Disappointed

Before I start I want to say I am a bit agitated. I bought an ICW Pilot's watch (XVI) after a lot of research, and over a Rolex I was thinking of getting. After less than 3 years it went hay wire and started to gain 5-6 seconds every minute. I sent it in to IWC for repair. First they mailed back the estimate. I signed it ($475) and e-mailed it back and wrote on the form to replace the leather strap. 2 weeks later (and now almost a month later total) again in the (snail) mail the estimate came back to me, this time with the strap added (replacement - $300). So, almost a month after sending in the watch for repair - which frosts me that the watch needed repair after less than three years (it wasn't dropped, etc.....) now I am having to again send back the repair and the estimate is at least a month for repair after IWC receives it.... I have an Oris and an Omega and they are older and never had any quality issues. Further, I would think in 2013 IWC could find a quicker way to communicate than (snail) mail. I am thinking of cancelling the repair and just selling it for scrap.......

For the money they want for their watch, I now wonder if they are worth it.... I doubt I ever buy another IWC given the hassle to have it repaired and the fact that it broke in the first place....

Is quality an issue with IWC?

No, quality is not an issue with IWC, although sometimes problems do arise. Mechanical watches are by definition complicated instruments of many small parts, and they do need service. Three years is not uncommon.

If you watch is gaining time like that, it almost certainly is due to either (a) magnetization or (b) a caught balance spring. The former is unlikely with your pilot's watch but can happen with strong fields like an MRI (or some airport metal detectors). The latter occurs usually as a result of jolt even if it's not a drop.

I'm sorry the repair is taking so long, but aren't you dealing with a dealer? They usually can call or e-mail.

Personally, I wouldn't throw out the baby with the bath water. Also, we can't diagnose service problems electronically and one of the forum rules is that service issues aren't to be posted for redress, etc. Given what you said, I'm wondering what you need from us.

In all events, I am sure your issues will soon be fixed --and wish you good luck.

Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Funny thing is, I researched for a long time before I bought my IWC pilot XVI watch and truth said, I still don't like anything else more...... just frustrating event on top of a bad couple weeks at work. The watch has been there for a while and sadly I am contemplating a steel band while it is there but don't want to slow down the process..... Again I appreciate your cogent comments. Take care.

Disappointed,

If it helps, your research paid off because I too have the XVI and think it's at the top of the list in the MARK series. Once you get back your prized possession, the unfortunate experience and wait will fade and you will once agsin feel the pride in owning such a "simply" beautiful designed watch. BTW, even though I'm not much of a bracelet guy, I think the MARKS look super on a bracelet.

Good times ahead,

Andy