CF3 let's speculate

So given (for the time being) that the watch will be in the Pilot's Family and will bear an in-house caliber, which one would you like it to be?
Could it be a BP?
A Pilot's Chrono?
What dial?
Same price level?
Personalization?
How many pieces?

Well, I'll try to help here.

In general, special editions are intended to be priced about 10 % higher due to additional costs.

I have told IWC that I hope we can sell 250: am I being too optimistic? We did 100 in 2005 in a few weeks, but I think this will take longer.

On model and features, the problem with speculation is that people can get disappointed or there can be group demand that can't be met. We're too far along in the process for there to be material changes.

I'm no expert on pricing, but I can at least express my opinion on the question you asked.

I think the quantity sold will be very dependent on price. I think if the CFIII were some sort of modification of the Mark XVI/XVII or basic pilot chrono, 250 would certainly be possible in a relatively short time. But if I am not mistaken, all current pilot's watches with in-house movements have US price points in 5 figures. I think this will cut down the number of participants. Oh, I think almost all of the regular posters here will hope to be in - I know I will. But there were a lot of very occassional posters who expressed interest as the possibility of a CFIII was being discussed. I suspect a number of these people will opt out if the price is in 5 figures.

As you said, CFI sold out quickly. It was a modestly priced watch. CFII was a much more expensive piece (and based on what was not IWC's most popular model) and did not fare quite as well.

I'm really looking forward to the CFIII - can't wait to hear more details as soon as they are available.

i do fear for the dilemma i might face when the cf3 comes out but it might be a tad small for my liking (have been a fan of big watches ever since i was a kid).

there's no question that the great friendships and camaraderie of this special forum will make the watch very special for what it represents.

but i'm not completely sure i'm quite at the stage where i can purchase a luxury watch... but never wear it and enjoy it (i.e. on the non-special meaning level).

oh well we'll see. exciting buildup nevertheless!

(oh but maybe there won't be a dilemma if there's a 2 sizes option? i.e. the 'FATHER and son' option!?!?)

=P

regards,
thang

I like more the BP and I like the idea about the Father and Son Version.

So everybody can decide by himself and buy maybe both of them

I'll be buying my 2nd IWC soon. I was deciding between a Pilot and the Aquatimer 2000, but now my decision is easy. This year is the Aquatimer and next year the Pilot CF3.

My personal hope is that it's the Mark XVII with some minor adjustments, namely a Santoni strap. Either way,I look forward to the reveal, albeit quite awhile from now.

Todd

As this thread is all about speculation, I thought I would throw this out there - we are basing our assumptions of an in house movement based watch being part of the current pilots line up. Even though this year and next year are not the year of the Pilot, as we have seen with the Portuguese Chrono this year, IWC may bring out a new Pilots watch for 2013 / 2014 that will have an in-house movement, say a MK XVIII or Pilot Chrono with the same movement as the new Portuguese . . . . :) Time will tell.

Hi Bendy,

Your comments are on the same wave length as my thoughts which prompted me to ask the question on Michael's post about " Finally Some News". Regarding my question , would IWC consider installing a in-house into a LE model that currently doesn't utilize one ? A good example could be a CF3 Mark XVII. Like you pointed out, the possibility of a in-house Mark or Pilot Chrono could be introduced this year like the Port Chrono. This would then help meet the "wants" of a in-house as well as finding a acceptable price point.

Speculation can be fun,

Andy

I'm in for sure and like Dick, I'm ready to sign up sight unseen. Having said that...I do hope the price point is a little more affordable this time.

I am erring on the side of price is paramount, hopefully a Mark, but I cannot see an in-house model popping up.

So Michael has already indicated the final product will have a in-house. Pricing is something that has concerned all which keeps bringing me back to the realization that if pricing is paramount and a in-house is finalized in the design, would IWC drop one in on a XVII or 3777 to create a LE CF3 ? Any other Pilot model would be pushing the financial outlay into 5 figures easily (not to mention the 10% production premium). The next borderline model before moving into the 5 figure bracket is the World Timer which currently does not have a in-house, but how that might appeal to the masses, I'm not sure.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Speculation of course....

Andy

Here's another possility,although not likely to eventuate.Could those of us who own current pilot watches bearing the non-inhouse calibre,have a new IWC movement fitted to our existing pilot watches,providing all the dimensions of the in-house movement were to fit the case.One can but speculate.
Regards.
Kenneth.

I wonder if, having the watch for sale throughout the boutiques (I don't know, I'm just imaging it), it will be available also to anyone entering the shops. That would make the difference because 250 pieces are quite a lot and I don't know if a 5 figures price would be accessible to such a wide (if limited to the forum members) audience.
Edit
in house calbres could be adopted on a steel case:

-98XXX
-80XXX
-89XXX
-59XXX
Actually (my price list dates October 2012) there's one 89XXX for sale for the price of € 9.900 and that's the chrono spitfire steel.

So, my guess is. If the watch (I mean the model) already exists, it could be a spitfire, if the watch does not yet exist, we have plenty of choices, with probably more affordable price ranges.

In this case my guess is:

-A replica of ref. 431 in a human sized case, with cal 98XXX inside or

-A Mark with cal 80XXX inside.

For me the more the merrier.
If many collectors obtain CF3 I ll be happy.
250 pieces is not out of this world.
If the model is an appealing one and modestly priced then it ll be a hit.
IWC can give priority to Forum Members and distribute the rest to Boutiques, if there ll be any left that is.
So 250 could be a low estimate depending on pricing, size and aesthetics.

Have previous CF versions been sold on to general public as part of the initial launch strategy? I don't know the number of ongoing forum members but I gather the majority will be in the affirmative on adding the CF3. Either way, it is an exciting endeavor to be a part of and I look forward to the ongoing speculation although a modified Spitifre is my guess.

No, previous CF watches have been available only to Forum Members.
But a lot of things have changed since.
I don't believe that anyone would mind that this watch would be available to mere mortals outside the Forum too.
Anyway I guess a Mark variable with a dial with a 9 and a 80XXX inside with the soft iron cage and personalization details on the case back, individual numbering too.

I really don't want to add to the speculation at this stage, but I will state that we shouldn't underestimate the number of forum members. It hugely more than in the thousands.

Three possibilities for me. There are three Pilot's watches with an in-house movement: the Big Pilot, the high-end Chrono and the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar. So, it will be one of those, with a special dial, and maybe special coloured hands. The perpetual will be too expensive, so I expect one of the other two.

Kind regards,
Paul