Which watch to get?

[Atlantic herring]

Is this really a question? IWC Portuguese is by far the better choice. Any particular model in mind?

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Atlantic herring

Is this really a question? IWC Portuguese is by far the better choice. Any particular model in mind?

There are many different Portuguese models, the Chronograph being the least expensive and the only one with a non-inhouse movement. Thus, I don't think the choice is that clear cut. The only watch the OP is thinking of that has an inhouse movement is the Air King--of course, that may not matter to you, but it has significant prestige value for watch geeks.

 

[DrZRM]

Looks like we have a winner?

I say go Panda (black w/ white subs), great looking watch. Someday I'll get one.

Originally Posted by Atlantic herring

Is this really a question? IWC Portuguese is by far the better choice. Any particular model in mind?

 

[ScottMan]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

I have a Portuguese 5001 and love it, but really can't stand the Portuguese Chronograph. Unlike the 5001, its movement was not made to fit the case. You can tell by looking at it from the side; it looks like a mushroom. The actual case is significantly smaller in diameter than the bezel and front view suggest. That kind of design compromise would irk me to no end. In your research you'll find that side view photos of the Portuguese Chronograph are extremely rare. I don't think it's a coincidence.
Haha...I could be wrong but I really doubt the "mushroom" effect of the bezel being larger than the dial is a case of the 7750 not being made to fit the case. Lots of watches (even those with in-house movements) have the same "mushroom effect" that you describe. The Speedmaster Professional is one. It's just a different detail.

As for not seeing a lot of side views...I have found many, if for no other reason than the domed crystal tends to show up better in that view. In fact, based on my lengthy attempt at finding the following picture of a Speedy, I would argue that it's very difficult to find tons of side views of any watch.

I absolutely, 100% respect the fact that you don't like the 3714, but I thought it was interesting that you made the jump from oversized bezel to that being proof of a non in-house movement.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by ScottMan

I absolutely, 100% respect the fact that you don't like the 3714, but I thought it was interesting that you made the jump from oversized bezel to that being proof of a non in-house movement.

Look at every other Portuguese model from the side. None of them have this issue, only the Chronograph. The Chronograph is also the only one to use a non-pocketwatch size movement. It's no coincidence.

 

[ScottMan]

Right...and I'm saying that they could've easily just not put the oversized bezel on there. My contention is that the bezel is not a result of the 7750 being used, it's just a design decision to make the watch wear larger.

 

[Atlantic herring]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

There are many different Portuguese models, the Chronograph being the least expensive and the only one with a non-inhouse movement. Thus, I don't think the choice is that clear cut. The only watch the OP is thinking of that has an inhouse movement is the Air King--of course, that may not matter to you, but it has significant prestige value for watch geeks.

Well yes, I was a bit hasty. And offcourse it was a strictly subjective from my side. But still, i would pick the portuguese from an astetich point of view. Allthough Rolex has a in-house movement, one could argue about the prestige of rolex as a brand, even among the afficonados. And at last i would think the resell value of the second hand IWC would be better than if one bought a brand new Rolex.

Don't get me wrong, I like Rolex, It's just a personal prefference and who buys a watch for the resell value anyway?

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by ScottMan

Right...and I'm saying that they could've easily just not put the oversized bezel on there. My contention is that the bezel is not a result of the 7750 being used, it's just a design decision to make the watch wear larger.

They put the an oversize bezel on to increase the apparent diameter of the watch to 42mm, the standard diameter for all other Portuguese watches. If they made the bezel fit the case, it would more like 38 or 39mm. The case is smaller only because the movement itself is smaller--otherwise they would have made the case the same size as every other Portuguese case and the bezel would not be oversized in comparison.

 

[Cornellian]

You need to consider size here. If you're talking about the IWC 5001, it's a large watch. It's not so much the diameter (42/43mm which is still on the large side), but it's very thick (14mm if I remember correctly). The airking is probably what, 36 mm and 10 mm thick? You really need to try them on. Case in point... I tried on a watch that I thought would surely be too small--34 mm. But the watch looked perfect. I think size can be visually increased/decreased by the styling though, so it's hard to go on numbers alone. Best to try them on.

FWIW, a friend of mine has an airking with sticks and it looks great with everything. Really handsome watch.

 

[ScottMan]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

They put the an oversize bezel on to increase the apparent diameter of the watch to 42mm, the standard diameter for all other Portuguese watches.
For what it's worth, of the 7 models in the Portuguese family, there are 5 different diameters. From 40.9mm to 44.2mm. If IWC really wanted to increase the apparent diameter of the watch to the standard diameter for "all other Portuguese watches" they would've gotten it closer to 43mm, which is the average of the 5 different sizes. Many 7750 powered watches are larger...even 46mm.

If they made the bezel fit the case, it would more like 38 or 39mm. The case is smaller only because the movement itself is smaller--otherwise they would have made the case the same size as every other Portuguese case and the bezel would not be oversized in comparison.

Right...or...maybe they just wanted it to be a bit larger, and like almost every watch on the planet designed the case to the specs of the final product, not the size of the movement. Think of the vastly different sizes of 2824 powered pieces. I think you're reading too much into this. Or maybe I am. Haha.

 

[niwawa]

If that is first luxury watch. go with new Rolex air king
If not your first one. go with second hand IWC PORT

 

[Keith T]

Very good point regarding the size differentials.

Of the four listed, I would say Portuguese is the obvious favorite.

That said, I love my Bond Seamaster and it sees plenty of wrist time.

 

[zippyh]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

They put the an oversize bezel on to increase the apparent diameter of the watch to 42mm, the standard diameter for all other Portuguese watches. If they made the bezel fit the case, it would more like 38 or 39mm. The case is smaller only because the movement itself is smaller--otherwise they would have made the case the same size as every other Portuguese case and the bezel would not be oversized in comparison.

By this logic the Portuguese 3531 would have had a gigantic oversized bezel lip.
It was only 36mm.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by zippyh

By this logic the Portuguese 3531 would have had a gigantic oversized bezel lip.
It was only 36mm.

I know. That's my point. The Port. Chronograph is a design anomoly. The fact that the 3531, a much smaller Portuguese, didn't 'mushroom' is further evidence of that. I repeat: no other Portuguese model has an oversize bezel like the Chronograph.

Why do you think they oversized the bezel? Because it looks better from the side that way?

 

[P-K-L]

+1 On the Rolex