2,241 Discussions and CommentsMember since Nov. 16, 2004
Following on from the tale of the Portofino Ref 5251, I secured two watches at the recent auction in London. Incidentally, the polishing of the Portofino acrylic crystal was done with a jeweller's polish which I bought a few years ago on the recommendation of a watch restorer. I tested a Cal 89 first, then a Ref 666 before I very gently approached the massive crystal of the Portofino. The crystal marks were very fine and soon disappeared. It was a calculated and fairly low risk.
The photo shows a Regulator against a real regulator. I don't know why IWC used the name "Regulateur" rather than the English name. Regulators were made in England and Vienna. The Wempe Book, "The art of Horological Complications" calls it an IWC Portuguese Regulator. I am sure Isobars will note that the real regulator has a 24 hour dial.
A close up of the watch.
And the fancy engraved movement.
I must admit, the bid for the Regulator was rather speculative and I wasn't sure whether I liked the Wempe mark on the dial. It's numbered and the certificate is signed by G. Kern amongst others. After a few days, the silver dial has become very seductive, particularly the Roman numerals. Of course, the seconds dial is in the wrong place but at least they found another use for the FA Jones movement. I like it.
2,129 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 22, 2001
Hi Ralph, That's another nice addition- I prefer this Regulateur one over the regular edition, and it's because of the Roman numerals, as you mentioned. You got a really nice 'Two-fer' in that auction. Congrats.
5,421 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 22, 2006
Congratulations Ralph on a splendid Regulator. The roman numerals imho are classicly beautiful. I stopped bidding on one about 4 years ago and regreted it when it sold for a great price. I am happy for you.
The photo shows a Regulator against a real regulator. I don't know why IWC used the name "Regulateur" rather than the English name. Regulators were made in England and Vienna. The Wempe Book, "The art of Horological Complications" calls it an IWC Portuguese Regulator. I am sure Isobars will note that the real regulator has a 24 hour dial.
A close up of the watch.
And the fancy engraved movement.
I must admit, the bid for the Regulator was rather speculative and I wasn't sure whether I liked the Wempe mark on the dial. It's numbered and the certificate is signed by G. Kern amongst others. After a few days, the silver dial has become very seductive, particularly the Roman numerals. Of course, the seconds dial is in the wrong place but at least they found another use for the FA Jones movement. I like it.
Last edited: 17 May, 2013 - 09:58
Excellent photos. Love the watch, enjoy it.
Kevin
Last edited: 29 March, 2012 - 21:17
That's another nice addition- I prefer this Regulateur one over the regular edition, and it's because of the Roman numerals, as you mentioned.
You got a really nice 'Two-fer' in that auction. Congrats.
Nelson
Last edited: 8 November, 2012 - 12:49
Wear it in good health.
tonny.berteloot@pandora.be
Kind regards,
Clemens
Last edited: 30 May, 2012 - 20:59
It's nice to have the original IWC regulator, especially as a limited edition, well done!
Cheers,
Nad
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
Bob
b.bunnik <u>at</u> zonnet.nl
Last edited: 27 August, 2011 - 21:53
Andrew
andrew.thomas1@mac.com
Last edited: 1 January, 2012 - 02:03