IWC sizes

Hi!

I'm a newcomer in the IWC world having just ordered an Ingenieur Automatic and a Mark XVII from my local AD. I really like most of the watches in the IWC range. The style and philosophy that runs across the range really appeals to me like no other watch brand. The only issue I have is that 90% of the models are too big for me. My size limit is 42 mm in diameter, and preferably not over 12 mm in thickness. Beyond that is just too big for my wrist. Unfortunately with IWC as soon as something more than basic time and date is added, the watches get too big for me. I would be interested in other forum members' thoughts on watch size.

1) Am I the only one that prefers watches around 40 mm in diameter?

2) Any indications on what direction IWC is moving with its watch sizes going forward?

IWC appeals most to those that like bigger watches, and apparently there are enough of these watch lovers. To me, 44 mm is perfect, 45 mm is my maximum: I have three watches of this size, they fit my 17 cm wrist quite well. As far as I notice, some kind of maximum has been reached. IWC made some models recently that are a bit smaller than the average IWC watch, like 40 to 43 mm, but most are bigger, certainly most of the more expensive and complicated watches. I guess this is the state of the affairs right now, and what the future will bring, who knows.

Kind regards,
Paul

I just got the IWC yacht club and it's as big as I can go. It borderline too large actually but I really liked it. I tried on the porteguese chrono and the 40.9mm is just too small though so the next thing was the yacht club. Great watch, really comfortable. I am not sure what the trend is now but IWC is definitely been big. The big pilot is also on the large side from them.

IWC do all sizes to fit most tastes. Minimum for me is 43mm. 43 - 46 is perfect. Luckily that covers most of IWC's current collection. 42mm and under are just too small for my wrist. I suspect the current sizing of IWC's collection is where things will stay, give or take, for the near future anyway.

Cheers,

Jarrod

I prefer normal size watches to oversize ones, for my 17 cm wrist 40-42 mm is perfect. My biggest one is the 3767 but my perfect fit is the 39 mm 3706 and the Sinn 103 St (41 mm). I'd love an Aquatimer Chrono with 42 mm again, with today's lug shape and the 3719 bezel mechanism.

A pity IWC doesn't do a suggested diameter/strap length such as in shirt sizing, or shoes!

As we all know size doesn´t matter!? :-)
And I have to say in the beginning I also felt unfamiliar with the sizes of IWC in comparison to other brands. And the first time I had a BP on my wrist I said to the shop assistent: "no way"! Then I tried it a few weeks later and suddenly I realized that it really looks cool and that a 46 diameter BP closes up my wrist the same way like a 42 diameter Portoguese 7 Days does!

... but I also think there should be a limit in sizes ... :-)

Best,
Christian

Watch size is of course a very individual matter due to both wrist size/shape and what you are personally comfortable wearing. And maybe you do get accustomed and change your preferences over time.

In any case, I find that, much like with shirts and shoes, size is one of the most important factors in choosing a watch. None of the design, materials and technical features matter if the watch is too big or small for you. And from this discussion it would seem that most people have a range of 3-4 mm that suits them, also depending somewhat on how the lugs are designed.

Replying to your questions....

1) No, I am sure many people like the 40mm size. There's a classic Ingenier watch just at this size.

2) Yes, this is the trend I see for IWC watches now, 42, 43 and even 46mm getting common in their range.

Size is personal. What you think is too big is just nice for someone else.

Most people said my IWC RG Portuguese is way too big for my puny 6.75" wrist :D I actually agree. But I kind of like the size and it doesn't really bother me. I wear the watch for myself, not for others.

That is a very beautiful watch, and a very clear picture! Enjoy your beauty, whatever the size, I wouldn't mind wearing it!

Kind regards,
Paul

Yep I have the same issue :( I love alot of the watches but they are too big for me. The biggest i can go for was the Portuguese Chronograph which is pretty much the limit for me :( Would love to get some type of technical ingenieur but don't think it will happen for me unless IWC "downsizes" which I doubt it will ha

Kaiser,

Luckily, the best current production Ingenieur is the smallest one. :-)

I've had my 3239 for some weeks now and can absolutely recommend it. Although it's not "technical" in terms of exotic materials or complications, the dial, case and bracelet are nothing short of extraordinary.

Thomas

yeah I meant the one with complications, exotic materials etc, not the 3 hand version ;)

The perfect size for a watch is very individual thing IMO. It depend on many aspects such as personal taste, wrist size, circumstances the watch is worn etc. My ideal size is 41-43 mm. However, at this size I like the watch being quite thick (like my Portuguese Automatic) so all around balance of the watch doesn't seem off the place. Following recent trends in men watch fashion (to make bigger watches) many companies simply stretch the diameter of the watch without increasing thickness (examples are the current versions of GP 1966 at 41 mm, Zenith Elite Ultra Thin at 40 mm, VC Patrimony Grand Taille at 40 mm and many others). And although I appreciate that there is may be a demand for such watches they just look very weird and somehow of the balance to me especially once on the wrist. I'm not against thin or ultra-thin dress watches, however to my taste they shouldn't be any bigger than 36-38 mm in diameter.

Cheers
JK

The best watch size is one that fits comfortably on one's wrist,with no rolling around. Other than that:An oversize watch is of little value.
kenneth.

IWC produced a lot of nice, smaller watches earlier, i.e. in the Blümlein-Era. They were less bling-bling and dedicated to a more technical or a more haute horlogerie look, depending on the line. Given the fact that they are less expensive, you might find your dream watch in those.

For me 43mm to 46mm is the best size to my wrist. I think it depends on the individuel wrist.
A watch should not kind of disappear on a wrist, nor should a watch of, lets say 43mm, look like "55mm" on a smaler wrist.

Cheers Chris