The date indication on the Siderale is really intended for setting the starchart, which is why it has that unusual format. I find it awkward to read, too, but talked to the people involved who explained that to me. It's something that one needs to see "in action" to fully understand.
Also, the last I checked the Ref. 5002 Patek is more than 25% more expensive than the Siderale, which in absolute dollars or francs or Euros is a big difference. And yes, they're both tourbillons, which some people don't appreciate fully, but there is a big horological difference with IWC's constant force, over-sized, jump seconds tourbillon on the dial side. To say nothing of the night/day function via color change.
That said, they are both super-incredible watches. I'll gladly take either. Or better yet, both.
3,723 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 28, 2001
Michael Friedberg Wrote:The date indication on the Siderale is really intended for setting the starchart, which is why it has that unusual format. I find it awkward to read, too, but talked to the people involved who explained that to me. It's something that one needs to see "in action" to fully understand.
OK Michael, let's say that the Sidérale is not seriously intended to be sold, I guess you need a bit of a money problem to consider buying it. To me the Sidérale is a "triumph of technique", an endeavour to find out what you can do with a very complex problem, that really almost nobody needs to get solved. But the result of that endeavour may be useful for future developments: I at least think that the constant force tourbillon could be seen in other watches too. And let's not forget the image building resulting from this project, I think that is great: after quite a while IWC proves again that it is on the pinnacle of cutting-edge watch technology. Seeing it this way, who would care about its double sided croc strap?
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)
The Siderale is seriously intended to be sold, although in limited quantities and made-to-order.
All fine mechanical watches are intended as triumphs of technique, and people at the upper-end (no matter how to define that) buy them for their craft. Ever since the advent of quartz, all functions of mechanical watches can be done better and for far less otherwise.
That of course not mean that practicality has no value. But, really, in the scheme of things my Regulateur Tourbillon is a needless affectation --unless one values craft.
734 Discussions and CommentsMember since July 12, 2011
Norway
I really appreciate that it's not only a piece of marvelous engineering, but it is truly a piece of art - a fairly practical piece of art because it can be used every day :-)(even if some of the aspects are "less" practical)
And not to forget, it's a thing of real beauty as well :-)
3,723 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 28, 2001
The watch is personalised because of the setting about the place where you live at that moment, so you get your own information on the "skyline", and sunrise and sunset. I wonder: when you move to another town or country, is it possible to get the watch reset to the new parameters: is that a simple operation, or does this mean a maybe expensive overhaul of the watch?
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)
Moving has been considered by IWC. The adjustment is not that mechanically complicated, but it requires preparation of a new star chart, which is completely individualized. Since this takes some time and since most people don't move that often, it might be time for an overhaul as well --and I don't even want to ask about that ;)
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
That said, they are both super-incredible watches. I'll gladly take either. Or better yet, both.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
OK Michael, let's say that the Sidérale is not seriously intended to be sold, I guess you need a bit of a money problem to consider buying it. To me the Sidérale is a "triumph of technique", an endeavour to find out what you can do with a very complex problem, that really almost nobody needs to get solved. But the result of that endeavour may be useful for future developments: I at least think that the constant force tourbillon could be seen in other watches too. And let's not forget the image building resulting from this project, I think that is great: after quite a while IWC proves again that it is on the pinnacle of cutting-edge watch technology. Seeing it this way, who would care about its double sided croc strap?
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
All fine mechanical watches are intended as triumphs of technique, and people at the upper-end (no matter how to define that) buy them for their craft. Ever since the advent of quartz, all functions of mechanical watches can be done better and for far less otherwise.
That of course not mean that practicality has no value. But, really, in the scheme of things my Regulateur Tourbillon is a needless affectation --unless one values craft.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
And not to forget, it's a thing of real beauty as well :-)
Skule
Last edited: 28 October, 2011 - 18:41
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
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53