Glass reflection | question to the moderator

My apologies if this question has already been asked. I would like to replace the glass of my recent IWC watches, which have a disturbing blue reflection : the black dial does not appear black but some kind mixed colour (black-blue). Above all, I believe it does not fit at all the vintage type of the recent Portuguese (which are meant to relate to the 1940s). Do you know if IWC now accepts to replace the glass with a crystal glass without this blue reflection (apparently until a year ago, they were refusing) ? It is only brand to do this (Breguet and Jaeger watches for example have crystal glasses with a normal white reflection). Many thanks.
Kind regards.
Jean

I can't speak for the IWC Service Department...

...but I have heard of a solution adopted by others.

They have gone to a watchmaker who removed the crystal, and then have taken the crystal (directly or with the help of the watchmaker) to an optician who then removed the anti-reflective coating or replaced. The watchmaker then reinserted the crystal. I believe Jack Freedman of Superior Watch has done this --he is an authorized IWC repairer but this would be an unauthorized service.

I don't believe IWC can perform "custom" services even if you believe that to be desirable.

Good luck,
Michael

I love the subtle blue light on the crystal

Maybe an actual vintage-era watch is what you were really looking for?

1

I agree, I have come to love the nuances

of the anti reflective coating.

Interesting Jean, you are the first person >

I have heard who prefers glare to low glare.

Also, I think you are mistaken to think the watch is meant to be a clone of one made in the 1940's. Rather, it is meant to be a circa 2008 inter

I am with Richard! >

Personally, I can't stand glare.
--
Isobars.

Agreed !! nt

I prefer modern version watches >>>>>>>>

.........that come with anti-reflective crystal to remain that way.

The Bluish color you see is the ani-reflective coating on the glass.

I have a few watches with past-era plexi, and they are great for what they are.

Enjoy the watches!!!!

I've noticed that on my VC Portofino...

... the Roman numerals appear blurry at certain angles. I think it's called aberration in English(?). It's like seeing multiples.
You made me wonder if this would be different if the crystal was coated differently. or, if it's related to the curvature of the crystal...?

Meet another

I don't like anti-reflective coatings on watches either.

Regards,

HG

I'll jump in here with my opinion as well.

I much prefer an AR coated crystal to one without it. Why? Because not only is reflection (glare) reduced to less than 1% vs. 8% without it, but also more importantly light transmission is increased to over 98% vs 91% without it. Increased transmission of light is important because it allows you to see the true colors, textures and designs of the dial much more clearly and precisely.

The slight blue color of reflection is virtually non existent if viewed at a angle of 90 degrees to the surface. As you increase the angle of viewing, the blue becomes somewhat more noticeable, but to me it is worth the price of admission. AR coatings are generally on both sides of the crystal and offer the best glare reduction and increased light transmission. One side coated crystals, usually on the inside, will have less of the blue reflection color, but will it will not have the same reduction in glare or improvement in light transmissions.

I have a non IWC luxury watch where I had the non AR crystal replaced with an AR one and the difference is amazing.

Yes, you can have the crystal replaced or try to have the coatings removed, not an easy task, as MF noted, but I would not do so.

Bill

5 !

Absolutely agree. I always prefer....

the AR coating. Light transmission increase greatly offsets the slightly blue look.

AR coating

I love the AR coating and wouldn't dream of removing it.

Try to take a picture like these above from a watch without AR coating and all you would see is one big reflection.

Kind regards,

Clemens

Another vote for the A/R tint

I can't speak for the IWC Service Department...

Thank you. It is just a shame that when you buy a watch with a black dial, most of the time it does not look black. At the minimum, customers should be given the choice.

I have traded all my recent IWC watches (Portuguese, Jones)against ref 5000 (plexi) and other brands. That coating may explain as well why you find so many recent IWCs in second hand dealers.

Regards.

I doubt that...

I think many other brands also come with AR coating since the advantages are bigger than the inconveniences for most of the watch-owners.

I think the financial situation is of much bigger influence to the current number of pre-owned watches on the market nowadays.

Kind regards,

Clemens