portuguese models, just looks so classy in a world of bling and over complications.

Particularly nice in rose gold

Wibble

[Snubs]

ReaperCushions said:

I went into my local IWC boutique yesterday and I must say I was underwhelmed by the current line up. Compared to the older styling of the Aquatimer (As pictured above) I really feel like they've lost their way and gone very generic.. even though the movements are now inhouse... anyway.. it was still a better experience than the Rolex boutique and this current trend of not having any SS sport watches in stock anywhere in the world... tossers.

I don't know if you've made a decision on this yet, but I was discussing the more generic design of Aquatimers with my local IWC AD a couple of days ago as a result of this thread. He agreed and said to keep an eye on the Aquatimer collection later in the year where apparently they will be going back towards the earlier, more interesting designs. So if you're still thinking about it, it might be worth seeing what you can find out and whether it might be worth waiting a few months.

[Zod]

Snubs said:

ReaperCushions said:

I went into my local IWC boutique yesterday and I must say I was underwhelmed by the current line up. Compared to the older styling of the Aquatimer (As pictured above) I really feel like they've lost their way and gone very generic.. even though the movements are now inhouse... anyway.. it was still a better experience than the Rolex boutique and this current trend of not having any SS sport watches in stock anywhere in the world... tossers.

I don't know if you've made a decision on this yet, but I was discussing the more generic design of Aquatimers with my local IWC AD a couple of days ago as a result of this thread. He agreed and said to keep an eye on the Aquatimer collection later in the year where apparently they will be going back towards the earlier, more interesting designs. So if you're still thinking about it, it might be worth seeing what you can find out and whether it might be worth waiting a few months.

The interesting Aquatimers are and always have been the ones with the internal rotating bezel, turned by the second crown.

[andy tims]

Zod said:

he interesting Aquatimers are and always have been the ones with the internal rotating bezel, turned by the second crown.

My old Chrono 3719



and my current 3538



After the 3538, IWC lost the plot re the Aquatimer IMHO

The previous 3536 series were awesome too