IWC - Struggling for verification

[bradders]

In a previous thread, I enquired about finding a non-Topgun Doppelchrono. Duly found, and thanks to all for the help.

I also got some good advice and help from PH "Winton" - great advice mate, and thanks again.

Final part of the chase was to contact IWC and see if they could verify the serial number and that the paperwork looked legit and intact. So, via the IWC website, I made contact, and 2 days later got an email from someone at a place called Richemont, who said that I would need to send the watch to them, and they would send it to Shaffhausen for a full check. All well and good - but I would need to buy it first to do this - and that seems a little bit back to front.

I've emailed back asking if they would kindly review the shots, to verify the serial number and paperwork looks correct prior to buying, but so far have yet to get an answer.

So, does anyone know anywhere I could contact to verify an IWC serial number, and have the paperwork photo looked at for completeness?

Cheers Bradders

[Dominic H]

Mark,

Where's the watch? Is it possible to have the watch authenticated at an IWC stockist such as 'Berrys'?

Or call IWC UK part of Richemont Ltd.

RICHEMONT LTD
27 KNIGHTSBRIDGE
LONDON,
SW1X 7YB

Phone: [phone]
fax Fax: [phone]

Hope this helps...

D

[bradders]

Dominic H said:

Mark,

Where's the watch? Is it possible to have the watch authenticated at an IWC stockist such as 'Berrys'?

Or call IWC UK part of Richemont Ltd.

RICHEMONT LTD
27 KNIGHTSBRIDGE
LONDON,
SW1X 7YB

Phone: [phone]
fax Fax: [phone]

Hope this helps...

D

Hi Dominic,

Thanks for the info. The watch is in Germany - hence only having photos. To get it in my hands for verification will mean buying it first.

I'm still waiting on Richemont to get back to me querying the need for physical verification, and to see if they can confirm the serial number and paperwork look in order - without reply as yet.

Cheers, Mark

[bradders]

I have now heard back from Richemont - they are unable to help to verify even the serial number from the UK.

They have suggested that I email IWC directly - which I tried to do by contacting IWC via the website. Seems I may have entered a perfect circle - one without ends.....

[elise73]

Could you find out from the seller where the watch was retailed from, and then contact the retailer to see if they can validate the sale, serial number, sold date etc?

[bradders]

elise73 said:

Could you find out from the seller where the watch was retailed from, and then contact the retailer to see if they can validate the sale, serial number, sold date etc?

Might be possible, but not sure. The watch is with an Internet retailer, not with the original purchaser. I'm not, by the way, casting any doubt over the retailer, as they have passed the checks done on them with flying colours. Just want to be sure the detail fits the description.

It's quite a chunk of money (about 7.5K allowing for exchange variations), and had thought the easiest part would be getting confirmation from the people who made it. Can understand that they are not getting an extra sale, as it's second hand, but it is a limited edition and not in production now, so not an option to buy a new one.

Just seems strange to me that IWC UK or Richemont are unable to help, and bounced me back to where I started. Would have thought that they would value new entrants to the brand enough to take it up directly, even if they don't carry the info themselves. I've yet to get an answer from IWC directly, but it is still early days after bouncing back to them.

Edited by bradders on Saturday 7th August 08:42

[elise73]

Easy option then bradders is to get yourself a very nice big pilot instead. Oh, and did I say I know of one for sale? ;-)

[dom9]

Worth a cheap flight over there to handle it yourself?

I don't believe that there are any fakes on the market that use a ceramic case, so if it is ceramic, it ought to be fine.

IWC ought to be able to tell you whether the serial number identifies it as stolen, if they can tell you that they have no record of it stolen, then I guess you are ok!?

[bradders]

Update - answer now back from IWC - they confirm serial number matches the model and the papers look genuine.

So, only justification stopping me now........!

[s4avant]

Surely it should be the seller who provides the necessary proof of authenticity,or am I missing something here? If the seller cannot provide the necessary information,walk away!

[kazste]

Tue best way I find to do this sort of thing is to agree to send the watch for verification and of you require a service to iwc cost initially to be paid by dealer. Upon confirmation from iwc that they have the watch and it is genuine transfer funds to the dealer including the verification costs, who will then transfer ownership and alter the shipping address from iwc.

[jshell]

Is it a ceramic case? Just ask as our local dealer has sold a few and when dropped, the lugs tend to sustain irreparable damage if contacting a hard surface... Nice watch though!

[bradders]

Incoming! Now on HOLD. Expected to ship 1st week Sept. I can't wait....