I can't be the only one here who is more and more worried about the size of IWC's watches right?
I'm not quite sure what IWC's position is anymore, but I assumed they were "modern", "elegant" and "sophisticated".
However, seeings new watches having 44mm as the standard width makes me worried that IWC is turning into no different than another degree of Panerai, large, gaudy and showy.
I don't know who's wrist a 44mm+ with no bezel is for, but I doubt it'll look elegant or sophisticated!
Not sure what you mean. I personally love the BP (46 mm) which has been around a long time. IWC has always had "large sizes." I think the collection is indeed elegant, modern and sophisticated.
In any case if you are not happy with large watches there are so many choices out there at less than 40 mm (including IWC).
Elegant modern sophisticated.
I definitely share your concern. There are so many stunning watches that are produced by this great watchmaker that it is very frustrating (to me) that so many are absurdly oversized. IWC has always produced large watches but also had many that were reasonably sized. That is why I stick to wearing and purchasing only vintage IWC watches that are 35-38mm in size.
Perhaps one day they will make a new Portuguese in 38-39 mm....
Personally, I hope not. The essence of a Portuguese is that it's a pocket watch made for the wrist. Diminution negates that.
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Traditionally, some of the models are large to begin with, take the Portofino for example, it started with 46mm, and I'm glad it stays that way or close to it.
I'm so used to the larger dimension now that when I tried on a 'normal' size watch, it seems to lack the excitement I'm getting on a large but elegant IWC design, and in some cases more awkward than a larger dimension watch.
I'm into design (though not so much in product design) but I do take note of the details of an IWC watch. Until you have tried them on, you'll never know the slight angle of the lugs, or the how certain angle of the thin bezel, or the combination of brushed or polished surface comes together makes all the difference.
I have a 42mm Port Auto, which is the maximize size that looks good (keep in mind it has no bezel). Its also the smallest inhouse prestige watch IWC makes.
My next watch probably won't be an IWC simply because they dont make any watches above the Port Auto 7-day that looks good...
I mean, this is a 45mm watch (same size as many complicated IWC watches):
It looks comical...
Now fashion sense is obviously a matter of taste and many people here will find my sentiments against IWC disagreeable because of how invested they are with the brand. But even so, I mean, my distaste for ultra-oversized watches can't be unique here can it?
It seems to me that IWC is not the only watchmaker making large wrist watches.. Hopefully, IWC along with other watchmakers will move in the other direction over time as fashion changes.. My vintage IWC ref 602A is on the small size compared to modern ones, but wears large enough for me..
Perhaps if large is the new fashion, it might be time for pocket watches to make a comeback.. After all, there is a nice little pocket in most trousers that would be just right for the job..
I like large watches and I don't see the connection between large watches and a lack of elegance or sophistication. Are the Portuguese Perpetuals (to pick an extreme) gaudy and showy?
There are some IWCs I am sure would be too large for my tastes but on others will look fantastic. Likewise there are some watches which are too small for my taste and will look great on others.
The ony way to over come this would be for IWC to make the same watch in different sizes which I guess is possible but that is a decision IWC have not taken.
Is there a watch in particular which you would like but does not fit?
Kind regards
Graham
I think this is a non issue. 42 - 48mm is a perfect size range if you ask me.
I reckon the size of the watch case should be optimized to fit the movement and provide the required properties (e.g. anti magnetic, water resistance, etc). It should not be any bigger than it needs to be. Take for example the 3227 and 3236. Both has the 80110 movement and similar anti magnetic and shock properties. Why is the 3236 so much bigger?? I, being an engineer, fail to understand this.I thought IWC was supposed to be "Engineered for Men"..
Really?
This one is 40mm and brand new (if I'm correct). It fits perfectly on the wrist.
Opinions... Something that should stay as personal as the watch you wear.
Go big or Go home in my honest opinion!
Don't be worried or concerned. IWC is doing just fine with its collection, lots of people love these watches and buy them. If they are too big for you, well, don't buy them, to be frank, that would be the least of my concerns.
Kind regards,
Paul
That's too bad, I was really hoping you would shed a tear for me.
and I'm not really that concerned since the 42mm Port fits me quite well... I'm just pointing out that its quite disappointing to see the IWC brand going down the path of similar watch making luminaries such as Hublot and Panerai.
So, you show concern, you are disappointed. Something must have happened recently to fire your disappointment. That cannot be the size of the watches themselves, as they have these sizes for, let's say, at least five years. You mention going down, DOWN, a path like Hublot, another highly successful brand. I really wonder, for whom are you concerned, disappointed: for yourself, for us, for IWC? I run out of fantasy here. I do not share your feelings, they are personal, is my best guess, my advice is: try some IWC watches on, and you may be surprised. Or you may not like them, as we say in Holland: equally best friends, meaning that whatever your opinion may not change our relation.
Kind regards,
Paul
salemyang, i seriously have no idea what you're talking about. the sizes have been getting considerably smaller... remember it started off with 55mm! =P
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regards,
thang
You're right, they're definitely personal. I am disappointed that a brand I respected is losing that respect.
But like you said, its personal. If everybody in the world but me loves gigantic watches, so be it.
But really guys, this isn't mean't to be an insult or anything rude... but do you guys really think a 46mm watch that overwhelms your wrist looks anything but showy and gaudy?
PS: I think you'd be better off strapping a pocket watch to your wrist compared to that 55ml BP!
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