Help me choose an IWC

[Szeph el raton]

Originally Posted by KtownGreg

The IWC Ingenieur is a lovely watch. Perhaps one day I'll buy that one, too.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Szeph el ratón

Another point that often isn't considered is the size. As much as I'd have loved the 5001 it's really big, so people should settle for something that is beautiful when they wear it, not only when they look at it lying on the table. I've settled for the 3714 therefore.

So for gods sake, go try it on before you buy it.

This is true, but the 5001 isn't much bigger than the 3717 and wears smaller in my opinion. I think it helps that it's a far dressier watch.

 

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by gdl203

The pictures above should answer the question.

OK, thanks. Looks are somewhat subjective, so given the unanimous hate I thought it might be something more esoteric, like subpar movement finish.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Fritz

OK, thanks. Looks are somewhat subjective, so given the unanimous hate I thought it might be something more esoteric, like subpar movement finish.

The Spitfire design was a pointed attempt to make the classic pilot watch more attractive to people who would otherwise buy a Rolex, Omega, or Tag. So, it's glitzier, but less legible, less functional, and less classic. The whole point of a pilot watch is to be stark, graphic, and easy-to-read at a moment's notice--after all, combat pilots wore these things. That's what IWC's original Mark XI did so well; unlike the classic Mark XII and XV designs, the Spitfire bares virtually no resemblance to it.

So, that's why a lot of watch people hate the Spitfire.

 

[TheFoo]

To illustrate the point:

IWC Mark XI (manufactured from the late 1940's through the early 1980's; primary wristwatch of the British RAF)

IWC Mark XII

IWC Mark XV

IWC Mark XV Spitfire

 

[doctorfeelyg]

Good article on iwc pilot watches here:

http://www.ninanet.net/watches/other...miwcmkxii.html

 

[Hard2Fit]

Originally Posted by acidicboy

man, that mechaquartz just looks bad.

+1.
I don't know much about watches but all four of those look terrible.

 

[Hard2Fit]

Originally Posted by Szeph el ratón

The IWC Ingenieur is a lovely watch. Perhaps one day I'll buy that one, too.

Best of those (pics) posted so far.

 

[Fritz]

Thank you Mafoofan, that makes sense to me.

 

[centrix]

Originally Posted by kolecho

Get a 3705, the ceramic version of 3706. It is so hard, it breaks up concrete

gah if i could find one i would