IWC - advice please

[boxster9]

Have only recently come across this brand..have to admit I've only been aware of the high street brands, breitling, rolex etc. What do people think of this brand. I particulalry like some of the models on the following website.

http://www.collectorstime.com/iwc.php

classy, yet subtle.

any opinions.

[CatMatt7]

On to my third IWC now. One Aquatimer, a Portuguese 5001 and a Big Pilot.

In my opinion, they are a great brand and a little more exclusive than many other brands. Planning my fourth as soon as funds allow.

If you do decide to get one, I would recommend getting one with an in house movement.

Good luck

[tertius]

I agree, super watches, beautifully made.

Personally I struggle a little with the cost of their 7750-based watches, but there are some who argue that although they start with a Valjoux 7750 they don't finish with one. Anyway I digress ...

One point to note - they are very big. Especially the watches with the in-house 5000 calibre movement.

[boxster9]

I've been looking at a few web sites and like thed portuguese edition...are they that big. I know a friend who picked up a replica in Thailand which didn't appear overly large. Secondly how rare are these watches.

[tertius]

boxster9 said:

I've been looking at a few web sites and like thed portuguese edition...are they that big. I know a friend who picked up a replica in Thailand which didn't appear overly large. Secondly how rare are these watches.

Which Portuguese?

I have the catalogue in front of me, so can tell you exactly.

[tomtom]

I've had my Pilot's Chrono for a few weeks now, love it.

As for rarity, they do make a nice change from the sea of Daytonas, Submariners and GMTs, but they seem to be gaining popularity a bit. At least in the circles I move in.

[boxster9]

tertius , I quite fancy this one :

IWC Portuguese Chrono-Auto Edition Laureus (NIB)
Ref: 3714-32 Blue Dial Limited Edition

what do you think?

[markomah]

Beautiful looking watch but have you seen photos of the back? I prefer being able to see the movement and, IMHO, the engraving was a bit cheesy...

M

[Cuchillo]

This looks nice:
IWC Steel Portugieser F.A. Jones Limited (NIB)
Ref: 5442-03 Silver Dial

[markomah]

I agree, the F.A. Jones are beautiful watches. The pictures on the 'net don't really do them justice, I think - you need to see them in the metal to really appreciate them properly.

I considered buying one a few months ago - this thread may be of interest:-

Looking at the pictures again, I'm starting to second guess my decision...

M

Edited by markomah on Friday 16th November 15:44

[lowdrag]

I recently bought a spitfire chrono and it fits me like a glove, but while waiting for the bracelet to be adjusted I tried on the doppel and then the big pilot. beautiful though it is, the latter looked ludicrous on my wrist, hanging over both sides with a substantial gap between my wrist and the strap. If you ever think of buying one of these, please be sure to try it on before you buy. If I had the money though, I'd have had the doppel; I loved it.

[tertius]

boxster9 said:

tertius , I quite fancy this one :

IWC Portuguese Chrono-Auto Edition Laureus (NIB)
Ref: 3714-32 Blue Dial Limited Edition

what do you think?

Well my (2006) catalogue doesn't have that exact model, but says the Portuguese Chrono automatic is 40.9mm diameter and 12.3mm high (suprised its as little as this actually).

I would tend to agree with the prveious poster that that wouldn't be my first choice Portuguese chrono - I'd probably go for the white face, blue hands model (3714-17) - the most elegant looking in my view and lovely in the metal.

[Pesty]

boxster9 said:

Have only recently come across this brand..have to admit I've only been aware of the high street brands, breitling, rolex etc. What do people think of this brand. I particulalry like some of the models on the following website.

http://www.collectorstime.com/iwc.php

classy, yet subtle.

any opinions.

IWC are great classy watches.

FYI I have used that web site and got great service. Dont forget to add import tax!

[boxster9]

Pesty -> how much is import tax? is it cheaper overall to buy from this site?

[Dominic H]

boxster9 said:

Pesty -> how much is import tax? is it cheaper overall to buy from this site?

You've got to add import duty and VAT at 17.5% on imports into the UK from beyond the EU.

[Pesty]

boxster9 said:

Pesty -> how much is import tax? is it cheaper overall to buy from this site?

I am not sure. The IWC on that site are particulary good value so it may be cheaper.

I would first off all try local watch dealers to see if they can discount and see how much you can get the model you want for.

as posted above Vat and import duty are payable and they tax the shipping costs aswell the theiving.........

Anyway add around 22%-25% on top of their web site prices and see how that compares to local shops.

PS read his web site closely he does mention how he can help a little on this issue but only a little.

[jac-in-a-box]

Import duty and VAT etc worse case scenario, be guided by the formula below:

Total to be paid will be = ( Item cost + postage cost) x Import Duty Rate @ 4.5% x
17.5% VAT

Factor in around 30% of the TOTAL cost to you and you won't be far off.

Usually a "handling fee" to be paid to the shipper too for processing the package through UK customs

[boxster9]

Thanks for all the advice .
I have since been looking at other brands such as Jaeger LeCoultre. Saw this one : http://www.jomashop.com/jaeger-le-coultre-geograph... fantastic looking watch.
It retails for approx £5800 in the UK. The US webiste quotes $6727 US. Even allowing 30% for VAT/duty etc...it still works out cheaper at approx £4372...can this be right?

[lowdrag]

The simple answer is, no matter which watch you want to buy, fly out there, post the boxes and guarantee back to yourself, and fly back wearing it. That way there is no VAT or duty problem. I did it in September for camera gear saving over £1,300 on one lens alone. Makes the flight worth while.

[bigbaddom]

sorry to hijack thread, I was wondering if anyone had views on the regulator?
I tried one on the other day and am thinking about getting one in SS

However the shop asistant couldnt tell me if it was manual or auto...

In the brochure it says self wind if I recall correctly, but when I looked at the back it looked manual to me...

However it did start to tick without me touching the crown...

wierd...

thanks