Buying a pre owned IWC

Hi I'm looking to purchase a pre owned IWC. Can anyone offer any advice on things to look for, things to avoid etc. Also any reputable dealers in london?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

We are non commercial here so we can not help here, however if you post your email address then help may be forthcoming. Best to say what you are looking for, have you a model in mind?

Thanks for your reply Greg,

I'm looking to buy a portuguese model, something rare or a limited edition maybe. I've never bought a pre owned watch before so I'm trying to get a few tips and advice.
Any suggestions would be welcomed.

While we cannot and should not post any commercial links - we are able and most willing to offer advise on IWC watches, and collecting them.

So, some things and and a little advise to get you going.

1) there are many good pre-owned and vintage IWC out there for sale.
2) as many good ones - there are as many if not more fake and bad ones too....
3) marriages (a one of cased IWC movement in a non original housing/case) is not a good investment, and has very little appeal to collectors
4)take your time and do lots of reading and study. You have come to the right place to learn and use the archives to gain info (even on recent Reference models)
5) When you find something that appeals to you - do take it offline / off-forum with one of us here. Most of the collectors and forumers have been where you are before, and as long as it's an IWC most will be willing to help you with advise.

Hope this helps.

Best regards
Mark