2 Discussions and CommentsMember since June 30, 2010New Delhi,
India
Hello All,
Have been a long time lurker on the forum, and having just picked up a 5001-07, decided to sign up and introduce myself. What follows is my account of how I became a Portugueiser!
In October 2009 I decided to give my long suffering Casio Illuminator a rest. Having worn the watch for close to a decade, I think it had earned it! Aside from needing the occasional battery change and glass replacement because of the crystal getting scratched rather easily, the Casio had worked flawlessly, and is a testament to the reliability of quartz watches in general.
The Longines Master Collection Moonphase caught my eye, and introduced me to the world of internet watch forums. Some cursory research revealed the Longines was great value for money and I pulled the trigger on one. I love the Longines, to my untrained eye, its finishing is great for the price, and even with a 10x loupe I can't spot any obvious flaws. Some shots, including macro shots of the sub dials-
However, the legibility, or lack thereof, of the Longines quickly became an issue. The dial, though nice to look at, just has too much going on to be able to read it at a glance. The fact that the Portuguese Automatic had caught my eye while buying the Longines didn't help either :).
While I was originally thinking of getting a 5001-09, some visits to the forum quickly convinced me that the 5001-07 was a truly special watch. Photos by various members, and particularly by Cinq helped me make up my mind in no time. However, getting one proved to be easier said than done.
The AD in my city didn't have one in stock and told me that IWC was concentrating on producing the newer stainless steel versions for the time being. An AD in another city took a substantial deposit from me, assuring me that they would be able to provide the watch within two weeks. 6 weeks later there was no sign of the watch and I had to threaten legal action to get my deposit back.
Having almost given up any hope of getting the watch in my country, I made a last ditch call to my local AD again, and wonder of wonders, he had managed to get a 5001-07 from IWC but had not bothered to call up and let me know! I didn't waste any time, and am now a proud owner of a Port Auto.
Some pics-
I thought the finish on the Longines was good, but the Portuguese is in another league. Strikingly simple and elegant, I think this will be on my wrist for a long time to come. It brings a smile to my face every day! That said, the Portofino Handwound Moonphase in platinum that I tried on at the AD was absolutely stunning.....
161 Discussions and CommentsMember since June 11, 2001
Hong Kong
Congrats! Having owned no less than 10 different Portugiesers in the past, I can vouch that this is IMHO the most captivating line from IWC. Can easily turn into an addiction on its own!
28 Discussions and CommentsMember since July 12, 2010Skokie, Il,
United States
Congratulations. A real beauty. Your journey to IWC ownership was fascinating. Quite a two-step leap from Casio! Savor your new watch, and wear it proudly...
Have been a long time lurker on the forum, and having just picked up a 5001-07, decided to sign up and introduce myself. What follows is my account of how I became a Portugueiser!
In October 2009 I decided to give my long suffering Casio Illuminator a rest. Having worn the watch for close to a decade, I think it had earned it! Aside from needing the occasional battery change and glass replacement because of the crystal getting scratched rather easily, the Casio had worked flawlessly, and is a testament to the reliability of quartz watches in general.
The Longines Master Collection Moonphase caught my eye, and introduced me to the world of internet watch forums. Some cursory research revealed the Longines was great value for money and I pulled the trigger on one. I love the Longines, to my untrained eye, its finishing is great for the price, and even with a 10x loupe I can't spot any obvious flaws. Some shots, including macro shots of the sub dials-
However, the legibility, or lack thereof, of the Longines quickly became an issue. The dial, though nice to look at, just has too much going on to be able to read it at a glance. The fact that the Portuguese Automatic had caught my eye while buying the Longines didn't help either :).
While I was originally thinking of getting a 5001-09, some visits to the forum quickly convinced me that the 5001-07 was a truly special watch. Photos by various members, and particularly by Cinq helped me make up my mind in no time. However, getting one proved to be easier said than done.
The AD in my city didn't have one in stock and told me that IWC was concentrating on producing the newer stainless steel versions for the time being. An AD in another city took a substantial deposit from me, assuring me that they would be able to provide the watch within two weeks. 6 weeks later there was no sign of the watch and I had to threaten legal action to get my deposit back.
Having almost given up any hope of getting the watch in my country, I made a last ditch call to my local AD again, and wonder of wonders, he had managed to get a 5001-07 from IWC but had not bothered to call up and let me know! I didn't waste any time, and am now a proud owner of a Port Auto.
Some pics-
I thought the finish on the Longines was good, but the Portuguese is in another league. Strikingly simple and elegant, I think this will be on my wrist for a long time to come. It brings a smile to my face every day!
That said, the Portofino Handwound Moonphase in platinum that I tried on at the AD was absolutely stunning.....
Regards,
Bob
b.bunnik at zonnet.nl
Last edited: 4 June, 2013 - 20:45
Last edited: 3 March, 2011 - 17:34
I loved your photo story of morphing from Casio to Longines to IWC, hilarious!
And you are totally right - the finish is outstanding. A very very high standard of workmanship!!
Keep wearing it with pride!
Best wishes,
KK.
kkpoon8@gmail.com
Best regards,
Jim
"We are the other people, we are the other people...you're the other people too!"
Frank Zappa
Last edited: 13 March, 2012 - 15:03
Great choice and a great way to get started with IWC.
Dick L.
whichwatch at roadrunner dot com
Steve
Enjoy and wear it in good health.
Farhad
Kind regards,
Clemens
Last edited: 30 May, 2012 - 20:59
Enjoy wearing it!
Cheers,
Evan
evan_nanos at yahoo.com