Crown replacement Portofino Moonphase iw5448

I am planning to get the small crown on a Portofino Moonphase replaced with a larger crown, as I believe some of you have done. I finally made contact with IWC about this and received the following comment via email:

"Our master watchmaker at our workshop has tested a bigger crown on IW544801 that we have in repair right now. The problem with this case that is different than the other hand wounds is the cut out in the case for the crown. It is still difficult to say that it can be changed because it might not pass the water pressure test with new crown. Then our workshop cannot accommodate your request to exchange for bigger crown. Your timepiece needs to be sent to our workshop for further analysis. Please let me know if you choose to do so."

Can somebody tell me which crown was used for the replacement and if your watch passed this water pressure test or not?

thanks

Ray

Ray,

I had my Portofino Moonphase crown replaced a couple of years ago by the masters in Schaffhausen. Nad did as well. I had to wait for sometime as they waited for the crown to be manufactured. I don't know if it was a common crown to other references or specifically made as the replacement crown. There was no problem with water pressure testing.

The new crown is perfect. The watch was impossible to wind with the old crown. It is quite easy to wind now.

Here are before and after shots:

OLD:

NEW:

As an owner of the original Portofino and someone who sold the VC Portofino because of the crown issues, the problem has never been the crown; it has always been the movement.

[](smg.photobucket.com/user/RAVE54/media/L1020499.jpg.html)

The crown on the 5251 is even smaller but the watch is a delight to wind. The tension and the sound of the winding is perfect. The Jones movement is a different experience altogether.

I am a bit torn here, as I'm tempted to perform a similar procedure to ease up the winding process, but in the same time, I really do prefer the looks of the original crown.

[](s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/IMAG3433_zps334f3ea8.jpg.html)

This is not a watch that I would wear daily/regularly, and for me, winding it is a slow ritual, and the small crown is still managable. However, I may change my mind and will consider this again during the next service.

Bill, what was the turnaround time to get the new crown replaced?

Cheers,

Although Bill had to wait for his crown to be manufactured, they are now readily available to IWC service centres should a client request one. Ideally you should phone before sending your watch in, asking for ref IWA62042 to be ordered from Switzerland as they are not carried in standard stock. The crown itself will not normally be charged for but the fitting will be charged as a Maintenance Service which will include case cleaning, demagnetisation and water-resistance renewal.
Leo

Thanks for the info, Leo! This is helpful!

Cheers,

Hello Leo,

If I may ask a question regarding crown replacement. Would IWC authorize replacing the Black (Vulcanized ?) crown with a regular stainless on the LE AT Jacque Cousteau Grey dial Chrono ?

Thank You,

Andy

Having been hands on with the original Portofino, it is a delight to wind and I have been repeatedly warned that the Jones movement is not In the same league. It's a great shame that when they did the VC addition that they did not use the original parts whether rejigged for 90 or 180 degrees. Someone previously suggested winding with a gypsy clothes peg.

I was planning on changing my VC Portofino crown as well. However, found that a needle cap will work easily to assist in winding the crown. I've seen other simple solutions on this forum that help wind the crown on this stiff calibre.

I like your solution BIW,it shows some lateral thinking to resolving an issue with a small winding crown. Now I will keep all my syringe needle covers.
Regards.
Kenneth.

Hi Andy,
Unfortunately the possibility to change crowns on the 5448 is very much the exception to the IWC policy of not modifying watches from their original specification at time of sale.
If you would like to explore the subject a little further, post your (slightly disguised from spammers) email & I will be in touch.
Leo

As always Leo, thanks for the prompt reply and IWC guidelines. My question stems from the possibility that I might want to add one to my collection. While I think the Black crown is fine, for me a steel would be my preference. Should I pursue acquiring one, I will touch bases with you.

Best,

Andy