IWC 3751 (or 3754) or Blancpain 5581 ??

Greetings.

Would someone guide me on choosing the right watch between the two, considering approximately same prices? the Blancpain is manual while the Da Vinci (3751 or 3754) is automatic.

Thanks

Difficult question: you really need someone who knows both watches. As far as I know, and can see by looking them up, both are not new models, both have about comparable complications, both brands are high-quality brands. So I chicken out and say that you should choose the watch you like most. And here, at the IWC forum, we of course would say that you should choose the IWC. I would choose neither watch. Good luck!

Kind regards,
Paul

I've been collecting for a while, but have only been an IWC fan this year - admittedly IWC watches evoke the strongest feelings in me.

I have been a casual observer of Blancpain over the last two years, which translates to popping into a boutique every couple of months (as opposed to popping into an IWC AD or Boutique every week, or 2 days :) ! I am eyeing an 8866 for a future potential buy.

here's my 2 cents on how the watches make me feel. Not having worn or used the Blancpain 5581, I can't comment on its movement, but ....the Blancpain 5581 is a classic watch, with a (rose gold) look that brings it almost a vintage-esque quality. if that is what I were looking for, I would say go for it - its classicism betters the IWC pieces u have picked out.

What I do not like about the 5581 however, is its conventional size (about 40 mm I believe) and crowns/buttons/lugs/band ends. And this is where IWC almost always performs its magic - the crowns and buttons are accentuated to larger than usual convention; the lugs and band ends are slightly longer, and straight and statuesque. To me these small details just seals the IWC deal - the watch stands out and up, to say, "look at me, give me the attention that I crave, and which I give to u!"

Iwc of course

Thanks PABLO, SHING & PARTANEN, much appreciated.

PABLO, I am curious on your last comment, "I would choose neither watch"! Would you dare say why?

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Cheers,
Dr. Anil

Dr. Anil, if its not too much trouble do let me (us) know what you got in the end and why ? makes for wonderful watch-contemplation. thanks in advance !

Hello Dr. Anil

Indeed this is a bit cryptic, a bit too short: I didn't want to mention other watches. Whenever choosing a perpetual calendar, I would choose the IWC Portuguese version, in fact, I own one. This is because of the Kurt Klaus mechanism with its simple user interface, the in-house movement with the power reserve indicator that I find to be more useful than the chronograph, and the great looks of the Portuguese. I like my watches to be new, so the old Da Vinci is out of the question. Furthermore, I don't like the shape of the Da Vinci, I find it to have something feminine, I couldn't see myself wearing one. Blancpains are great watches, they look very nice too. I own the Fifty Fathoms, in my opinion the most beautiful diver around, with other characteristics like a very good movement, an anti-magnetic cage and apparently it being quite a sturdy watch. I am not familiar with the perpetual calendar movement of Blancpain, it will certainly be first class. But why bother when there is a Portuguese Perpetual Calendar around?

Kind regards,
Paul

My vote goes for the Davinci, I dont know what would be the answer in the Blancpain forums. I would also consider the Portuguese...

Good luck and post a pic if you decide for a IWC Masterpiece..

Thanks Paul, Jorge & Shing, your thoughts are much appreciated.

Yes, of course I will let you all in the Forum know of my acquision and place a couple of photos as well. Looks like I can't lose with either, although some also feel that both of these are kind of outdated. Well in such a case, what fits best on my wrist as well as the price point might make the decision simpler!

Cheers all,
Dr. Anil

Oh! that Portuguese looks more and more tempting - thanks to Jorge and Paul. Alas, no rattrapante!

Cheers guys,
Dr. Anil

Hi!

I am currently in a similar situation to yourself, as I am looking for a perpetual calendar and chronograph watch also. So here are my thoughts!

I personally would chose the 3751 for a number of reasons:
[ol]
[li]It has the full year display[/li]
[li]You adjust all the features with the crown not various unsightly pushers all around the watch.[/li]
[li]The moon phase adjusts itself without having to refer to a calendar[/li]
[li]It has the increased accuracy of the Kurt Klaus moon phase complication that only needs adjusting every 122 years.[/li]
[li]It has the history and background of the world famous Kurt Klaus movement[/li]
[li]I would chose it over the 3754 because I am not a fan of Arabic numerals on a watch as I think they look childish[/li]
[li]And I would chose it over the Portuguese because I always wear a watch night and day and therefore value luminescent hands very highly for telling the time at night. On top of this the Portuguese has Arabic numerals discussed above.[/li]
[li]And finally as you mention it is automatic.[/li]
[/ol]
I include a few links to help you appreciate the historical and groundbreaking nature of this watch and movement.

An explanation of the unique movement.
An interview with Kurt Klaus.

Good luck in your quest for a wonderful watch!

OMONK - I think you nailed it. The previous generation DaVinci 3751 has been growing on me a little more over the last couple of years... I wish you the best outcome. I feel that you are leaning toward the IWC, since you posted this question here - knowing that we would support this brand... but you need to decide - and best of luck on the outcome.