3,726 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 28, 2001
clepsydra Wrote:All IWC had to do to get the shield right was an internet search.
Well, I did look at "Flag of Portugal" in Wikipedia. Quite an impressive explanation of the flag, its history, its changes over time. The connection between the armillary sphere, being "an important astronomical and navigational instrument for the Portuguese sailors", and "the most important period of the nation - the Portuguese discoveries -" is well explained. However, when looking for "Portuguese shield", the Internet shows a lot of pictures of the shield alone, without the sphere. This may explain what happened. Given the marketing effort of IWC, stressing the maritime connotation to the Portuguese watch (which we all know is incorrect, the two Portuguese gentlemen contacting IWC in the 20th century only had a nice watch in mind), the sphere should be there.
By the way: when really wanting to correct the mistake, I cannot imagine that a redesign of a medallion would take so much time. It is not like changing a vital part of the movement. If I were IWC, I would not like to have a second Sidney.
Kind regards, Paul
What you do may not be so important, but it is very important that you do it well. (my variation of a saying by Gandhi)
1,908 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 4, 2001
Paul Bloemen Wrote:...Given the marketing effort of IWC, stressing the maritime connotation to the Portuguese watch (which we all know is incorrect, the two Portuguese gentlemen contacting IWC in the 20th century only had a nice watch in mind), the sphere should be there. Paul
Linking Mr Rodrigues and Mr. Teixeira request for a large and accurate wrist watch for the Portuguese market in 1939, with the Portuguese Descobrimentos at the launching of the Ref 5441 - a revival of the Ref 325 - for IWC's 125th anniversary, was a brilliant marketing strategy. IWC's claim that Mr. Teixeira was a descendant of one of the first explorers is far fetched, but added color to the myth. There are additional inaccurate historical statements, but IWC is selling watches and must not be viewed as an accurate historical source. There are many inaccurate accounts of the Descobrimentos in Portugal as well, including the actual role of Principe D. Henrique O (so called) Navegador even though he never set foot inside a boat that lost sight of the Portuguese coast. But this is not the place to discuss this matter. Myths from all sides apart, they gave origin to an outstanding line of beautiful watches for our pleasure. And for that I am thankful to IWC. The armillary sphere must me there. Without it, there is no co connection with the Descobrimentos and the "Spirit of Navigation.
Well, I did look at "Flag of Portugal" in Wikipedia. Quite an impressive explanation of the flag, its history, its changes over time. The connection between the armillary sphere, being "an important astronomical and navigational instrument for the Portuguese sailors", and "the most important period of the nation - the Portuguese discoveries -" is well explained. However, when looking for "Portuguese shield", the Internet shows a lot of pictures of the shield alone, without the sphere. This may explain what happened. Given the marketing effort of IWC, stressing the maritime connotation to the Portuguese watch (which we all know is incorrect, the two Portuguese gentlemen contacting IWC in the 20th century only had a nice watch in mind), the sphere should be there.
By the way: when really wanting to correct the mistake, I cannot imagine that a redesign of a medallion would take so much time. It is not like changing a vital part of the movement. If I were IWC, I would not like to have a second Sidney.
Kind regards,
Paul
What you do may not be so important, but it is very important that you do it well. (my variation of a saying by Gandhi)
Last edited: 23 October, 2011 - 13:31
Linking Mr Rodrigues and Mr. Teixeira request for a large and accurate wrist watch for the Portuguese market in 1939, with the Portuguese Descobrimentos at the launching of the Ref 5441 - a revival of the Ref 325 - for IWC's 125th anniversary, was a brilliant marketing strategy. IWC's claim that Mr. Teixeira was a descendant of one of the first explorers is far fetched, but added color to the myth. There are additional inaccurate historical statements, but IWC is selling watches and must not be viewed as an accurate historical source. There are many inaccurate accounts of the Descobrimentos in Portugal as well, including the actual role of Principe D. Henrique O (so called) Navegador even though he never set foot inside a boat that lost sight of the Portuguese coast. But this is not the place to discuss this matter.
Myths from all sides apart, they gave origin to an outstanding line of beautiful watches for our pleasure. And for that I am thankful to IWC.
The armillary sphere must me there. Without it, there is no co connection with the Descobrimentos and the "Spirit of Navigation.
clepsydra
ad fontes...
Last edited: 30 October, 2011 - 22:05
Kind regards,
Clemens
Last edited: 30 May, 2012 - 20:59
Steve