IWC-connect.. pls no

Please don't become Breitling.

Sorry, but had to get this off my chest.

www.iwc.com/en/news/iwc-schaffhausen-announces-iwc-connect/

/A

Certainly a case of trend following, not trend setting!

Looks like a device put on the strap, not connected to the watch itself. The question might become whether you are forced to buy that device too when buying the watch. Like, what may happen to bracelets? Another question: watches are there for eternity, these internet devices will come and go, evolve every 3 to 5 years, how to cope with the renewal of these devices?

Kind regards,
Paul

Good point...if pricing is competitive, similar to Montblanc's version at around 300 USD, this challenge could be mitigated to some extent. On the other hand there might be non-OEM strap versions that turn out to be smarter (like the Kairos T-Band)

I'm pretty sure there will always be a "no connect" IWC strap option too.
But I hope the "no nine option" will soon be in the past.
Damn it I already bought one without a 9 - and still love it ;-)
[](fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11193357_452481718254801_6312652444965498110_n.jpg?oh=c0ca1126cc35d5e86918fe311728b98a&oe=55CF650E&gda=1440074887_4b83a62037b11e1adf3b4863730e49a2)
The pic is already old as the sun was quite rare during the last days.

I think this is big mistake. I hope it's just an option.

Though I'm more excited about the new dial on the Big Pilot, I'm not saying entirely no to the IWC-Connect component.

I consider it as a sign of weakness and lack of pride to just invent "something" to be able to "compete" with Apple Watch. As we all know, the Apple watch is something completely different than a mechanical watch. Why, just by announcement of Apple, do so many of the luxury watch brands suddenly start to create electronic gadgets or add-ons such als IWC now does? Honestly: Who would ever do sports with a Big Pilot's watch on my wrist?

To me, those developments such as by IWC done "under distress" frighten me much more, than the launch of Apple Watch does. They show activism and a complete loss of sense for reality. Very bad sign, to me.

I don't see the point personally.

Also, I love my new LPP BP. No "9" is a non issue for me. The DFB has no 9 and that is probably my favourite BP of them all.

If IWC were a pure haute manufacture, then yeah, IWC Connect is no bueno. But they're not, and given their roots with tool watches and technology, I don't see this development as negative in the least. Okay, fine, so you don't like it, don't buy it. Wear your Big Pilot as the Luftewaffe intended and be proud that you're standing up to the tyranny of the smart watch. Wait, you sir, over there... What's that? Oh, you do like it? Great! Then strap that sucker on and enjoy the fine Schaffhausen craftsmanship that's currently perched on your wrist, while simultaneously keeping track of your fitness goals and notifications.

Not really seeing a downside here.

Regards,
Adam

PS - If the functionality is there and the price is right, one of these will definitely be gracing my Top Gun BPPC before the year is out.

I'm not really positive about IWC-Connect. I just don't see why someone would link a bracelet to that to a traditional watch . For a Breitling yes , for IWC I don't really think it fits the brand identity

Really don't know, I think we should first wait and see, find out more in depth and the details of this gadget.
Gadget, I always loved IWC gadgets, I see it as one let's wait and see how it goes, so far I am not impressed.

Let me elaborate.

And this can come out quit harsh.

I for once, perceive IWC as a forward-thinking mechanical brand only, keen on producing outstanding pieces with great value. Personally I even find it hard knowing IWC have quartz movements in their range, let alone wearable tech-gadgets such as this connect-device.

One element out of many in this debacle, if your consider strap and extras as part of the watch, is the ”swiss made” branding that I think most of you can relate to. This IWC-connect thing, if you break it down to it’s various sub components, probably have more pieces than the actual mechanical watch. On a transistor level that is.

Assume these parts are not swiss made, but say Taiwanese. Can you then argue the watch is not swiss made no more?

These kind of emotions is what I personally have valuing and enjoying my mechanical watches, the craftsmanship, know how and heritage. Irrational? Perhaps. But then one could argue a mechanical watch is when your iphone tells time more precise for less money.

Yes this is emotional for me, and perhaps it will sink in and I will change my mind. But initial thoughts on this is negative.

And activities requiring heart rate monitoring is not something you do wearing a BP.

This route is for Breitling not IWC.

Sorry for rant.

P.S New BP no ”9” looks sick in a good way.

Monochrome states it correctly:

monochrome-watches.com/

As a separate, optional add-on this device is totally acceptable to me, where eveybody can do as he pleases, and the watch in itself remains untouched by the device. I guess I am old enough to not acquire a device giving me "information" I could easily do without the previous 60+ years.

"Swiss made" makes sense to me for that part of the watch that remains when you take the strap off, except when the strap is replaced by a bracelet, which I then see as an extention of the case. That is, movement, dial, hands, case and bracelet. And "Swiss made" is something for legal experts.

Kind regards,
Paul

Well the craftsmanship from a hand made italian leather strap is certainly part of what I consider being tradition, know how and heritage. It has a clear purpose that is different from a mass produced leather piece from China.

And if I am not mistaken, the defintion of Swiss made is partly based upon how many components of the product is actually from Switzerland. The strap is made of a few, but the actual mechanical components making out the majority, are Swiss, thus granted "Swiss made".

Of course this is based on what you define as the actual watch and one could also, as some of you have, argue that this IoT-device is an accessory and not part of anything. Much like you can wear a IWC t-shirt and find it useful.

Fine, that is one perspective. But I am not sure it is shared by everyone.

/A

That is certainly true. I am but a novice expressing some thoughts on this (for me) unexpected move from IWC.

/A