1 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 26, 2011
I'm interested in buying a nice gold vintage IWC from the 50's or 60's. Probably somehting with a cal 89, 85XX or a simple handwind like the 402.
I'm looking to pick up a good example that hasn't been abused with my focus on the movmeent ebing in excellent condition.
I understand that IWC restore and service their older watches, similar to Patek and Vacheron Constantin......however I'm fully aware of both patek and VC's commitment to older pieces is 'patchy' to say the least. Horror stories of over $5,000 for the servicing of a handwind VC or Patek are quite common.
Whilst I don't expect an accurate quote could someone tell me if I need to be sitting down when I receive a quote from IWC?
I had an old Breitling 806 Navitimer restored by Breiling about 15 years ago and it came back like new and didn't cost the earth....
8 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 21, 2011
Hi,
I am new to the forum, with the same kind of query.
I spoke to the IWC service centre yesterday, and they said that while every watch is individual and may range from having very little damage to needing a complete overhaul, the average for a service is £500- but can range up to £700. The most expensive service they've done over the last year was £1200 - not sure what kind of condition that watch was in!
Sure someone on the forum with more experience will be able to give you more information, but that's what I learned from IWC!
Servicing or pricing aren't issues here, since every situation is unique. The charges in, say, Singapore may differ slightly than those in, say, London. And each watch needs to be individually assessed.
That said, I do think that City85 is generally on the mark. In US dollars, I would be surprised if a full overhaul, polishing, etc., would be $1500 but also it probably wouldn't be less than about $600. Much depends on whether a new dial is needed, and whether one is available or needs to be custom made. I would budget $1200 and hope for less ;)
32 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 19, 2011
I am not sure why, but I am no longer able to access this site with the user name and password I used prior to the makeover? But, I re-registered and am starting over! I am posting because I am a couple of months into the servicing process. I sent my cal 89, ref 564 to IWC in November 2010. I already had ordered and received the Extract dating it to 1957. About two months after sending it in, I received a quote that included the dial. I had posted pictures of it on this forum in November of last year. Michael Friedberg, who knows a thing or two about our watches, said it looked like someone used crayons to color in the dial. So I took his advice and told them to replace it. The total cost will be close to $1,700.00 US, the dial was around $600 of the total. I am expecting to get it back sometime in June of 2011, making the entire turnaround time close to seven months. I am really looking forward to seeing the results. If you want to see the before photos, search for “Finally, the photo” in this site.
1,888 Discussions and CommentsMember since June 13, 2001Mansfield,Notts,
United Kingdom
You do not count the cost when owning / restoring an IWC ...just be glad you can look after one ....as you know we never own them we just look after them to pass on to the new generation of IWC owners. As I know from several restoration projects effected by IWC there is no better service. Oh yes, sit down when you ask the price but but results are astounding and well worth the cost.
I'm looking to pick up a good example that hasn't been abused with my focus on the movmeent ebing in excellent condition.
I understand that IWC restore and service their older watches, similar to Patek and Vacheron Constantin......however I'm fully aware of both patek and VC's commitment to older pieces is 'patchy' to say the least. Horror stories of over $5,000 for the servicing of a handwind VC or Patek are quite common.
Whilst I don't expect an accurate quote could someone tell me if I need to be sitting down when I receive a quote from IWC?
I had an old Breitling 806 Navitimer restored by Breiling about 15 years ago and it came back like new and didn't cost the earth....
I am new to the forum, with the same kind of query.
I spoke to the IWC service centre yesterday, and they said that while every watch is individual and may range from having very little damage to needing a complete overhaul, the average for a service is £500- but can range up to £700. The most expensive service they've done over the last year was £1200 - not sure what kind of condition that watch was in!
Sure someone on the forum with more experience will be able to give you more information, but that's what I learned from IWC!
Good luck.
That said, I do think that City85 is generally on the mark. In US dollars, I would be surprised if a full overhaul, polishing, etc., would be $1500 but also it probably wouldn't be less than about $600. Much depends on whether a new dial is needed, and whether one is available or needs to be custom made. I would budget $1200 and hope for less ;)
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
I am posting because I am a couple of months into the servicing process. I sent my cal 89, ref 564 to IWC in November 2010. I already had ordered and received the Extract dating it to 1957. About two months after sending it in, I received a quote that included the dial. I had posted pictures of it on this forum in November of last year. Michael Friedberg, who knows a thing or two about our watches, said it looked like someone used crayons to color in the dial. So I took his advice and told them to replace it. The total cost will be close to $1,700.00 US, the dial was around $600 of the total. I am expecting to get it back sometime in June of 2011, making the entire turnaround time close to seven months.
I am really looking forward to seeing the results. If you want to see the before photos, search for “Finally, the photo” in this site.
Ivan
iwcforme
Ivan
iwcforme
iwcforme@aol.com
Last edited: 11 December, 2012 - 13:27