The Watch Appreciation Thread - Page 671

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kid Nickels 


Really? which ones? I wasn't aware of that. The "Top Gun" supposedly has an in-house.. the others using ETA or something?

Hi Kid,

At least in the past most of IWC's chronographs and some of their simpler watches like the old Spitfires used Modified ETA/Valjoux movements.  If you spent more money, for one that has a split second chronograph, or a perpetual calendar chronograph then they made a lot more modificications and changes to the movement.  Basiacally years ago, even watches like their DaVinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph were based on a Valjoux movement, but at that price range numerous changes were made and it woud be drastically different from a less expensive watch housing a Valjoux movement (even in their own line up).  There is nothing wrong with a Valjoux or ETA base, provided its within a certain price range.  IWC makes a great product, but many of their movements are not inhouse which is fine with me, but to be honest I have tired of many of their designs (but then again design is very subjective). 

Best regards,

Dino

P.S.  A fairly good reference for what base movements are in which watches is the Wristwatch Annual which you can get online through B&N or Amazon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ismelllikepoop 

yea, but iwc does a lot of finishing and is a highly modified movement. The bell and ross is pretty much a nice case with a generic off the shelf eta. Just a personal thing but b+r irks me with their "vintage" and heritage line when the company was started in the 90's. at least iwc has a history with providing ww1 pilots watches.

To be honest, IWC really only does a lot of modifying on their pricier watches containing Valjoux or ETA based movements.  If you are getting the basic pilot chrono or some of their other less expensive watches, there is very little in terms of modifying.  There is some refinishing, but the movement is much more similar to the ETA/Valjoux movements found in other less expensive watches.  There is nothing wrong with that, it helps keep prices a bit lower on some watches, you just have to know what you are buying.  Years ago the Flieger Chronograph which also became the Spitfire Chrono were around $5,000-5,500 could be bought brand new with heavy discounts for around $3,200-3400.  You can't expect lots of mods when thats the bottom line.  But still it was a solid watch, nice case and bracelet, and would give someone many years of good use and enjoyment for not huge money. 
 

Bored at work Second day in a row our internal servers have been down...

JLC is famous for making all its own movements, and as Singular said, makes them for others as well.

And thanks for the compliments

This is growing on me... maybe one day.

No.