2,691 Discussions and CommentsMember since Sept. 20, 2007
I had the honor of being seated next to "The Master", at dinner during the recent 10 Year Collectors Forum event. As always, Herr Klaus was his usual amiable and modest self, and I and the rest of the group enjoyed his company. Somewhere, between the main course and dessert the general discussion amongst the group deviated again to watches (surprise!) and individual watches were passed along. At this stage, I took out and passed across the table to another forum member my newly acquired Porsche Design Compass watch, with a comment about it almost being a joke, amongst all the heavy weight watches flying around. This is when Herr Klaus intervened - and on taking the PD watch in his hands, said simply "this is no joke....this watch cost me half the hair on my head!". Of course, with that statement he immediately had all of us around him giving him our full attention, as he began to explain his involvement in designing and building this very watch! And not only the watch..but the compass too! First, Herr Klaus explained that in order to combat the effects of steel and iron on the magnetic compass, how he needed to modify the base movement (a Cal.375) remaking the plates in a non-ferrous metal (Beryllium - if I recall correctly).
The Master then, proceeded to tell us about how when, being unsuccessful in getting the quality he demanded as regards to accuracy, thickness of the compass movement, and sturdiness of the compass from external suppliers, he decided to design and build IWC's own compass. In his own quiet and humblest of ways, Herr Klaus shared some of his genius and technical prowess with us, as he proceeded to explain that what he was holding in his hands, was no ordinary compass but the only compass in the world where the compass needle is seated on not 1 but 2 (yes two) Incabloc shock absorbing blocks. He explained how, working with the Incabloc factory he ensured that IWC had for their compass, and even more unique, the only 100% pure plastic, non metal Incabloc mechanism in existence [again, he needed to combat the use of ferrous bearing metals, which interfered with the magnetic compass. Lastly, he explained in detail the challenges IWC experienced in ensuring that the compass needle shaft was always mounted vertically within the casing, and how he resolved that challenge too (this, since that shaft is mounted both at the base, as well as at it's top end, where it sits embedded in the glass plate covering the compass).
Needless to say, all of us were astounded by the absolutely mind blowing details and information that Herr Klaus shared with us around the design and manufacture of this impressive IWC watch, and were yet again impressed by his watchmaking and engineering capabilities.
In the background to this photo and at the top right hand side of the table, you can see Herr Hannes Pantli, with over 35 years of work experience at IWC and Board member. Mr. Pantli too, later shared with us some details (and apparent little known secrets) around this same watch – when he explained how to adjust and close the clasp on the aluminum strap, as well as the little known almost forgotten fact that each link of the strap is exactly 5mm in width, to facilitate the accurate calculation of distance, when placing the watch on a scale map, to determine direction and distance.
2,875 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 11, 2008Kavala,
Greece
It was a great night Mark as the night before that too. Herr Klaus is the living history of IWC and there are no many companies to my knowledge that can be represented from such an asset as Herr Klaus is to IWC. There is always a story to die for to learn and he is a truly committed Forum friend. Thank you for your post, a great post indeed.
This is a story to end all stories, almost. it's as good as they get. Thanks so much for posting it.
You should know that the IWC executives who attended the 10th anniversary dinner were "volunteers" --that is, they elected to attend because they genuinely support the forum and collectors. Herr Klaus is a true friend of each of us.
2,283 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 2, 2001
What a truly wonderful story. Mark. That really brings to life a watch that you probably did not see in quite that fashion.
You ought to type out that story (or print it from your post) and put it in the box for the watch so that it will never be forgotten, and will accompany the watch wherever it may go in the future.
385 Discussions and CommentsMember since Sept. 26, 2005
Great story. Thank you for posting it! I wish every watches from IWC (or at least from Herr Klaus) had that kind of anecdote. It gives a so magnified respect for that little piece of steel or precious metal we enjoy to wear.
Regards, Jean aka One of these days, 5449 will be mine
803 Discussions and CommentsMember since Feb. 9, 2007
What a great story, and thanks for sharing it. This sort of in-house research and development is fascinating and we are luck that KK and Mr. Pantli are willing to share their experiences.
Incidentally, there is an interview with KK in QP magazine this month (a UK based watch mag. Mr. Kern is also featured, in his role as CEO of Roger Dubuis). His modesty, experience and love of IWC shine through.
2,936 Discussions and CommentsMember since Nov. 14, 2008Taylor, TX,
United States
It would send me into "IWC Nirvana" to have an opportunity to hear KK illuminate about the watch I'm wearing. Thanks for sharing this great story, Mark!
Best regards, Jim
"We are the other people, we are the other people...you're the other people too!" Frank Zappa
2,142 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 22, 2001
It can only make us marvel (once again) at the technical detail of IWC watches, and as a fan of the Porsche design line, I hope many more forum members will appreciate this line even more! The fact that Herr Klaus and Herr Pantli share so much with us collectors, not to mention Michael, is just the icing on the cake! Thanks for such a great post. Nelson
5,077 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 29, 2003Sarasota, FL,
United States
I know one thing. When Herr Klaus started recounting this story, I thought Mark had entered horologic heaven. Just meeting Kurt Klaus is a great honor. To have him retell previously unknown details about the watch Mark had just acquired...priceless.
Somewhere, between the main course and dessert the general discussion amongst the group deviated again to watches (surprise!) and individual watches were passed along. At this stage, I took out and passed across the table to another forum member my newly acquired Porsche Design Compass watch, with a comment about it almost being a joke, amongst all the heavy weight watches flying around.
This is when Herr Klaus intervened - and on taking the PD watch in his hands, said simply "this is no joke....this watch cost me half the hair on my head!". Of course, with that statement he immediately had all of us around him giving him our full attention, as he began to explain his involvement in designing and building this very watch! And not only the watch..but the compass too!
First, Herr Klaus explained that in order to combat the effects of steel and iron on the magnetic compass, how he needed to modify the base movement (a Cal.375) remaking the plates in a non-ferrous metal (Beryllium - if I recall correctly).
The Master then, proceeded to tell us about how when, being unsuccessful in getting the quality he demanded as regards to accuracy, thickness of the compass movement, and sturdiness of the compass from external suppliers, he decided to design and build IWC's own compass. In his own quiet and humblest of ways, Herr Klaus shared some of his genius and technical prowess with us, as he proceeded to explain that what he was holding in his hands, was no ordinary compass but the only compass in the world where the compass needle is seated on not 1 but 2 (yes two) Incabloc shock absorbing blocks. He explained how, working with the Incabloc factory he ensured that IWC had for their compass, and even more unique, the only 100% pure plastic, non metal Incabloc mechanism in existence [again, he needed to combat the use of ferrous bearing metals, which interfered with the magnetic compass. Lastly, he explained in detail the challenges IWC experienced in ensuring that the compass needle shaft was always mounted vertically within the casing, and how he resolved that challenge too (this, since that shaft is mounted both at the base, as well as at it's top end, where it sits embedded in the glass plate covering the compass).
Needless to say, all of us were astounded by the absolutely mind blowing details and information that Herr Klaus shared with us around the design and manufacture of this impressive IWC watch, and were yet again impressed by his watchmaking and engineering capabilities.
In the background to this photo and at the top right hand side of the table, you can see Herr Hannes Pantli, with over 35 years of work experience at IWC and Board member. Mr. Pantli too, later shared with us some details (and apparent little known secrets) around this same watch – when he explained how to adjust and close the clasp on the aluminum strap, as well as the little known almost forgotten fact that each link of the strap is exactly 5mm in width, to facilitate the accurate calculation of distance, when placing the watch on a scale map, to determine direction and distance.
Gentleman, we salute you all yet again!
Best regards
Mark
Last edited: 16 April, 2013 - 00:36
Herr Klaus is the living history of IWC and there are no many companies to my knowledge that can be represented from such an asset as Herr Klaus is to IWC.
There is always a story to die for to learn and he is a truly committed Forum friend.
Thank you for your post, a great post indeed.
Best regards
Argiris
Last edited: 29 October, 2011 - 21:11
You should know that the IWC executives who attended the 10th anniversary dinner were "volunteers" --that is, they elected to attend because they genuinely support the forum and collectors. Herr Klaus is a true friend of each of us.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
You ought to type out that story (or print it from your post) and put it in the box for the watch so that it will never be forgotten, and will accompany the watch wherever it may go in the future.
Dick L.
whichwatch at roadrunner dot com
Regards,
Jean aka One of these days, 5449 will be mine
Incidentally, there is an interview with KK in QP magazine this month (a UK based watch mag. Mr. Kern is also featured, in his role as CEO of Roger Dubuis). His modesty, experience and love of IWC shine through.
ross (at) baverstock (dot) me (dot) uk
I can witness your words are true since I'm responsible for taking the first picture (terrible, sorry Mark!) :)
Thank you Mark for sharing this beautiful story.
Regards,
Roberto
Last edited: 12 June, 2013 - 11:03
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
The fact that Herr Klaus and Herr Pantli share so much with us collectors, not to mention Michael, is just the icing on the cake!
Thanks for such a great post.
Nelson
Last edited: 15 February, 2011 - 20:21
Last edited: 18 June, 2013 - 19:31