1st IWC: Story & Photos

UPDATE: Getting that Aquatimer XS strap turned out takes excessively long time. Fortunately my AD arranged for me to have the watch with a regular strap in the meantime. Picked it up today (added photos below). Excellent summer watch! I'm all smiles tonight. :-)

While on a business trip in 2005 a colleague of mine introduced me to the Rolex Explorer II. He was looking to purchase one and accompanying him to local shops in our free time got me interested as well. I was in my mid 20-ies and always thought a "real" man should have a high quality mechanical watch. The Explorer II was very good looking and the dual time function was really useful to me. However, at the time I had other financial priorities so I never got serious about it. Instead I admired it from a distance for years.

A few months ago I had some problems with my quartz watch and decided it was time to get that Explorer II. But when trying it on my wrist at an AD it didn't feel perfect. It was borderline too big and just didn't generate the same feeling on my wrist as it did in the display windows and catalogs. Noticing my hesitation, the salesman brought an Ingenieur Automatic, a Mark XVII and a Zenith pilot for me to try. The Zenith was a chronograph and didn't appeal to me. My first impression of the IWCs was elegant but simple. Too simple as I wanted a dual time watch. But trying them on they were both perfect on my wrist and there was just something about them that I couldn't let them go. Confused and unable to decide I left the AD.

What followed over the next few weeks was a process of internet searches and shop visits to learn about and try different brands and models. I concluded that IWC's style of precision, elegance, durability, functionality, and technology that runs across the range appeals the most to me. And after trying on 10 or so models, the first 2 I tried remained the ones I liked the most (the 323904 and 326504). But I was still unable to choose one of them. So I told my local AD I want both and placed the order. Before leaving the shop I couldn't resist trying on the new Aquatimer Automatic. It felt perfect and I found myself wanting all 3 watches. But no, 2 would have to be enough for now and I had made my choice.

While waiting for my watches to be delivered, the idea of the Aquatimer grew on me each day. It was the better complement instead of the Mark XVII as my quartz is also a pilot style watch. It also had a wrist presence different from the others. After a week I called the AD and asked if it would be possible to make a switch. They said they would check.

Today they called me and said they had just received my 2 watches as well as a 329001 and I would have the possibility to try all in the shop and choose. After some trying and an agreement with the AD to arrange for the Aquatimer with the XS strap, I decided to have that one instead of the Mark XVII. Only drawback is I have to wait for it another few weeks while they are getting the strap. In the meantime, I'm more than happy to familiarize myself with my 3239.

Best regards,
Thomas

Now all(?) I need is a classic dress watch...

It was fun reading your story, and you have chosen a great way to jump in - with TWO feet (pun intended)!

I sure hope you'll post a picture when your new watches arrive.

Thanks, Dick! :-)
I'm trying to figure out how to get the photos of the Ingy in. I read the instruction and think I'll have them up in a moment.

Ahh, perfect job! I love the watch! Wear it in good health!

Congrats!!!!
Look gooooood, wear it in good health

Best wishes,
KK

Great choice with the Ingeneur. Maybe I shouldn't be doing this to you but there now is an Ingy dual time, based on the model you chose.

Nice story, enjoy your selection and congratulations to such start.

Thomas,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I too waited and researched before closing in on one, not two. But the one is feeling quite lonely now. Am contemplating my fav: 500107.
Lets see. Family is strict that IWC = Swiss trip.
So have to wait for a bit now. Till the holiday season....
Welcome to the community, and enjoy your watch.
MK (Kuki).

All,
Many thanks for the compliments and wishes!

Mike,
No worries, I considered the Ingenieur Dual Time but I prefer a dial with fewer colors. Although I didn't have a chance to try it on, I also suspect it's too big for me at 43 mm. I have not yet tried a watch above 42 that wasn't too big for me.

MK,
If you haven't already, I would recommend checking out Nad's photos of his 500107 here. The 5001 is actually a favorite of mine as well, especially the 500109.

Congrats! Fits perfect. The white dial makes it very special. I love the bracelets of the Inges.
Wear yours in good health!
Best,
-Christian

Wonderful watch, great choice! Looks very smart on your wrist, congratulations on that one!

Christian, Tilo, many thanks for your kind words!

I've had the watch for 2 days now and all it has done is confirm my choice. Love how the dial details and case/bracelet polished surfaces mixed in with the brushed ones make the watch "alive". It's been running at +7 per day which is within spec but a little bit faster than I had hoped. Maybe it will slow down a little as it settles in.

Best regards,
Thomas

Good post, thank you. Congratulations on your first IWC. The Ingenieur line goes back to the 1950s and you have a true descendant of the iconic 666. A great looking watch.

I own the IWC 3239-04 and the Explorer II. Trust me, you made the right choice. I wear the 3239 almost everyday, and the Exp2 hasn't left the watch winder for three weeks.

IWC now has a "dual time" model, Model 3244, but for me, the dial's too big and the case is too thick. It lacks those perfect dimensions that make the 3239 a standout model.

You will find your second IWC is a very tough choice. I did end up getting a Mark XVII as a second watch, because I'm not a huge fan of IWC dive watches. But I kind of wish I had just gotten a second 3239 but with the black dial. Then I'd be set!

Congrats mate. Really nice choices you made. I tried on that Inge a while ago when it was released. It was a bit small for me but I was really impressed with it. Look forward to pics of your Aquatimer when it arrives.

Cheers,

Jarrod

Thanks, Jarrod! Yeah, I've seen your wrist shots. I think the Inge AMG version (3225) would be very good on you. I updated the original post above with pics of the Aquatimer today.

Thomas

Congrats Thomas! What a great start.

I love the simplicity and clarity in the dials of your two choices - purposeful and unpretentious. They look great on your wrist too.

I spent a lot of time with that Aquatimer this week and it knocked me sideways... I was really taken by it, which surprised me. It's well proportioned, the lugs hug the wrist and that rubber strap is very comfortable. Plus, that dial - so clear, strong and nothing out of place.

Top choices - wear them in good health mate.

Brilliant. Love it. You must be pleased? So, which one's next???

Cheers,

Jarrod

Anthony, thanks and I can only agree with your points about the Aquatimer. My favorite feature is the depth of the dial and chunky applied markers. The entire watch has a marine feeling to it, which of course is so right on a diver.

Jarrod, yes very pleased. :-) I'm not sure what's next but I think it will need to complement the ones I have. Many of the IWCs I like, such as the Saint Exupery Chronograph or the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar, are unfortunately too big for me. Maybe it will be a Portuguese Automatic (5001) or maybe one that hasn't been launched yet. If I go for a classic dress watch, I don't think it will be an IWC though. But for now, I'm very happy with the ones I got. Both of them have fully confirmed my choice. What about you - which one are you planning for next?

Thomas

Let me see............

I am picking up the CF3 at the end of this year so that is my next pick up.

I have also asked my AD to source another member of the vintage collection, which they have managed. I won't say which one but will definitely post pics when it arrives! I have them on the look out for the other 3 I don't have so will pick those up sometime next year I hope. The aim is to complete the vintage collection in SS. 2 down, one on the way, three to go.

After that I have my eye on the BP Perpetual. I love it.

I have been spending hours on chrono24. The plan after the perpetual is to find a NOS Da Vinci Laureus. That would go well with my Laureus Yacht Club. Then I could concentrate on trying to find the rest of the models in the Laureus collection.

I would also like to add another BP and I have a specific second hand one in mind. Taking the time to find one will be a lot of fun.

Also love the KKDV in stainless so that is definitely going to have to be fitted in somewhere.

Likewise the new AT in bronze, I'm a fan of that and would love to add one to the collection.

Once I have completed picking up that little haul I would like to turn my attention to the following...

The DFB.
Big Ingenieur Zinedine Zidane (big fan of this one)
Ingenieur Plastiki 3236-08
Ingenieur 3227

And the list goes on!!

So, as you can see, I have some long term plans there. :-)

Cheers,

Jarrod

Oh and the Worldtimer and the Porto 8 day hand wound as well. And the Portuguese 5001. And.....

Jarrod, you have your work cut out for yourself. :-) I wish you the best of luck hunting!

Thomas

Great post, great watches, love them both!!!

Congrats again, regards,

Bob

Thanks, Bob!

You know, sometimes when I'm on this forum I go back and take a look at the photos of your 3536. One of the best divers I've seen. I hope you are still enjoying it!

Thomas