CF3 Knockoff? Watches of Switzerland limited edition

What does everyone think of the CF3-like limited edition announced today? IMHO it looks like a cheap knock-off of the CF3 Collector's forum watch - only without the in-house movement and with the addition of the extra Valjoux sub-register (plus the infamous Valjoux wobble). My personal view is that knocking off a limited edition Collector's Forum watch is a cynical move and no way to treat IWC collectors.

www.watchswiss.com/iwc-for-watches-of-switzerland-landing-page

P.S. I know that this forum is meant to be generally positive in tone (as it generally should be) but it also serves as the only direct line of communication between collectors and IWC. In that sense, communicating displeasure is nevertheless valuable feedback for IWC and it helps the company keep its finger on the pulse of the collector market.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

well, if these are not faked news...just in one word...unbelievable...
for sure the regular defenders of 7750 will remind us that it's an excellent modified ETA calibre (which is indeed the case, but it's still quite a cheap chronograph movement) and not the original 7750..
nevertheless and if it's true, I see it as a poor decision and an even poorer release...
what's the next step??...a 5007 with a modified 2892 so to have a 7 days PR..??

What's not to like about it except the price?

It does seem to violate the spirit of the bargain made with those of us who bought the "limited edition" CF3. Though the third sub-register might get them off on a technicality, I'd argue that keeping the faith with collectors requires adherence to a higher standard than this.

The dial and movement is from the current Pilot's chronograph and the color of the dial seems to be alike the CF3. Nothing's wrong with that.
The numbers here are just stamped and not applied.
Those who bought the CF3 have a beautiful watch. This watch is another one with some features similar.
The price is Australian dollars?

Yep, Aussie dollars.

The appropriation of the CF3 design language I don't mind - but I personally prefer classic black and white (with a splash of red) for this model.

One thing that bugs me is the white seconds hand at 9. The opportunity to have congruence with the stopwatch function is lost, since the main hand is white and the totalisers are yellow. It should have been the other way around.

The special Wempe and Ali editions used the same font before, while the CF3 was based on the Spitfire 3878 edition less the triple date. It is all connected......, and IWC. Hope the Aussies like it, they deserve a few special editions !

There is but one before thee - and that is the CF-Three !

I too see nothing seriously wrong with it. Yes, CF3 owners may feel that their "uniqueness" has worn off. (PS: I too own a CF3 and am proud of it). However, I think there are enough subtle differences that make the CF3 unique from this watch still.

Now, this watch is restricted to the Australian market, and only what... 50 is made available? come on, let the aussies enjoy themselves and get a watch that they want.

A CF3 is a CF3, I personally don't feel being "robbed" by someone wearing this 3777. Hey, in fact, if I have the money to spare, and this made available to me, I wouldn't mind picking it up either. I think it looks pretty neat.

Isn't the point of a limited edition that the "uniqueness" won't "wear off"? I don't think it reflects a lack of generosity to suggest that those who bought the CF3 deserve the exclusivity that they paid for. That said, as knockoffs go, this looks like a pretty good one :)

That allows a lot of thinking space.
Which one exactly is that?
I think, almost every buyer has its own interpretation of that....

Hi, I'm with Tilo in terms of his arguments, and uniqueness is really really hard to keep up (applies to the CF3 as well): this Watches of S. is based on a regular chrono / Pilot with regular black dial / regular case / the 'patina' luminous material is very attractive, but IWC and many other brands use it nowadays since the 'retro' look seems to be in fashion.

The CF3 is more unique to me and has a very different emotion: do you feel part of group or part of a dealer's party? Therefore they should have limited the CF3 to the amount of collectors' orders and not sell the production remainder through boutiques. But that's pretty much my only issue with the CF3.

Best,

Bob

I understand that most CF3 Owner will not be "amused", as the "uniqueness" is a little bit "softened"..

It reminds me a little bit on the "limited last pilot double chrono" back in 2011 (3786) - for those who remember..

But overall - if you liked the watch before - it is as pretty as before :)

Cheers
Thomas

I think the 3786 was in 2006 launched together with the Pilot's chrono 3717. And I remember very well the same discussion after there was another double chrono after a while.
Anyway, anyhow ...
I have 2 limited editions of a series of 1000 but honestly I don't care about that limitation. I buy my watches for what they are as a watch and not as a limitation. If I like the watch and can however afford the price at that moment, I'll try to get one. And if they make only 1, 1000 or 1.000.000 pieces is really not my concern. If in the end I have the watch I want, I'm happy.
But I know that this seems to be very naive or even stupid for some other collectors, but that's my approach which works pretty well for me... :-)

Tilo you're absolutely right - it was 2006 - my mistake.
But the discussion here was nearly identical..

regards,
Thomas