difference between here and German Forum

Its is quite funny to see that here everyone is extremely positive and on the German forum more or less the opposite...

difference between here and German Forum

Are they all complaining about the look of the bezel? Or what?

We are optimists here! lol nt

difference between here and German Forum

too big... prefer the simple look of the "old" one... and the gold one is stated as a James Bond watch...

Every time new models have been introduced...

Some people like them, and some people don't. There usually is a rush to judgment --pro and con-- which changes over time as people actually see the watches, try them on, and think about them.

I used to think that a gold flight watch was an oxymoron (you can find my criticisms in the archives), Now I love my gold St. Exupery chrono.

I don't think the forum's statistical samplings are representative enough for any realistic generalizations, again pro or con. A few outspoken individuals, or a few discussions which get offtrack, can make large differences. I'm not self-righteous enough to say that "we" here are more right, more polite, less judgmental, less candid or anything else. Nor will I "shrink" any cultural differences.

Personally, every time new watches are introduced there are some models I like and other models I probably wouldn't buy. I don't feel threatened nor disappointed by the latter.

On the whole, I really like IWC. And I still like my Cousteau Aquatimer, too,

Regards,
Michae;l

one critical meaning from the German forum ...

the "mood" here is more enthsiastic and in the other forum more critical.
My personal thoughts are: I don't like the new look very much. I don't like the outer bezel and prefer an inner bezel.
I think the outer bezel is cheaper to produce. If you think of the inner bezel with a separate crown which locks automatically at a depth of 2m and compare it with an outer bezel . . . .
Well I am happy I have the old, first COUSEAU DIVER. I wouldn't change it!
Another thought:
a divers watch in red gold !!! Are we James Bond or what?? ("from the sea ground into the smoking" => who needs that really!!!!!). Why not diamonds???
So, where are getting near to a "Rolex-taste", very near!

I must admid, I am writing that without having seen the watches in my hands. That might change my opinion a littlebit, but only a little bit.
And: a professional divers watch in red gold is nonsens; it's a gimmick!

[i] just one critical meaning from the German forum :=) [i]

Doesa the inner bezel crown stop working at 2 m?

If the crown stops operating the inner bezel at a depth of 2 meters I'm impressed.

Can anyone confirm this?

Thank you for your personal opinions

Dear Hans,

If I recall without checking the archives, each year new models have debuted you've been outspoken and critical. I have some criticisms too, but less of a need to post about them. For example, I think the numerals on the bezel are little too strong --even though the design goal was improved and great legibility. There always are some negatives and some positives.

I like the "old" inner bezel too. But I'm not a diver and have told it doesn't work as well. Have you tried both systems underwater?

I also like the inner bezel historically. But the new models, especially the white dial 2000, do look like the GST AT, possibly writ large. Or at least a class up with the sapphire bezel. They are worth seeing in person.

I was surprised in person how much I liked the design of the gold Aquatimer. Sure, it's a fantasy watch. But so is my Big Pilot's Watch and my gold St Ex chrono.

You accuse it of being like Rolex, but Patek, Audemars, Brequet, Blancpain and virtually every other high-end maker have a gold "diving" watch. Is everyone else in the industry wrong? Can those consumers who like it buy it? Should IWC forego the market and leave it to all others? Is this one model threatening? Or is it just trying to be clever to call it James Bondish? Or by ridiculing by mentioning the hypothetical of diamonds? There's nothing like attacking a straw man.

In all events, thank you for expressing your personal opinions.It makes the forum discussions interesting.

Michael

People here are more tolerant

If you are enthusiastic on the German forum you are blamed for that. Sorry to be that honest here.

I was blamed to overpraise IWC on the German forum just to be invited to the annual Collectors' Meetings.

Many people on the German forum first of all the opinion leaders there like to criticize everything that's new because it's not as good and as original as the originals.

The English forum is blamed on the German forum to consist mainly out of yeasayers - like me.

My opinion is that people here are more enthusiastic - I think they have all the right reasons for that - and what's more: people in this forum are much more tolerant. That's why I am only posting in this forum now. I like the mood and atmosphere here much more. If I wouldn't be enthusiastic about IWC I wouldn't post here at all - but I am enthusiastic: about IWC and about the great people here that have the same attitude.

Tilo

AT bezel...

Dear Michael,

you wrote: "But I'm not a diver and have told it doesn't work as well. Have you tried both systems underwater?"

I can assure you, the bezel works and no any diver is adjusting the bezel during the dive under water. The bezel is to adjust before you enter the water.

Leon

Yes (n.t.)

I try to develop a culture...

I think that people will participate more if they feel safe. They won't post if they feel that there are sharpshooters waiting to attack them. That deters audience, which is not good for anyone.

We do have reasonable discussions and disagreements of opinion on many topics. The real issue is how to express oneself. As moderator I don't allow "ad hominem" disagreements (that is, personal attacks) and I step in if a person is not gentlemanly. Snideness, scarcasm, etc. really say more about the person who feels a need to express himself that way --but also it deters reasonable expressions of opinion.

I do this not just to keep discussions on a high plane but because it helps build audience. A larger community benefits each of us and it benefits IWC.

There is a large diversity here --of all levels of collecting experience, of those interested in pocket watches, to vintage collectors to contemporary enthusiasts. No one should feel that their interest is "right" to the exclusion of others.

I recall well how some people who posture themselves today as experts first learned about the watches they found. And no one criticized them as they learned. A comunity must have mutual respect to grow. And that doesn't mean "yeasayers".

Regards,
Michael

indeed, you are a diver...

...and I did make a mistake while rushing to do a huge numebr of posts today about when the bezel is moved. Sorry.

But also that one sentence wasn't my point in replying to a post that had many issues. I don't know if the bezel is easier to move when out of the water and with gloves on. Or whether the bezel is less prone to be moved when in the water. But frankly if they're both the same or some prefer A and others B, it doesn't matter to me. I would evaluate a watch on a bundle of characteristics.

Regards,
Michael

I try to develop a culture...

As a novice (I got my first IWC this past Nov.), I am consistently impressed with the level of informed and evenhanded discussion that the moderator encourages. I am still too new to all of this to add anything intellegent to the discussions, but I am learning more every day by reading all of your posts. Thank you!
Dzul in Texas

Hi dzul, just out of curiosity, which IWC...

did you buy in Nov?

Re: Hi dzul, just out of curiosity, which IWC...

I bought the Spitfire Mark XVI and I love it! I was recently in Switzerland and my Swiss brother-in-law encouraged me to check out IWC. I owe him for his sage advice.

My first IWC was a 5001. Once you start...

it is difficult to stop. Not that you'll want to stop...

Mutual respect ...

... is the main point for me as well. And that atmosphere is provided here. Thanks for that. Your contribution to that culture cannot be valued high enough. Though I'm sure that all the members here know how to behave well anyway. I really feel very well and comfortable here even if I'm not invited to a Collectors' Meeting.
Tilo