The Watch Thread - Part 8

[delrosa81]

Wow read quite a few anti-IWC sentiments, I had the same thoughts as you guys a few years back but I changed my mind earlier this year and fell in love with IWC watches. But anyways I respect everyone's preferences.

I'm also into Maurice Lacroix watches, there is this masterpiece gravity sincere edition with the dark blue dial. Placed a deposit to hold the watch while I ponder over it. Anyone has it and care to share your comments on the watch?

 

[a562140]

Speedy reduced is a gateway drug for the pro..

i like the internet and the used watch industry - it shows the real value/demand of the watch and its place relative to others.

i.e. so long as the watch has a value, it has his its place and role and purpose in the watch collecting hobby

 

[a562140]

Seiko is not my cup of tea... Paiseh

not to be paiseh. Patek is not my cup of tea. To each its own

 

[StVeritas]

Any reliable shop in the west able to do polishing of watch bracelet?

Anyone can help?

 

[kingcarlos]

for nomos can consider buying on chrono24 as recommended by some members on WUS. seems like countries outside EU all marked up a lot.

 

[Ye_Rongtian]

guys i just came back from bras basah complex... first time buying watch here.. got a seiko 5 sports diver for 235... price tag shows 299 but the owner discounted until 235... i thought it was a good deal, so bought it immediately...

when i got home and check the prices online... it's only 180-190... felt abit cheated... should have nego more right...

$299 should be the RRP, after standard 30% discount should be $209. If you are regular customer will give 35% or 40%, but no receipt.

Never mind, small price to pay for 1st time Seiko buyer. Don't let it put you off. There're many poisons waiting for you to discover.

 

[a562140]

Well they were mostly contract/instrument makers. Alot like Panerai.

Thing is,you cant really compare the IWC of now and the IWC of then, both in purpose and direction.

IWC had heritage handed to them. Aside from the Portuguese (also a contract), they were the few select original makers of British and German military Aviator watches. Significant enough that they still proclaim their aviator heritage as a major marketing point.

However, it's how one builds on and appreciates their heritage that really sets the big league lads apart from the boy toys. IWC really tossed that one out of the window with how they decided to greedily leverage off both heritage by mashing both aesthetics into a franken-watch.

The Aviator Watch company with a "modern" Pilot that has little to nothing in common to whatever design elements that made the originals so famous.



Tbh same same, another House awarded an iconic contract, who got bought over and trying to break into the Haute world. Technical wise also same same.

But I'll give it to Panerai for sticking to the basic design aesthetics that made them so distinctive. And their basic line is not too bad and pretty in line with their heritage. Its really mostly their attempts at Higher-end offerings that get people's knickers in a knot.

P.S My Humble Opinion. YMMV

IWC chose a path that ensured their survival and profitability. See the thing is within these companies they are run with a P&L. Profits come first to ensure their survival.

The many luxury "brands" that you see today can't survive on their own, but under mega brands like Richemont or LVMH that lobbies Swiss legislation for protectionist measures like trademarks etc. Swiss made is only 50% made in Switzerland from last year, prior to that it was 40% LOL.

Panerai's heritage for Italian navy divers is at best romanticized marketing by Richemont. Before Richemont, everyone treated them as a small brand has-been. You could pick up many Panerai's for close to nothing then. After Richemont and Sylvester Stallone it became one of the hottest watch brands in the world.

A bunch of regulars in the previous threads debated this alot and I think there was consensus that in the end most of us are "brand whores" and we believe what we want to believe. Its our money afterall, we spend it how we like

 

[a562140]

In a friend's classic car...

Spoiler

looks like a late 60's beetle

 

[Ye_Rongtian]

Going home....

 

[likehotbutter]

IWC chose a path that ensured maximum profitability.

Edited for you. That's really all that is to the matter.

But like they say, Money can't buy one taste

 

[KuroSucky]

$299 should be the RRP, after standard 30% discount should be $209. If you are regular customer will give 35% or 40%, but no receipt.

Never mind, small price to pay for 1st time Seiko buyer. Don't let it put you off. There're many poisons waiting for you to discover.

wah thanks... should have asked before going hehe ok la not too much lost... love my new watch

 

[fade_white]

not to be paiseh. Patek is not my cup of tea. To each its own

I used to say omega is not my cup of tea... But then I realised I like coffee.

 

[Henabi]

No.
Considering that you can get a Tudor Pelagos with an in-house movement with a 70hrs power reserve, silicon hair-spring, certified chronometer, variable inertia oscillator.

Though it's not a chronograph. I still think it's more worth getting it over the IWC chronograph with ET7750. IWC is just over-priced and over-sized (who wears a 46mm dress watch?) for most of their watches

There are many here.... *lol + tears* including those who wear large clock panerai on their wrists as dress watch

And That's why there are so many brands.

Each appeals to different person

 

[Henabi]

wah thanks... should have asked before going hehe ok la not too much lost... love my new watch

Wrist shots thank you!

 

[jonleelk]

I would prefer the case to be made entirely out of Diashield instead of just Diashield plated but that will undoubtedly drive the price up.

The 17 does have a few notable improvements, besides the Diashield plating and better lume, the movement parts have undergone the MEMS treatment similar to GS.

All in all, it will be interesting to see where the street price of the 017 ends up at.

JDM model will sell locally? Bigtime is selling JDM 17 for $2800. If import directly from Seiyajapan $2700. Get someone go Japan and buy $2600.

 

[jonleelk]

USD130 online and amazon... convert dao lai is 180-190...
yeah looks really good, just felt abit lousy after knowing the price online...

For seiko watches, always check online these 3 places first

http://www.creationwatches.com
http://www.skywatches.com.sg
http://www.lazada.sg

Eg for seiko skx007, the price from above will be SGD 245, 215 and 225. Comparing to Amazon US$180= S$255.

For SNZH55, prices are SGD 216, 160 and 170. Amazon.com USD 155 = SGD 220.

Then go visit Bencoolen or K2.

 

[DaBenDan]

No.
Considering that you can get a Tudor Pelagos with an in-house movement with a 70hrs power reserve, silicon hair-spring, certified chronometer, variable inertia oscillator.

Though it's not a chronograph. I still think it's more worth getting it over the IWC chronograph with ET7750. IWC is just over-priced and over-sized (who wears a 46mm dress watch?) for most of their watches

Paying 10k+ for a mass-produced watch makes sense?

 

[bberry]

theres this guy that sells sea gull watches in a headphone shop in adelphi. try him, he may be able to pinpoint the source since there are not many around from China, especially budget tourbillions.

be warned he is not known for service.

the seagull watch shop is inside Jaben, 1st floor in adelphi. formerly was at people's park.

u are right, his service not so good..i once send my seagull back for some repair, yet i have to keep chasing him for the return date, etc. At leas i got my watch back, properly repaired.

 

[chickenbackside]

looks like a late 60's beetle

It's a Mini.

The first car I ever owned was a Mark 1 Mini. I was thrilled to be sitting in it. Brought back so many memories...

 

[Ye_Rongtian]

JDM model will sell locally? Bigtime is selling JDM 17 for $2800. If import directly from Seiyajapan $2700. Get someone go Japan and buy $2600.

Got... Big Time is one, Thong Sia is another. If you buy online, don't forget to factor in 7% GST & handling charges.

I don't recommend buying from Thong Sia. Their price after discount is Can buy plane ticket fly to Japan buy, come back and still cheaper than buying from Thong Sia.

If you want to buy SBDX017, why not consider SBDX001 instead? 2nd hand should be around $2k for a mint condition one. Diashield look good, but once polished, the coating come off. MEMS is already used in the last batch of SBDX001.