IWC 500109 Subdial

Dear IWCers,

I have recently figured out that the beautiful circular-grains inside the subdials of my IW500109 does not appear to exist. It is exactly as plain as the rest of the dial. It is the only thing that left in doubt after my careful examination.

Is there anyone out there who had an explanation for this?

I have purchased my watch through an AD 3 months ago and only noticed it now!

Could it be related to authenticity/genuinity or is it a simply a difference regarding the model/production year?

Anyway, should I claim anything? If it is a feature of the earlier models (e.g. 2012), is it normal to purchase a 2012 model in 2013?

Any thought or a recommendation is strongly appreciated.

I think you may be mistaken. I compared the very much enlarged pictures in the collection section of this site of the 5001 models (Portuguese Automatic) and the 5009 (Big Pilot). The Portuguese watches seem to have subdials that are brushed in a circular way, but there is no circular pattern. The Big Pilot on the other hand seems to have a circular pattern on the subdial. So, the question is whether you expected the circular pattern to be there where it is not. As for the older models of the Portuguese Automatic, I don't know, maybe an owner of such a watch can tell us.

Kind regards,
Paul

Paul,

Thank you for your time.

Well, you are right, Portuguese Automatic 5001 subdials are not grained the way BPs are, but either way it is brushed or more intricately grained, I can not see it on my watch, whereas there is absolutely clear a circular pattern on the photos here on the website.

Hi Emir,
this seems strange to me. Normally the dial should have this. Probably it's hard to see on the black dial. Maybe you just haven't seen? Try to have a look with good light and a loupe.
Can you post any pictures with enough magnification?

I have my 500109 on my wrist today and it definitely has the circular pattern on the sub-dials but mine is a few years old now so cannot vouch for the current model but if the watch were to have changed then it would have a new model number (IWC seem to change the model number for the smallest of changes).

Can you post some pictures of your dial?

Also, it is quite common for a 2012 watch to be sold in 2013 - these are not fast moving consumer goods and depending on the AD can sit in stock for quite some time before being sold. I have heard people mention that with the more expensive watches, unless you know it has come direct from the manufacturer, you are best having the watch put in for a service just after you buy it due to the fact that it could have been sitting in stock fora number of years and the oil on the mechanism will have settled.

Cheers,

Ben

Dear Paul, Tilo, Ben,

I would like to update you on the issue at hand.

I have been to IWC boutique here in Istanbul today and you are right: the circular grains are quite small to the eye to discern, especially on the black dial and when I observe under the spot and loupe there, i have seen the same pattern on mine too. I believe I have to blame lightning in my house :-)

So, sorry to bother you at the end of the day.

IWC appears to be a passion and you just live every single day with details in those time machines.

Now I feel quite relieved about my PA.

Thanks!

So congrats again on this beautiful watch. You really have to look closely to see this. Everything is fine then.

I just bought a wonderful anthracite Santoni strap!

It looks cool on 500109, I will share the photos soon.

I am glad the issue got resolved and that you can be happy with your watch. The Santoni strap must certainly add something extra to it, enjoy your wonderful combination! Looking forward to the pictures.

Kind regards,
Paul

Nice to hear your are happy and watch is OK. Please post some pictures soon.

actually I did, but it seems they require verification from the IWC.