IWC Spitfire Chrono - What do you think?
Discussion
So, I'm after a new watch and was was originally looking at a couple of Sinns. I really like the 358 Diapal (around £2,600) but, I've always really liked IWC watches, especially the Spitfire Chrono.
Trouble is, the RRP on the IWC is £3,800 although the dealer (Berry's in Leeds) said they would be willing to come down to £3,500. The Spitfire is a lovely looking watch and the dial detail is pretty special. They look so much better in real life then they do in the photos.
What's peoples thoughts about IWC and, more specifically, the Spitfire Chrono?
I fancied a Submariner date (used) for ages but I've gone off the idea recently as I'm not sure if I'm a massive fan of Rolex as a brand anymore. Plus, I would ideally like a chrono and I've not got Daytona money!
I also tried on a couple of the Bremont's whilst I was there and took quite a liking to this - http://www.berrysjewellers.co.uk/products/watches/... - Not sure how they are considered in the watch world though?
If you were spending my money, which watches would you be looking at?
Trouble is, the RRP on the IWC is £3,800 although the dealer (Berry's in Leeds) said they would be willing to come down to £3,500. The Spitfire is a lovely looking watch and the dial detail is pretty special. They look so much better in real life then they do in the photos.
What's peoples thoughts about IWC and, more specifically, the Spitfire Chrono?
I fancied a Submariner date (used) for ages but I've gone off the idea recently as I'm not sure if I'm a massive fan of Rolex as a brand anymore. Plus, I would ideally like a chrono and I've not got Daytona money!
I also tried on a couple of the Bremont's whilst I was there and took quite a liking to this - http://www.berrysjewellers.co.uk/products/watches/... - Not sure how they are considered in the watch world though?
If you were spending my money, which watches would you be looking at?
Edited by marcgti6 on Monday 24th October 12:45
LukeBird said:
I'd be looking at Jaeger LeCoultre over IWC at that price point.
I'm afraid I couldn't buy (snobby comment alert!) a watch equipped with the Valjoux 7750 movement for that much money...
Yeah, that's a fair comment and I see where you're coming from with regards to the movement. Who actually makes their own in-house movements nowadays though? I'm afraid I couldn't buy (snobby comment alert!) a watch equipped with the Valjoux 7750 movement for that much money...
I love JLC as a brand but I cannot find any chronographs that fall within my budget. I like the Master Compressor 2's but they are £5,500 plus!
marcgti6 said:
Yeah, that's a fair comment and I see where you're coming from with regards to the movement. Who actually makes their own in-house movements nowadays though?
I love JLC as a brand but I cannot find any chronographs that fall within my budget. I like the Master Compressor 2's but they are £5,500 plus!
More and more people are going in-house; Damasko, Breitling and several others have recently announced in-house movements.I love JLC as a brand but I cannot find any chronographs that fall within my budget. I like the Master Compressor 2's but they are £5,500 plus!
Have you looked second hand (Blowers would be a good place to have a look, given their vast stock) for a JLC? They lose a lot of money very quickly!
LukeBird said:
More and more people are going in-house; Damasko, Breitling and several others have recently announced in-house movements.
Have you looked second hand (Blowers would be a good place to have a look, given their vast stock) for a JLC? They lose a lot of money very quickly!
I might take a trip over to Blowers at some point as, like you say, they've certainly got a lot of stock.Have you looked second hand (Blowers would be a good place to have a look, given their vast stock) for a JLC? They lose a lot of money very quickly!
This is lovely but it's £5,775! http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/jaeger_lecoultr...
I do like the Damasko DC57's but I'm not sure if they are 'special' enough.
If you like it buy it. I wouldn't worry about it being equipped with a Valjoux movement. The Valjoux chrono is extremely robust and reliable that is why its been used by so many top flight manufacturers. When modified (extensively) by IWC it also becomes extremely accurate. I have a number of watches but the most robust and accurate chronograph is a Valjoux equipped IWC. I've written in an earlier post how its been everywhere with me including on countless trips to the arctic.
PS The 'manufacture' label is a bit of a red herring in my opinion. It could, for instance, be applied to the cheapest Seiko and Citizen. Also ask yourself is a McLaren F1 inferior because it has a modified bought in engine?
PS The 'manufacture' label is a bit of a red herring in my opinion. It could, for instance, be applied to the cheapest Seiko and Citizen. Also ask yourself is a McLaren F1 inferior because it has a modified bought in engine?
Arrive Alive said:
If you like it buy it. I wouldn't worry about it being equipped with a Valjoux movement. The Valjoux chrono is extremely robust and reliable that is why its been used by so many top flight manufacturers. When modified (extensively) by IWC it also becomes extremely accurate. I have a number of watches but the most robust and accurate chronograph is a Valjoux equipped IWC. I've written in an earlier post how its been everywhere with me including on countless trips to the arctic.
PS The 'manufacture' label is a bit of a red herring in my opinion. It could, for instance, be applied to the cheapest Seiko and Citizen. Also ask yourself is a McLaren F1 inferior because it has a modified bought in engine?
Thanks for your reply. I like the McLaren F1 analogy! PS The 'manufacture' label is a bit of a red herring in my opinion. It could, for instance, be applied to the cheapest Seiko and Citizen. Also ask yourself is a McLaren F1 inferior because it has a modified bought in engine?
Which IWC do you own, out of interest?
To be honest, I've not seen another chronograph at around the same price as the IWC Spitfire that I actually prefer. I'll probably end up with one on my wrist.
When I'm spending £3,500 on a watch though I do like to consider all of my options though, hence all the questions!
Only you can decide if 'movement snobbery' matters to you. I went through a phase of not wanting any 7750 based watches because people turned their noses up at the movement. Then I realised I never see the movements anyway, and what really matters to me is the style and quality of the case and the watches accuracy. I've just bought a Breitling Blackbird hailing from the mid to late 90's - that has a non COSC 7750 in it, and you know what? It's accurate to less than 10 seconds a week.
The thing about 7750's is that they are so ubiquitous, most independent watchmakers will know them inside out, so you can get them serviced cheaply.
As for the deal that Berry's offered you, you should be able to do better than that. I'd be looking for 20% off at least. If you are sure you want the IWC It might be worth while talking to Dom H on here - he might be able to get you a good deal, and he's a good bloke to deal with too.
Personally, I wouldn't discount a Sub. Or, for that matter any of the Sports Rolex range. Explorers and GMT's will be in your price range too I think. The one thing you can say about those is that you shouldn't lose much money if as and when you decide to chop that in for something else. You will lose more money on the IWC.
The thing about 7750's is that they are so ubiquitous, most independent watchmakers will know them inside out, so you can get them serviced cheaply.
As for the deal that Berry's offered you, you should be able to do better than that. I'd be looking for 20% off at least. If you are sure you want the IWC It might be worth while talking to Dom H on here - he might be able to get you a good deal, and he's a good bloke to deal with too.
Personally, I wouldn't discount a Sub. Or, for that matter any of the Sports Rolex range. Explorers and GMT's will be in your price range too I think. The one thing you can say about those is that you shouldn't lose much money if as and when you decide to chop that in for something else. You will lose more money on the IWC.
It's nice to hear that the movement is modified by IWC as well - I didn't realise this.
There's quite an informative piece on the movement here - http://www.timezone.com/library/horologium/horolog...
Looking at the link above, it would appear that the standard movement only has a date display, not a day date like the Spitfire. I presume this is one of the modifications that IWC make? Unless I'm mistaken?!
There's quite an informative piece on the movement here - http://www.timezone.com/library/horologium/horolog...
Looking at the link above, it would appear that the standard movement only has a date display, not a day date like the Spitfire. I presume this is one of the modifications that IWC make? Unless I'm mistaken?!
Riff Raff said:
Only you can decide if 'movement snobbery' matters to you. I went through a phase of not wanting any 7750 based watches because people turned their noses up at the movement. Then I realised I never see the movements anyway, and what really matters to me is the style and quality of the case and the watches accuracy. I've just bought a Breitling Blackbird hailing from the mid to late 90's - that has a non COSC 7750 in it, and you know what? It's accurate to less than 10 seconds a week.
The thing about 7750's is that they are so ubiquitous, most independent watchmakers will know them inside out, so you can get them serviced cheaply.
As for the deal that Berry's offered you, you should be able to do better than that. I'd be looking for 20% off at least. If you are sure you want the IWC It might be worth while talking to Dom H on here - he might be able to get you a good deal, and he's a good bloke to deal with too.
Personally, I wouldn't discount a Sub. Or, for that matter any of the Sports Rolex range. Explorers and GMT's will be in your price range too I think. The one thing you can say about those is that you shouldn't lose much money if as and when you decide to chop that in for something else. You will lose more money on the IWC.
Thanks. Good to hear that it's an accurate movement. It sounds a fair bit accurate than my TAG Carrera chrono anyway, which I don't think is a in-house movement? The thing about 7750's is that they are so ubiquitous, most independent watchmakers will know them inside out, so you can get them serviced cheaply.
As for the deal that Berry's offered you, you should be able to do better than that. I'd be looking for 20% off at least. If you are sure you want the IWC It might be worth while talking to Dom H on here - he might be able to get you a good deal, and he's a good bloke to deal with too.
Personally, I wouldn't discount a Sub. Or, for that matter any of the Sports Rolex range. Explorers and GMT's will be in your price range too I think. The one thing you can say about those is that you shouldn't lose much money if as and when you decide to chop that in for something else. You will lose more money on the IWC.
Do you have any contact details for Dom H - I've always heard good things about him on here and had considered (and then actually forgotten) contacting him. 20% off sounds good to me!
The more I think about it, the more I warm to the thought of owning a Sub date. I think it was a Seadweller that I tried in Berry's the other day but I wasn't a massive fan really. I should go and try a Sub on really.
God, it's hard work this decision making lark!
My Valjoux equipped IWC is an Ingenieur 3725.
The IWC modifications are very extensive. If you register for the IWC official forum you can then read the article 'IWC’s Use of the ETA-Valjoux Chronograph Movements
by Christian H. Niemann revised by M. Friedberg'. Find it through the forum search facility. This is very comprehensive and authoratative and might remove any lingering doubts. As to buying I'd try secondhand - Blowers Jewellers for example - or new with a bigger discount. Good luck.
The IWC modifications are very extensive. If you register for the IWC official forum you can then read the article 'IWC’s Use of the ETA-Valjoux Chronograph Movements
by Christian H. Niemann revised by M. Friedberg'. Find it through the forum search facility. This is very comprehensive and authoratative and might remove any lingering doubts. As to buying I'd try secondhand - Blowers Jewellers for example - or new with a bigger discount. Good luck.
marcgti6 said:
It's nice to hear that the movement is modified by IWC as well - I didn't realise this.
There's quite an informative piece on the movement here - http://www.timezone.com/library/horologium/horolog...
Looking at the link above, it would appear that the standard movement only has a date display, not a day date like the Spitfire. I presume this is one of the modifications that IWC make? Unless I'm mistaken?!
The 7750 is actually a family of movements and different versions are available from ETA with a number of variations or additional complications including day, day/date, 24-hr indicator and moonphase. There's quite an informative piece on the movement here - http://www.timezone.com/library/horologium/horolog...
Looking at the link above, it would appear that the standard movement only has a date display, not a day date like the Spitfire. I presume this is one of the modifications that IWC make? Unless I'm mistaken?!
Arrive Alive said:
My Valjoux equipped IWC is an Ingenieur 3725.
The IWC modifications are very extensive. If you register for the IWC official forum you can then read the article 'IWC’s Use of the ETA-Valjoux Chronograph Movements
by Christian H. Niemann revised by M. Friedberg'. Find it through the forum search facility. This is very comprehensive and authoratative and might remove any lingering doubts. As to buying I'd try secondhand - Blowers Jewellers for example - or new with a bigger discount. Good luck.
Thanks for that. I've registered on the forum and managed to find the article you referred to. I'll have a read this afternoon.The IWC modifications are very extensive. If you register for the IWC official forum you can then read the article 'IWC’s Use of the ETA-Valjoux Chronograph Movements
by Christian H. Niemann revised by M. Friedberg'. Find it through the forum search facility. This is very comprehensive and authoratative and might remove any lingering doubts. As to buying I'd try secondhand - Blowers Jewellers for example - or new with a bigger discount. Good luck.
marcgti6 said:
Thanks. Good to hear that it's an accurate movement. It sounds a fair bit accurate than my TAG Carrera chrono anyway, which I don't think is a in-house movement?
Do you have any contact details for Dom H - I've always heard good things about him on here and had considered (and then actually forgotten) contacting him. 20% off sounds good to me!
The more I think about it, the more I warm to the thought of owning a Sub date. I think it was a Seadweller that I tried in Berry's the other day but I wasn't a massive fan really. I should go and try a Sub on really.
God, it's hard work this decision making lark!
Here you go.Do you have any contact details for Dom H - I've always heard good things about him on here and had considered (and then actually forgotten) contacting him. 20% off sounds good to me!
The more I think about it, the more I warm to the thought of owning a Sub date. I think it was a Seadweller that I tried in Berry's the other day but I wasn't a massive fan really. I should go and try a Sub on really.
God, it's hard work this decision making lark!
http://www.hackettwatches.com/hw/
Riff Raff said:
Cheers, I've just sent him a message through the website. Looking forward to his response! Arrive Alive said:
PS The 'manufacture' label is a bit of a red herring in my opinion. It could, for instance, be applied to the cheapest Seiko and Citizen. Also ask yourself is a McLaren F1 inferior because it has a modified bought in engine?
I disagree with that, that only becomes a red herring if you assume that expensive = manufacture. And the McLaren F1 engine was bespoke, no?
OP, I'd just go and take a trip to somewhere like Blowers, you have a (very!) nice budget and there are plenty of decent watches available for that sort of money.
Thanks for all the replies.
I've seen the JLC Master Compressor Chronograph now and have asked Dom H to see if he can source a used one.
Think they're going to be a chunk more than the IWC but I've always loved JLC's.
So, if one can be found in very(!) good condition and somewhere near my budget then I'll be seriously tempted. If not, I think it'll be the IWC.
I've seen the JLC Master Compressor Chronograph now and have asked Dom H to see if he can source a used one.
Think they're going to be a chunk more than the IWC but I've always loved JLC's.
So, if one can be found in very(!) good condition and somewhere near my budget then I'll be seriously tempted. If not, I think it'll be the IWC.
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