Agree. I would like IWC to give us some pricing indications for the various base models discussed as some folks are responding with their hearts and others have an eye on their wallets/ what they can afford. If pricing is nearer to wholesale pricing plus the cost of customisation on top I think we might be surprised how far our budgets will stretch... Wishful thinking maybe...
Let's be clear. We cannot expect any kind of wholesale pricing. My best guess is that the price would be AT LEAST the normal suggested list price. Anything less is purely wishful thinking. Sure, I'd like to think it would be less. But I am not kidding myself. Think about it. If we can pull this off, each participant is going to get a unique, personalized, limited edition piece. It will be worth it.
@Alan: "nice price" doesn't necessarily mean IWC has to give us the watch for free but, since this is a "dream-thread", dreaming of a nice price (for in-house movement inside) is the more realistic dream to do! :)
Moreover, we all know any mentally sane AD is ready to sell any watch with some discount, besides being a nice gesture to faithful people, offering some price reduction compared to the price list, would take away from any forumer's mind the idea of getting the same watch (not personalized but still close) from the normal collection, for a lower price, bringin furthermore to the consequence of reducing the number of CF III purchasers.
I've seen many situations like these, it always happens this way, it's "normal", not actually a dream :)
Now, this kind of waiting and anticipation is just so familiar. Didn't we all just endured a whole week of agonizing pain of waiting for the new Pilot's be to introduced at SIHH. At the meantime, we awaits for the panels final verdict.
Agree, this is super! The blue dial watches shown is this thread all look great. That Mark XVII on the bracelet really is growing on me, I hope this will be the watch chosen.
Without extensive discussions I can pretty much assure you that there will no discount pricing offered by IWC. The additional work for 100 or 200 watches is already unprofitable and there is no benefit to selling for less. It also would be likely, like the Panerai collector editions, that sales will be through the boutique network and only that network.
I would surmise, based on discussions about the CFDV and other proposals, that the general feeling is "we don't need to undercut our sales by giving a lower price to people just because they participate on a forum. They should want the watch for what it is, and all we do for them, and not because it appeals to anyone's greed". The watch is supposed to represent the forum, and not be a party favor.
Sorry --I'm not accusing you or anyone of being greedy, but everyone should expect full price for a watch that's special. On the CFDV IWC did include a bracelet as a goodwill gesture, but we can't expect that, at least not on 5000 CHF each.
[QUOTE="Sunflower" Agree, this is super! The blue dial watches shown is this thread all look great. That Mark XVII on the bracelet really is growing on me, I hope this will be the watch chosen. [/QUOTE]
I would be surprised if blue dials were an option, since most are reserved for Laureus models, and possibly all when in steel.
Where does that leave us forum members who would greatly desire one of these CF watches if they did eventuate and we dont live in a country that has a Boutique - eg Australia? Would we be able to order directly from Richemont as we do with straps and service etc? At the end fo the day, the idea of this watch is for the forum members, not Boutique specials (In Australia we are already limited enough as there are no boutiques so we see none of the boutique specials that come out form time time to time)
Cheers,
Ben
PS, please excuse any typos in this post - I had my eye's lasered 1 day ago and all is very blurry at present!
Bendy --I have no idea what, if anything, will be the case here. But when I ordered the first Panerai collectors' watch, I had to do so through the Boutique in Portofino, which shipped internationally (and I paid import duty).
I would be surprised if blue dials were an option, since most are reserved for Laureus models, and possibly all when in steel.[/QUOTE]
That could well be the case, Mike, and if so I am sure we would all respect IWC's decision.
I do note that at one time blue dials were only for platinum cases. They were later used for the Cousteau Aquatimers and now a Portuguese Perpetual. After all, there are many shades of blue, and a CF watch wouldn't have to use the Laureus blue.
Whatever the outcome of all this, it sure has stirred some real passion!