Hi all! just purchased an unworn IWC 3786 limited edition.
Originally purchased in 2006 and unworn since.
Should I get serviced and if so which one ?
The movements of watch will not have any wear and the watch is spotless.
I do know that the oil lubricating various parts will be degraded .
What should I do as I would like to start wearing watch.
Regards,
Ken Oliver.
Hi Ken, as you say the oils may have degraded, together with the waterproofing gasket as it is over 5 years old. It should be serviced before use in my opinion. I would suggest taking it to an AD, together with a letter explaining the situation, for sending to your nearest IWC service centre. It may require the full service , but the IWC Service Centre could advise. Perhaps other Forum members have a different opinion?
Maintenance Service or Overhall ?
Do both include re - lubrication of parts ?
Hi David, excellent idea.
If I write a letter explaining circumstances.
I don't like the idea of charging me work that does not require done.
This seems a good compromise.
Any idea of costs of both service options ?
Hi Ken, not really sure about costs. My 3706 had a full service in the UK last year, which also included a new alligator strap, but as I am currently in China I don't have a breakdown of the costs. As this site is non-commercial, if you send me an email I can give you the total cost as an indication.
Hi 12 Snowy, do not even consider of wearing the watch before having it fully serviced at the next IWC workshop. It might cost you some money, but at least you will have IWC's Worldwide guarantee, and not a disappointment with such a great watch because of malfunction.
Maintenance service IS an overhaul. The standard protocol for virtually all fine watch companies is full disassembly and reassembly. It makes no sense to put new oil on top of old.
While it's not inexpensive, you will have what amounts to a brand new watch, tested and with a warranty on the service.
Hi Ken,
I would check if it keeps time and if waterprotection still is OK. Then you have to do nothing more.
You can still Service it when it has a Problem.
Tilo
Hi Ken,
As per the previous replies, you have 2 items that need attention in your fantastic new IWC.
All the seals will have naturally deteriorated and will no longer offer water resistance.
The oil in your watch is now 6 years old.
If you wear the watch now, it may well function adequately for the first few weeks as the remnants of fluid lubrication carry out their final task. This won't last long because the reservoir of oil in the cup of the jewels will have become too viscous to flow onto the pivots. The most noticable effect probably being a reduction in power-reserve when off the wrist. The escapement may manifest it's reluctance to function in arid conditions even earlier with large gains or losses in short periods.
If you request a Maintenance Service from an IWC Service Center they will(Only) dismantle the case, ultrasonicaly clean the casing parts, reassemble the case with new seals, verify water-resistance and regulate the watch(if the oiling and amplitude are to factory standards).
If you request a Complete Service from an IWC Service Center they will do all of the above as well as cleaning, lubricating and adjusting the movement, replacing worn movement parts en-route. This work will be guaranteed for 2 years.
I hope this helps in your dilemma, it must be heart-wrenching to have acquired such a fantastic watch yet be unsure if you can wear it.
Leo