IWC watch

[Stu]

I've been lusting after this watch for some time now. I love the simple elegance of the watch. But then today I found this watch which is identical save for the Roman numerals. Now that I look at it, I think the Roman numerals are pretty neat. Any idea on which is dressier, more classic, etc?

 

[STYLESTUDENT]

Don't pretend to be an authority on watches but would always prefer the simpler bars over the (slightly pretentious?) Roman numerals. My dad has had an IWC Schaffhausen watch all his life-at least 50 years old and still runs without repairs. The watch you're looking at is dressy in both versions (flat, thin, no date window, etc.)

 

[TimelessRider]

I prefer the roman numeral model, not for the markings but the way the case and the lugs have more rounded edges than the other model.

I'm no expert on watches either, but I'm guessing these models are several years old? Current reference numbers for this style begin with 3533-XXX. These may also be smaller than the current model.

 

[j]

I'm too dumb to have no numeral markings. I'd rather Arabic, but given the choice I would have to go with the Romans. Honestly, it takes me like 10 seconds to figure out the time on a watch with just the bars, or worse, no markings at all. Not very impressive to the person who asks me the time (or myself).

I don't think there is a difference of classicity (? classicness?) between the two. Whichever you prefer, IMO.

 

[Stu]

I'm too dumb to have no numeral markings. I'd rather Arabic, but given the choice I would have to go with the Romans. Honestly, it takes me like 10 seconds to figure out the time on a watch with just the bars, or worse, no markings at all. Not very impressive to the person who asks me the time (or myself).

I don't think there is a difference of classicity (? classicness?) between the two. Whichever you prefer, IMO.

I hear ya there J, but I really don't use watches to tell time. I mean, seriously, I have a clock on the wall at work, a window on the telephone that tells me the time, and a clock in the car to tell me on the way there. Watches are just an excuse to wear man jewelry, at least for me, and I don't do any other jewelry than a simple wedding band and occassionally cufflinks.

 

[gregory]

I like the first one better. It is really, as the seller says, conspicuous by its inconspicuousness.

 

[cmp]

I've been lusting after this watch for some time now. I love the simple elegance of the watch. But then today I found this watch which is identical save for the Roman numerals. Now that I look at it, I think the Roman numerals are pretty neat. Any idea on which is dressier, more classic, etc?

which is identical save for the Roman numerals

Not quite. The first model has minute "dots" while the Roman numeral version doesn't appear to. I don't like watches without the minute dots. What's the point of paying all that money for a fine movement if you can only tell the time give or take a couple of minutes?

 

[norcaltransplant]

I purchased the former (3533 S/S band) a short while back (Dec 2004), and have 2 comments to add...

1) The Portofino with Roman numerals is an older model (or made for the non-US market)--an iteration that pre-dates the Roman numerals and current numberless models--and is most likely 34mm vs. the most recent 38mm.

2) Both are equally dressy. I prefer the model w/o the Roman numerals primarily due to size.

If you have the opportunity, go for the S/S rice bracelet. It's a bit more expensive, but the bracelet is probably the best thing going for this particular model... I was about to buy a Zenith Elite but found the IWC much more comfortable on my wrist.

 

[pinchi22]

I don´t feel very strongly one way or another about Roman numerals. They seem to symbolize elegance and a classic look.

I do feel strongly about IWC, though. I bought another IWC model (Classic Pilot Chronometer) last year after two months of intensive watch research. It´s a joy to see the watch´s precision, both in the casework and accuracy, and the quality with which its made.

It reminds me of the bespoke values of good shoes. But, don´t expect lots of comments from others to "validate" your choice and your ego, as (IMHO) a fine watch appeals mostly to a few afficionados. You´ll notice that watch idiot savants tend to appreciate good mechanics (TimeZone has an entire car section), but little about clothing.

Sure, the watch cost (albeit second hand) as much as about 3 pairs of EGs, but I´ll probably be wearing it the day I die. The daily cost is probably much less than what I spend on a cup of expresso.

Steven

 

[TimelessRider]

I purchased the former (3533 S/S band) a short while back (Dec 2004), and have 2 comments to add...

1) The Portofino with Roman numerals is an older model (or made for the non-US market)--an iteration that pre-dates the Roman numerals and current numberless models--and is most likely 34mm vs. the most recent 38mm.

2) Both are equally dressy. I prefer the model w/o the Roman numerals primarily due to size.

If you have the opportunity, go for the S/S rice bracelet. It's a bit more expensive, but the bracelet is probably the best thing going for this particular model... I was about to buy a Zenith Elite but found the IWC much more comfortable on my wrist.

As far as I can tell, both auctions are for 3514s with 34mm cases.

 

[shoreman1782]

Is it of any concern that in the first watch auction (without Roman numerals), two pictures of the watch have minute dots, while one picture does not? I dunno if it makes a difference, but right now I'm wearing a silver (colored) POS Fossil which has lines rather than numerals, and minute marks. This is my dress watch until I make about a million other purchases, buy a house, and save a few thousand dollars. So yeah, for awhile.

 

[imageWIS]

What's an IWC?

Jon.

 

[STYLESTUDENT]

Jon, International Watch Company website: http://www.iwc.ch/index.asp

 

[imageWIS]

Jon, International Watch Company website: http://www.iwc.ch/index.asp

HAHAHAHA I know what IWC is. Oh, man you fell for it. Jon. (ok, so I was bored this morning, sorry)

 

[STYLESTUDENT]

Quote:

(STYLESTUDENT @ Feb. 17 2005,09:42) Jon, International Watch Company website: http://www.iwc.ch/index.asp
HAHAHAHA I know what IWC is. Â Oh, man you fell for it. Jon.
Tongue in cheek posting on my part, like the question.Next post is from Manton asking in what city Savile Row is located. I'll answer that one too.