cal 79320 - how long before first servicing?

EDIT: Sorry, I meant the new 79350 movment

Hello everyone,

Regarding the IW3714...from your new purchase how long have you gone before needing your first servicing? Have any of you had your watch for >5 years without overhauling the movement? Have you worn your watch almost continuously?

I'm trying to determine how long the movement lasts while wearing a watch as a daily beater.

I wonder because the warranty is 2 years and, provided nothing else goes wrong, most movements work fine beyond the first two years.

The following statements and advice appear on this IWC website:

In everyday use, a wristwatch is subjected to many different strains and stresses, such as vibrations, impacts, dust, water, UV radiation, perspiration or fluctuations in temperature. We should not omit to mention the mechanical strain placed on a movement designed to keep the time with absolute precision for 24 hours every single day, and for periods of many years. In order to combat the wear-and-tear on certain moving parts as well as the natural ageing of oils and lubricants, we recommend owners to have an interim service carried out approximately every two years and a full service approximately every five.

Regards,
Jack Freedman

Thanks for the response. But I was just curious for those circumstances where the normal routine isn't followed (not my intent!)

I have heard of those who haven't service any of their watches for about 10 years.

My father has two Rolexes (not sure what kind since I'm not a Rolex fan) that haven't been serviced in about 20 years! Granted he wears them sparingly but they still running smooth.

I will give you my biased answer since "service" is my occupation.

Having seen so many watches that were neglected either deliberately or by passage of time I can tell you I've seen them come in for service in pitiful conditions where the invisible damage has crept within many parts of the movement and case components.

IWC timepieces are designed and built robustly but still depend on several large and small o-ring gaskets for water resistance. These need to be checked and replaced once every two years as they are in constant compression and stress and otherwise condensation and moisture inevitably seep in without anyone knowing it. The oiling of a movement is also critical especially in automatic and chronographs where there are multiple layers of components that are interdependent. One dry-of-oil wheel can begin to grind away creating microscopic dust that often wears down surrounding other movement parts.

In the end, while some people are lucky with putting off service, remember the old saying: Don't be a penny wise and a pound foolish!

Regards,
Jack Freedman

Well said Jack. Solid, good advice!

Good to see you finding the time to post.

Thanks for your advice, Jack!

However, if the watch was worn sparingly and the movement stops on it's own or is hacked, then it's ok to service it in longer intervals?

Also, how long does it take for the watch to be serviced? I hear of stories where owners were without their watches for several months due to the many processes involved. Is this the norm?

Jack's kind advice above says it all, best follow it to keep your 79350 in it's worthy condition.