28 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 4, 2006
I have just bought an IWC Aquatimer and am firmly of the opinion that it is and will be if discontinued more iconic than the Submariner (now worn by anyone who wants to have a nice watch). I know this might be a slightly biased forum to raise this but does any one else have an opinion??
60 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 8, 2004
Auqatimer Automatic 2000 vs Rolex Submariner
I had a submariner and traded it for a GST aquatimer which I don't regret one single bit! The IWC is better looking, feels better, has greater presence and is a bit larger. I truly believe it'll be one of the great classics!
28 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 4, 2006
New IWC owner, and over the moon about it
I am in firm agreement, having grown out of the Rolex sports range (GMT, Sub and Yachtmaster) and also trying to own Panerai's but losing interest very quickly I bought an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in January. After wearing on holiday and getting it scratched I thought I could do with a second watch and went for the Aquatimer, I now wear that more than the AP, and am already looking for the next watch in my collection to be an IWC. I want a rose gold piece, any suggestions
296 Discussions and CommentsMember since July 22, 2001
Portuguese Perpetual Calendar
I love my rose gold Portuguese Perpetual. I think the black dial with the brown leather strap makes it the best looking rose gold IWC. Otherwise, the F.A. Jones 544201 would be another great choice.
When I first learned that the pilot's watches were being redesigned --which was much earlier than the announcement in 2006-- I questioned Georges Kern, IWC's CEO, about that. I asked if it wasn't smarter to have some iconic (there's that word again) watches. He replied that virtually no one in the watch industry did that, except Rolex.
I mentioned Patek, and he replied that the basic perpetual (the 3940) and the Calatrava were being redesigned. I thought of the Audemars Royal Oak, but then again realized that the models had changed in size, dials, etc. (now the Alinghi models, etc.). He said that the life cycle for any watch product today is much shorter than it used to be, with the one exception of Rolex.
I think that means we will see new dials, new housings, etc. over time. Yes, the "essence" of the model may be there but there will be changes.
For the collectror, it means that the old (or current) models might be the ones to get and preserve. But it also means many new opportunities for the current collector. Properly done, I think it's a win-win, even if icons may have shorter production lives than Submariners.
Regards, Michael P.S. I have no inside information, and there's no hints here, about any changes planned in the Aquatimer models.
299 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 31, 2006
Auqatimer Automatic 2000 vs Rolex Submariner
Rolex is like General Motors: Everyone has owned one at one point or another. They're mass produced and of reasonable quality and mostly in demand by American markets. Unfortunately, the vast majority of my fellow citizens don't know enough to distinguish the differences in quality between IWC and Rolex. Most Americans think Rolex is the epitome of Swiss watch manufacture but I think this forum members all know that's not true. I have occasionally had folks ask me what kind of watch I'm wearing and ask why I'm not wearing a Rolex. Rolex doesn't even use an antireflective coating much less a ferrous iron cage.
Over the years, I've owned two Sea Dwellers, two Daytonas including a rare SS model, a steel/gold GMT, and a steel/gold Submariner. The only Rolex I like anymore is the Daytona Cosmograph with the Rolex-manufactured 72 hour movement and the sold-link bracelet. In terms of quality, beauty and reliability, I'll take my IWCs every time. I absolutely love my new Ingenieur.
23 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 15, 2006
Auqatimer Automatic 2000 vs Rolex Submariner
My Aquatimer 2000 was bought for the sole purpose of replacing my sub. The sub has been put away and will never be worn by me at least. Maybe a gift to a future son for graduation or something.
683 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 21, 2005
Aquatimers rule...
...and if you search this forum you will also see older Aquatimer models which IMHO are also pretty nice and highly collectible. Welcome to the bright side of the force ;-) Cheers - Paga
I had a submariner and traded it for a GST aquatimer which I don't regret one single bit! The IWC is better looking, feels better, has greater presence and is a bit larger. I truly believe it'll be one of the great classics!
I am in firm agreement, having grown out of the Rolex sports range (GMT, Sub and Yachtmaster) and also trying to own Panerai's but losing interest very quickly I bought an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in January. After wearing on holiday and getting it scratched I thought I could do with a second watch and went for the Aquatimer, I now wear that more than the AP, and am already looking for the next watch in my collection to be an IWC. I want a rose gold piece, any suggestions
I love my rose gold Portuguese Perpetual. I think the black dial with the brown leather strap makes it the best looking rose gold IWC. Otherwise, the F.A. Jones 544201 would be another great choice.
Viken B.
..and I'm not sure this is undesirable to anyone.
When I first learned that the pilot's watches were being redesigned --which was much earlier than the announcement in 2006-- I questioned Georges Kern, IWC's CEO, about that. I asked if it wasn't smarter to have some iconic (there's that word again) watches. He replied that virtually no one in the watch industry did that, except Rolex.
I mentioned Patek, and he replied that the basic perpetual (the 3940) and the Calatrava were being redesigned. I thought of the Audemars Royal Oak, but then again realized that the models had changed in size, dials, etc. (now the Alinghi models, etc.). He said that the life cycle for any watch product today is much shorter than it used to be, with the one exception of Rolex.
I think that means we will see new dials, new housings, etc. over time. Yes, the "essence" of the model may be there but there will be changes.
For the collectror, it means that the old (or current) models might be the ones to get and preserve. But it also means many new opportunities for the current collector. Properly done, I think it's a win-win, even if icons may have shorter production lives than Submariners.
Regards,
Michael
P.S. I have no inside information, and there's no hints here, about any changes planned in the Aquatimer models.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
Rolex is like General Motors: Everyone has owned one at one point or another. They're mass produced and of reasonable quality and mostly in demand by American markets. Unfortunately, the vast majority of my fellow citizens don't know enough to distinguish the differences in quality between IWC and Rolex. Most Americans think Rolex is the epitome of Swiss watch manufacture but I think this forum members all know that's not true. I have occasionally had folks ask me what kind of watch I'm wearing and ask why I'm not wearing a Rolex. Rolex doesn't even use an antireflective coating much less a ferrous iron cage.
Over the years, I've owned two Sea Dwellers, two Daytonas including a rare SS model, a steel/gold GMT, and a steel/gold Submariner. The only Rolex I like anymore is the Daytona Cosmograph with the Rolex-manufactured 72 hour movement and the sold-link bracelet. In terms of quality, beauty and reliability, I'll take my IWCs every time. I absolutely love my new Ingenieur.
FJB
Thanks for the responses on this topic, they have certainly been of great assistance in re-assuring me that my decision was the right one.
As a new member to the IWC brand and also this forum I am looking forward to being part of this understated club for years to come !!
My Aquatimer 2000 was bought for the sole purpose of replacing my sub. The sub has been put away and will never be worn by me at least. Maybe a gift to a future son for graduation or something.
talking of recent model without any doubt the portugieser rose gold ref. 5000
webmaster@gibispa.it
Last edited: 11 March, 2013 - 17:42
...and if you search this forum you will also see older Aquatimer models which IMHO are also pretty nice and highly collectible.
Welcome to the bright side of the force ;-) Cheers - Paga
more photos of one of my Aquatimers
Last edited: 23 May, 2011 - 21:19