I have to say, this is a near perfect example of a self regulated forum. The conversation may have become a little stale now, and there are clear differences of opinion, but I'm so impressed with the general responses from everyone. This forum is guarded and maintained by those that use it, which is what many try to do but fail.
Did my "I love you, you love me and we all love IWC" comment sound trollish?
Because it's not meant to be, it's simplying pointing out that any differing opinions seems to generate a "if you don't like it, don't join us" response, which is hardly a healthy attitude for a discussion forum... after all this is a discussion forum and not a church right?
But at the same time, it's true, my next watch won't be an IWC despite how much I like my Portuguese 42mm.
I'm sure IWC won't yearn to lost of my business, but a company chasing fads never ends well, and although I'm the odd-one here, I'm the average in the market with the average aesthetic taste.
At that point, when the IWC brand suffers, aren't the fans who suffer the most?
You may think I'm trolling just because I'm saying things that's obviously not wanted to be heard. But nevertheless, ignoring it doesn't make it not exist... sure it's just my personal opinion, but (like i said before) I'm the average consumer with the average taste.
I understand your belief that you are the average consumer with the average taste and as such that you will not buy another IWC watch because of IWC following a 'fad'.
It is disappointing that you feel this way, discounting some stunning IWC watches in a size you like because IWC produce watches which are larger than you like, is strange behaviour to me, but each to their own. JLC also produce watches in excess of 46mm, does that mean you would not buy one of theirs? I am struggling to think of a brand which does not.
I do understand that I am exaggerating to make the point and that IWC probably have a higher proportion of larger watches in their range, but in my very humble opinion that is part of the brand image. The IWC I wear more than any other is 42mm, purchased for its beauty and design. I have others which are larger and were purchased for the same reason. To me, 'IWC' means 'high quality and design' amongst other aspect and the fact that there are some watches in the range which do not appeal to me does not put me off the ones I do like.
[](s114.photobucket.com/user/craniotes/media/IWC%20Top%20Gun%20Perpetual%20Calendar/photo-1.jpg.html) I'd like to think that I'm wearing the watch (and my daughter). ;-) Of course whether I am or not is entirely subjective based on the frame of reference of the individual viewing the photo, just like your statement that "At one point, a watch simply doesn't look good anymore and IWC has reached and crossed that point." See, that's subjective on your part. Stop stating opinions as fact and I guarantee you'll fare better in these, er, discussions.
Anyway, if I want to wear a smaller watch, I'll reach for one of my Rolexes, Tudors, JLCs, APs, etc, otherwise I'm just fine with the above Top Gun BPPC (48mm) or my Aquatimer Galapagos (44mm).
I like my 39mm XVI as well as my 44mm AT. The 42mm Classic on the way is going to be awesome. Point is, I like the diversity in models and size. Something for every occassion or whatever the mood.
... and I thought till now that I am the average consumer ... and I like IWC, I like their watches, I like the different size of the watches, I love this forum, I love the friendship in this forum, and I like Alan;-)
About 15 years ago there was the small Portuguese Automatic, 35 mm. The gold version was my first golden watch. Then I liked small watches. Now I like 44 mm watches, -2 +1 mm.