IWC brand strength over Rolex & Omega
Crunchers I'd thought I'd try and get your opinions on IWC as a brand and why people seem to fall on the more obvious brand offerings.
I notice both on WC and via our watch YouTubers, IWC rarely gets much love and when other brands are being judged, IWC is rarely thrown up as a good / better option. I actually asked an IWC brand strength question to a certain Well known female watch youtuber and she quickly skirted around the topic.
Why do IWC barely get any credibility or love? at least appears that way to me.
I find IWC and their designs incredible and see most of the model lines as excellent watches. I also feel they are massively under rated and rarely considered. It appears the majority who are dropping 6 grand and above fall on the obvious Rolex and Omega's. I myself as taken this path despite loving the Portugueser and portofino lines. I fully intend on adding an IWC in the future.
How do you guys see IWC? Worth the money against other brands like Rolex or Omega? watches to large for the average wrist? Value retention and loss of ?
All opinions welcombe from both non owners and people lucky enough to have one 👍
Deeply down the bottomless watch collecting hole. Love for all types of watches. Looking to share my thoughts and watch purchases with like minded people. my watch interests fall on divers, pilot and...
IWC is an incredible brand. For me, Churchill loving IWC was awesome. A no-nonsense kind of guy with a great watch. There are so many great IWC pieces these days. The move to in-house calibers has been helpful. Even the 3rd party movement pieces are great watches. The Titaniumn Mark XVIII is my personal favorite.
PILOT’S WATCH MARK XVIII HERITAGE
Rolex is the best brand at branding handsdown. The Oyster legend based off of a failed attempt to swim the English Channel is great marketing. The Explorer I Everest legend is not exactly true but awesome marketing. Even the name Rolex is just made up to sound cool. Hard to beat a brand that spins everything to gold.
Omega certainly pushes the Moon Walk legend as well. What I love about Omega is that they have pushed technology for decades. The Coaxial Movement is my favorite- along with Grand Seiko Spring Drive. There are so many killer models to love with Omega. Omega gets more attention because it squares up and dukes it out with Rolex head to head. Since Rolex has created scarcity of product the world has come to love vastly superior products made by Omega.
IWC doesn't try to punch it out with Rolex. The brand has its own identity. I think if you look through Watch Crunch threads you will see a lot of love for IWC. I doubt the brand will ever be mentioned as much at the others in, or out, of the watch world. Who cares? IWC is a killer watch maker
I love the Portugieser myself, but when I was looking for an everyday (nicer) watch, I went for a diver. Therefore went for the SMP over the Aquatimer - because toe to toe the Omega is objectively ‘better’ value for money.
The brand isn’t a bad one but it’s serious amount of money, and I think people want more for it these days - unless it’s a Rolex, in which case
It has always irked mea little that the word ’watch’ appears in the name of the brand….I don’t know why :)
IWC is an incredible brand. For me, Churchill loving IWC was awesome. A no-nonsense kind of guy with a great watch. There are so many great IWC pieces these days. The move to in-house calibers has been helpful. Even the 3rd party movement pieces are great watches. The Titaniumn Mark XVIII is my personal favorite.
PILOT’S WATCH MARK XVIII HERITAGE
Rolex is the best brand at branding handsdown. The Oyster legend based off of a failed attempt to swim the English Channel is great marketing. The Explorer I Everest legend is not exactly true but awesome marketing. Even the name Rolex is just made up to sound cool. Hard to beat a brand that spins everything to gold.
Omega certainly pushes the Moon Walk legend as well. What I love about Omega is that they have pushed technology for decades. The Coaxial Movement is my favorite- along with Grand Seiko Spring Drive. There are so many killer models to love with Omega. Omega gets more attention because it squares up and dukes it out with Rolex head to head. Since Rolex has created scarcity of product the world has come to love vastly superior products made by Omega.
IWC doesn't try to punch it out with Rolex. The brand has its own identity. I think if you look through Watch Crunch threads you will see a lot of love for IWC. I doubt the brand will ever be mentioned as much at the others in, or out, of the watch world. Who cares? IWC is a killer watch maker
Thanks, I appreciate your input on this..of course your right regarding the who cares. I think it just niggles me that IWC are not shouted about asuch as the obvious Big R. I believe most of their offers are a cut above Rolex. The Pilot xviii heritage is a lovely piece 👌
I think there are two IWCs; The sub $5k-$6K USD which tend to have off-the-shelf movements where they charge an outrageous premium and then you have their amazing watches with in-house movements that blow you away from a tech perspective, that neither Rolex nor Omega try to compete with.
Because of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personalities, many enthusiasts dismiss the brand without really looking into their higher-end pieces. Do not get me wrong, I'd love the Mk XVIII and will eventually add one to my collection when I am looking and can grab one at $3K. The fact they try to sell it for $5K is downright hilarious.
Skipping past that, look at these two works of art. That perpetual calendar is pure class...at $45K. And at that price, many folks look at your traditional prestige brands.
I love the Portugieser myself, but when I was looking for an everyday (nicer) watch, I went for a diver. Therefore went for the SMP over the Aquatimer - because toe to toe the Omega is objectively ‘better’ value for money.
The brand isn’t a bad one but it’s serious amount of money, and I think people want more for it these days - unless it’s a Rolex, in which case
It has always irked mea little that the word ’watch’ appears in the name of the brand….I don’t know why :)
Can completely see you point here. I had a submariner and moved it on due.not wearing it for fear of theft (london) and I went with the seamaster 300M as mechanicaly better watch than the others. I do love Omega but the shadows of IWC are always there fore. I'm just glad the real watch lovers actually love the brand
I think there are two IWCs; The sub $5k-$6K USD which tend to have off-the-shelf movements where they charge an outrageous premium and then you have their amazing watches with in-house movements that blow you away from a tech perspective, that neither Rolex nor Omega try to compete with.
Because of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personalities, many enthusiasts dismiss the brand without really looking into their higher-end pieces. Do not get me wrong, I'd love the Mk XVIII and will eventually add one to my collection when I am looking and can grab one at $3K. The fact they try to sell it for $5K is downright hilarious.
Skipping past that, look at these two works of art. That perpetual calendar is pure class...at $45K. And at that price, many folks look at your traditional prestige brands.
100 percent mate. The perpetual calender is a truly beautiful piece. I happened to try on the pilot ceramic offering last week. Annoyingly way to big for my pencil wrist
100 percent mate. The perpetual calender is a truly beautiful piece. I happened to try on the pilot ceramic offering last week. Annoyingly way to big for my pencil wrist
That is the other thing, their watches seem to come in massive sizes. Which for my wrist, just do not work. Look at the size of that crown for example. I know it is part of the heritage, but it is just large.
That is the other thing, their watches seem to come in massive sizes. Which for my wrist, just do not work. Look at the size of that crown for example. I know it is part of the heritage, but it is just large.
Agreed. It is bloody annoying for me and many I'd imagine. One i have on my massive watch radar is this portofino handwound. Its pushing the edges of wrist limits but this is one piece I'd overlook for.
I'll start off by saying I've never actually handled an IWC watch, so feel free to dismiss what I'm about to say. But...
I have a problem with this
costing 10x as much as this
and lets not even get into this
Now I'm willing to believe the movement in the IWC is better than in the Hamilton or Bulova, and that the finishing is better too. But 10x better? Well, that's where you start to lose me.
And then there's the issue of paying $5,000 for a field watch. IWC mostly makes tool watches, which I respect. I love tool watches and don't have any problem with them costing some money. But is there really a point in having the very nicest field watch? They're meant for traipsing around in the wilderness or going to war...does it make sense for them to cost $5k? Are they finished that well, and if so, should they be? These are watches meant for work. Maybe they invented the field watch and/or pilot's watch, but I just have trouble with the idea of those types of watches costing so much.
I don't doubt that IWC makes great watches, and maybe if I tried one on I'd change my mind, but I just don't see the value in them.
I'll start off by saying I've never actually handled an IWC watch, so feel free to dismiss what I'm about to say. But...
I have a problem with this
costing 10x as much as this
and lets not even get into this
Now I'm willing to believe the movement in the IWC is better than in the Hamilton or Bulova, and that the finishing is better too. But 10x better? Well, that's where you start to lose me.
And then there's the issue of paying $5,000 for a field watch. IWC mostly makes tool watches, which I respect. I love tool watches and don't have any problem with them costing some money. But is there really a point in having the very nicest field watch? They're meant for traipsing around in the wilderness or going to war...does it make sense for them to cost $5k? Are they finished that well, and if so, should they be? These are watches meant for work. Maybe they invented the field watch and/or pilot's watch, but I just have trouble with the idea of those types of watches costing so much.
I don't doubt that IWC makes great watches, and maybe if I tried one on I'd change my mind, but I just don't see the value in them.
See your logic completely. I feel your echoing @AllTheWatches point regarding lower tier and high tier split within the IWC catalogue. I'm with you regarding the field watch comparison. You right that it's a watch for its name sake, not having an luxury version is or will be better, certainlynot thousands better. My view is nearly always the watch design foremost followed closely after by the tech within. This is why I threw this question up as it interests me how people see the IWC brand. I love German designed watches and one could suggest that IWC has traits of Swiss and German mixed together. Maybe this is why I'm so drawn to them.
I'll start off by saying I've never actually handled an IWC watch, so feel free to dismiss what I'm about to say. But...
I have a problem with this
costing 10x as much as this
and lets not even get into this
Now I'm willing to believe the movement in the IWC is better than in the Hamilton or Bulova, and that the finishing is better too. But 10x better? Well, that's where you start to lose me.
And then there's the issue of paying $5,000 for a field watch. IWC mostly makes tool watches, which I respect. I love tool watches and don't have any problem with them costing some money. But is there really a point in having the very nicest field watch? They're meant for traipsing around in the wilderness or going to war...does it make sense for them to cost $5k? Are they finished that well, and if so, should they be? These are watches meant for work. Maybe they invented the field watch and/or pilot's watch, but I just have trouble with the idea of those types of watches costing so much.
I don't doubt that IWC makes great watches, and maybe if I tried one on I'd change my mind, but I just don't see the value in them.
Nailed what I was trying to say in my post. That Spitfire comes with an ETA 2892 movement, which comes in the $500 Hamilton Intramatic. Does IWC nicely decorate it and have a cool rotor? Yep. Is that decoration, rotor, and tuning equal $4500? Nope. Their watches in that price range are just not worth worth that premium (to me). Yes, likely better materials case, dial etc, but one could grab many well done watches with the same movement for 1/4 or 1/3 the price. Monta Triumph comes to mind.
I think there are two IWCs; The sub $5k-$6K USD which tend to have off-the-shelf movements where they charge an outrageous premium and then you have their amazing watches with in-house movements that blow you away from a tech perspective, that neither Rolex nor Omega try to compete with.
Because of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personalities, many enthusiasts dismiss the brand without really looking into their higher-end pieces. Do not get me wrong, I'd love the Mk XVIII and will eventually add one to my collection when I am looking and can grab one at $3K. The fact they try to sell it for $5K is downright hilarious.
Skipping past that, look at these two works of art. That perpetual calendar is pure class...at $45K. And at that price, many folks look at your traditional prestige brands.
Psssttt. Just gonna leave this here.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334573287598?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=mskd1_kvSAG&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=--xmsxmjtno&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I have watches from Rolex, Omega and IWC. Sad but true, if you buy IWC you don’t think about value retention. You buy them for the love of their watches, their engineering, creative use of materials and its brand stories.
Each brand has its own signature (defining) pieces. Rolex: Daytona, Sub, GMT Master; Omega: Speedmaster Moonwatch and Seamaster; IWC: Pilot and Portugieser.
I love IWCs as they are relatively less common, can easily fly under radar and have more character and soul. here‘s my IWC collection:
No disrespect to the brand, they are brilliant watchmakers. But the name IWC is kind of lame. International Watch Company just doesn’t sound nearly as prestigious as Rolex, Omega, or Patek Philippe. This is a pretty shallow critique, and enthusiasts in the know won’t be put off by it, but the masses who don’t know might go for the more premium sounding names. Would you spend big money on an automobile by a manufacturer called International Car Company? I might not. 🤷
IWC is hopelessly lost in the last century design department. Their target market must be boomers with their thin blued hands and small seconds. Only the boomers can afford them or even recognize the brand name. Someone tell them the boomers are dying off and to modernize their lineups to at least reach the silly gen x crowd or the strange millennials.
Agree with the sentiments here, especially:
"I find IWC and their designs incredible and see most of the model lines as excellent watches. I also feel they are massively under rated and rarely considered. It appears the majority who are dropping 6 grand and above fall on the obvious Rolex and Omega's."
Couple of notes:
-I absolutely love the design (and design language) as well - especially the pilot chrono's. IMO they are some of the best looking chrono's out there.
-I wish they were a tad thinner.
-I am especially looking forward to an updated Ingenieur. This model is one of my fave's and deserves to be regarded much, much higher.
If you are looking for a watch with a real "in-house" movement, the entry-level IWC watches may be not the best choice compared to its competitors. But they do offer different aesthetics, especially the pilot collection.
BTW, I really respect their marketing strategy. Almost every brand invests its marketing resources in its new dive watches in the past two years. They are all following the hype. Did IWC do the same thing? No, they are marketing their pilot's watches all the time. I think there should be more brands who can insist on their own characteristics instead of following the trend. Our watch world needs more diversity! Based on this IWC really did a good job here!
Love my bronze spitfire!
That's an absolute beauty! Fell in love with it in bronze thanks to Tokkante's (a seriously underrated watch youtuber btw) vids on the one that he owns. It's out of my league price wise though.
They make great watches but prices can be high for what you get. I've owned two and they were great. It's best to get a good discount or buy pre-owned as they have terrible resale value.
I agree with you, IWC seems to be underated. maybe because they don't have a massive communication about their brand. I personnaly like their céramique watches.
Agree with the sentiments here, especially:
"I find IWC and their designs incredible and see most of the model lines as excellent watches. I also feel they are massively under rated and rarely considered. It appears the majority who are dropping 6 grand and above fall on the obvious Rolex and Omega's."
Couple of notes:
-I absolutely love the design (and design language) as well - especially the pilot chrono's. IMO they are some of the best looking chrono's out there.
-I wish they were a tad thinner.
-I am especially looking forward to an updated Ingenieur. This model is one of my fave's and deserves to be regarded much, much higher.
'I am especially looking forward to an updated Ingenieur. This model is one of my fave's and deserves to be regarded much, much higher'
Completely agree. I will be keeping a close eye on IWC. The Ingenieur deserves an update the mind wonders with what they could potentially do. it could be a right sonking piece. Lets hope they do 🙏
They make great watches but prices can be high for what you get. I've owned two and they were great. It's best to get a good discount or buy pre-owned as they have terrible resale value.
Yeah based on the market and perceived view of IWC, for me it would be a purchase with the full intention to keep. for now, I admire from a far.
The IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater costs $30,000.00 used. They're too expensive for me.
Love this one
I had a couple back in the day (Ingenieur, Fliegeruhr) and the quality was there. The quick change bracelet links on the Ingenieur are memorable. I would love to own a Da Vinci.
The other two adult males in my immediate family both own an IWC each, both very different.
I mean, they must be doing something right, right? I'd love to own a Portugiser someday. It's still "the" chronograph in my mind.
I would love to own an IWC watch one day.
It's fantastic to see this. not just owners bu actual generations of family owning IWC. I think it's great. 👍
I love IWC. Wearing one today.
Most of the designs don't really do it for me, either from an aesthetic or wearability standpoint. That said, I should have bought a 3239 when they were $3k.
I love IWC’s Portofino and the Pilot’s watch line from the Mark Series to the the Big Pilot. For me IWC is a brand that Is more of a watch enthusiast brand compared to a brand like Rolex. Rolex has gained so much brand equity that if you ask an ordinary person about “the best watch” they will automatically say Rolex. Not that there is anything wrong with that, good for Rolex as a brand and marketing giant. But, for me I think it’s gotten to a point where the true enthusiasts who truly love and appreciate and wear the watches. Now many people, not all, but many re just looking to make a profit on a Rolex
I see Grand Seiko under the same light as IWC. For me GS presents a true watch enthusiast’s watch. You have to be a true enthusiast to understand and appreciate the level of finishing and technical prowess GS brings to the table especially when it comes to the Spring Drive movement, the 9F quartz movement & Zaratsu polishing.