After four days with my new Plastiki Mission Earth I thought I'd post my comments and initial review:
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This watch has drawn more comment from otherwise disinterested folks than any of my more complicated or more expensive watches. The bright blue dial and rubber strap have everything to do with it. In just five days I have had nice comments or questions from doormen, cashiers and waiters. Very gratifying after such a short time.
The watch appears to be a larger version of the 3227. It has the same movement and although the novelties section claims a 64 hr power reserve the watch booklet lists 44 hr. Maybe Michael can confirm which number is correct. The numerals and layout are identical to the 3227 except for color. One improvement is the steel protection on either side of the crown. Another difference is the pointer on the second hand which has a triangular tip in orange and white.
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The watch has a curved profile at the lugs which accommodates a nice fit on the wrist, especially a smaller wrist like mine. The strap can be removed with the usual two tools if you choose to buy a bracelet later on. The tools are not provided but I have some from other watches. The strap has a simple but nice design and grips well.
A 3227 weighs about 216 grams with a bracelet. The Mission Earth is 178 grams with a rubber strap and 245 if you put a bracelet on it. Though this is a very substantial chunk of metal on your arm I believe it feels very comfortable.
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The other particulars are standard.... Classic Ingenieur in a 46 mm case with magnetic field protection to 80,000 A/m, IWC manufactured movement with Pellaton winding mechanism and integrated shockabsorber system, central seconds hand with stopping device, date with rapid advance via the crown. The crown has the IWC Probus Scafusia symbol on the end.
So my conclusion is that IWC has taken the tried and true 3227 to a different level. If you like the smaller version there are still plenty of 3227's out there. If you like the bigger version then the Mission Earth is the way to go. And, if you are like me and love a blue dial then the Plastiki is your best option. Classic Ingenieur updated.
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