Why customers love IWC?

Don’t get me wrong: I am neither an obsessive collector nor even a traditional watch enthusiast. My relationship with watches is different, more personal, almost instinctive. It reflects my taste for change and my natural curiosity for new experiences. In my daily life, the watch occupies a unique place. It is my only variable accessory, my touch of fantasy in a rather sober style. Like some people change their shoes or clothes according to their mood, I like to vary my watches. They have become a natural extension of my personality, a means of expression in a world where my other jewels remain immutable - my engagement ring and this second wedding ring, symbolizing a renewal of our vows, have never left my ring finger. What I particularly like about this evolving panoply is its social dimension. Each watch becomes an excuse to meet new people, discover new places, share stories. It is a passport to exciting conversations and improbable encounters. My latest acquisition perfectly illustrates this quest for the special. This story begins in Zurich, on an extraordinary street where more than twenty watch boutiques rub shoulders. Imagine: every major house is represented there, creating a veritable temple of watchmaking where the choice becomes almost dizzying. I had a specific idea in mind: a dial of a very particular green. Not just any green, but a deep and dense shade, reminiscent of Veronese's paintings or the mysterious patina of ancient Greek and Roman bronzes. This quest made me walk up and down the street, entering more than ten different boutiques. An entire morning exploring, comparing, hesitating, in this watchmaking paradise where the prices, even if they remain Swiss, can satisfy almost all budgets. When I crossed the threshold of the IWC boutique in the heart of Zurich, I did not yet know that I was going to fall under the spell of this Portofino Chronograph. What first attracted me was the perfect balance of its design: a deep green dial that subtly changes color depending on the light, reminiscent of the calm waters of the Mediterranean at dusk. What particularly fascinates me about this watch is the purity of its lines. The baton indexes and hands, in their apparent simplicity, reveal a goldsmith's work. I particularly appreciate the symmetrical arrangement of the two chronograph counters which, far from overloading the dial, give it an almost musical harmony. The polished steel case seems perfectly sized to me. It has that subtle presence that characterizes elegant watches - present enough to be noticed, but never ostentatious. The case captivates me every time I look at the time. I have a weakness for the deep green bracelet and the folding clasp, with its impeccable finish, reflects IWC's characteristic attention to detail. What makes this Portofino truly special to me is its versatility. It accompanies my suits during professional meetings as well as my more casual outfits on the weekend. This watch represents much more to me than just a timepiece. It is a testament to timeless elegance, a celebration of watchmaking expertise, and above all, a daily reminder that true beauty lies in the carefully thought-out and executed details. Every morning, when I put it on my wrist, I rediscover those details that made me fall in love: the play of light on the dial, the fluidity of the hands, the perfection of the finishes. It is this daily experience that confirms that my crush on the Zurich boutique was fully justified.

Portofino Chronograph with a white/cream dial that I find absolutely superb. Many details brighten it up and highlight it in a very beautiful way: small seconds at 9 o'clock, sub-dials at noon and six o'clock circled in yellow gold and featuring red indexes at noon for each of them bringing a welcome touch of color. Day and date at 3 o'clock. I really find it magnificent despite a fairly imposing format of 42mm and a fairly significant thickness as well. I love the yellow gold hands and indexes.

This IWC R1210 is the first watch I bought for myself at auction. It is the dresswatch par excellence: thin, 33mm even if it seems larger, beautifully made alligator strap (I haven't changed it because it is so beautiful). Yellow gold case, an immaculate dial (I even wonder if it hasn't been redone because it is so clean). The caliber is a mechanical 401 that works very well. For the moment I haven't needed to service it. I wear it very little because it is still a fairly old watch and not suitable for everyday life. The model also exists in steel if some people don't like yellow gold. At the time I found it for over €1000 at the hammer, but I don't really know its value.

A watch that caught my eye in the early 2000s. This full titanium aquatimer 2000 is the descendant of the first super compressor aquatimer from the 1960s. The water resistance has since increased from 200m to 2000m, which is very reassuring when washing your hands... the 42mm case and 14mm thick remain very comfortable thanks to its superb integrated bracelet. I like its great readability and the contrast of the yellow on this matte black dial, magnified by a beautiful slightly domed sapphire crystal, without deformations. The balance is perfect in every way. A very special watch, retro futuristic, masculine but without being aggressive or superlative. An undeniably youngtimer. The lightness and softness of titanium in addition. Found with box and papers in mint condition. I'm a fan.

I would say that my attraction to this watch begins above all with a particular interest in IWC. Their use of materials, their strategic reorientation by offering less classic colors for a classic but assertive look speak to me. Already owning a pilot chronograph that meets all expectations, I therefore kept a close eye on their collection. And thanks to a friendly relationship forged with my AD in Abu Dhabi, I naturally moved towards something classic and unique at the same time. A Mark XVIII with its DNA almost as old as the brand and a scratch-resistant titanium ceramic case adorned with a TOP GUN logo at 9 o'clock which gives it an unusual look convinced me to take the plunge. No regrets since, for me it has all the advantages of a sports watch, without the disadvantages of a brand with too many connotations. The fact that it had a limited production of 750 pieces per year, that it is a reference to a legendary film and that it will be discontinued in 2024 are only pluses. Maybe I will get some comments about his SW300, but quite honestly, why would I complain? It is flawless. All in all, a practical, different, comfortable and limited watch. A no brainer 🙂

The IWC Spitfire IW326803 is part of the Spitfire collection, which takes its name from the famous British fighter planes. The watch is equipped with a high-quality automatic movement and features an elegant and timeless design. It has a stainless steel case, a black dial with luminous indices and a brown leather strap. The IW326803 is appreciated for its precision, reliability and refined aesthetics.

I wanted a sports watch with an integrated bracelet. My prerequisites: a case with a contained diameter, a date window and a dial that is a little out of the ordinary: either by its color or by a pattern. I have always had a weakness for IWC, but the previous version of the Ingénieur had not convinced me. However, when IWC presented, last year, the new version, with this contained diameter of 40, its thickness of only 10.7, and with the Aqua dial, I was immediately seduced. How not to be, this dial is simply magnificent, with its applied indexes, the railroad flange, the graphic checkerboard pattern, and the applied shade, which covers a colorful spectrum from turquoise to dark green, including indigo. Simply dazzling. Mr. Genta would undoubtedly be proud of this version.

In 2009, I wanted to buy an exceptional watch. So I went to IWC and wanted to acquire the Top Gun. The customer service was incredible and let me try several models. Finally, I came out with the Big Ingenieur with its impressive 7-day power reserve. In addition, its Pellaton manufacture movement was a real plus. It is very technical with its polished sapphire, you have the impression that there is no glass. It is imposing but it remains discreet. Why discreet? Because compared to Rolex or others, few people know this brand. This is a brand for connoisseurs. It is my favorite brand. I have owned it for all the years that I have had it, it is the one I wear the most. My watches that I own must be worn. It is in no way for investment. I will have to bring it back at the start of the school year to give it a major overhaul.

For almost 15 years, I had been eyeing the Pilot.. previously in 43mm and only in black (steel or ceramic case), it seemed even more imposing than it was. April 2021, IWC released the 41mm version in different shades, sunray blue and green, each with the date and day on a white background, on leather or 5-link steel bracelet with EasX-CHANGE system allowing you to change the bracelet in one go and a very practical micro adjustment to the buckle (even if it is less accomplished than that of Rolex), this pilot is now water-resistant to 100m compared to 60m previously. Decided to put them on the wrist at the AD, I find them successful due to their typical IWC finish, a new manufacture movement equips them (after years where it was equipped with the excellent ETA 7750), this does not bring much in terms of power reserve and precision (+5.75 seconds / day). May 2022 I discovered in the press the presentation of a limited series of 500 pieces worldwide (under reference IW388107), this one celebrating the Chinese New Year with a tiger-shaped oscillating weight, the year 2022 engraved and the serial number on 500, a Burgundy leather strap (tending towards dark Bordeaux) and above all a red sunray dial, which depending on the inclination of the watch oscillates between wine lees, black, Bordeaux... I go to Paris and passing in front of the IWC window rue de la Paix, it is there alone proud, well highlighted, I go in and ask to pass it. Wow, hypnotic this dial, the date and day are well integrated with the same color as the dial. However, I prefer to focus on a Navitimer 41 (which I am currently getting for almost €2,000 less than the IWC) .. but after 3 months, I am tired of this cream dial with gold hands, tone on tone it is not very readable .. regrets finally because the Burgundy was sold quickly after my visit and no point looking elsewhere .. they were all sold in the first 6 months of 2022 .. I embark on a quest for months to search the net for a possibility of acquiring one but they are rare on the web and they are on the other side of the world ... then finally .. a magnificent piece is finally available a few weeks ago. Time to talk with its owner who acquired it in May 2022 ... a few days apart from my own test in Paris .. his acquired in the Netherlands and worn less than 5 times. We agree on the acquisition costs, a few days of waiting... the IWC Pilot barely received, I go to the IWC boutique to equip it with the magnificent 5-link bracelet and there it is, finally! a bomb, the softness of the pushers (more pleasant than on a speedmaster), it is very readable and for once it will not be easy for me to find one on someone's wrist.

In my opinion, a little beauty from the 80s. An IWC Ingenieur Ref. 3506.1. Contained diameter of 35mm with a beautiful opening and this superb integrated bracelet from Genta's imagination. And as a bonus, this copy has a military-style dial borrowed from a Portofino from the same period, which makes it unique. In short, a watch that you don't come across often.