IWC WG/Blue Dial 5032 PPC Long Term Collectability

Hi guys,

I am currently tempted to acquire an expensive piece ( a Patek 5980R ) but to raise funds to get it will require me to flip multiple watches one of which is the IWC 5032 WG/Blue Dial Perpetual Calendar.

I am currently still reluctant to do so as I still love this watch except one aspect that has bothered me a bit recently is the thicknes. Somehow it has start to look too top heavy for me. I am also concerned about its long term collectability. Usually how long is the product cycle for IWC esp the Portuguese line? Historically speaking does the IWC Portuguese models do well? For those that own it, do you think it will retain value well and not depreciate by too much?

Here's a pic of the watch by the way. Thanks in advance for your insights.

I never would give up this wonderful piece.
Just my two cents ...
Best,
-Christian

Benlee, your watch is one of the most special and beautiful IWC watches of the current collection and - for me - of all times as well.
I would not give it away if I had one. But that's just me. I gave up nice pieces for other ones as well, but all within the IWC family. I never really regretted because I ended up with the most beautiful and versatile piece for me.
About long term value I cannot say much, but I cannot imagine it will decrease value over time because it is so special and wonderful. The PPC models are great in terms of movement and watch making quality and specialty.

This is my five cents about your subject but in the end you have to listen to your emotions what is the right decision for you. Let us know how you decided. Good luck!

I think your blue PP is far nicer than the other PP
My opinion only, but I am biased!

As a Blues Brother, I could never part with mine. I have seen many beautiful watches since I acquired my 5032 but I have never been tempted.
But that is just my two cents.

Kevin

As watches this expensive are emotion, I only can say: follow your heart. The Portuguese Perpetual Calendar is big, thick, yes. But to me that is part of its character, its charm. If the size of your watch starts to bother you, and you think this will not change anymore, if you don't like it anymore, then you could still keep it for old times sake, still wear it occasionally, certainly if there is no financial need to sell it. But if you need the funds, then of course you could consider selling it.

As I read elsewhere, only some Patek Philippe and Rolex watches keep their value, most other watches lose quite a lot over time. To me, it is a bad idea to buy a watch as an investment, you should buy a watch for the fun of it. But if these considerations are relevant to you, then biting the bullet, selling the IWC taking a loss and buying the Patek Philippe might be a good idea. The million dollar question then is: will you regret these transactions? Watches this expensive are emotion...

Kind regards,
Paul

Well, asking such a question in an IWC forum I think your answers are all obviously going to be skewed one way! Here's my two cents:

• A Patek 5908R, a completely different watch - a Gerald Genta nautilus design classic but this particular model has what I think is an over crowded accumulator chronograph - in fact personally I think patek designs have been poor of late, all too crammed. (But you're talking to someone who is a fan of big watches (which I thought you might be too considering your other post?). And I hope you're not considering the 'panda-style' dial with the loud silver coloured outer ring... if so I look at the dial and think 'crash' with the distracting outer ring.

• Another red gold watch? I always thought your blue/white gold perpetual and grey/red gold yacht club was a phenomenal one-two punch. Isn't getting another red gold chronograph going to compete for wrist time too closely?

• A split-second chronograph vs the masterpiece of innovation- the IWC kurt klass designed perpetual?

• Yes it's thick, but that's part and parcel of understanding the genius under the hood. You don't drive tiny versions of Ferraris or Bentleys...

• I know production of this blue 5032 has been fraught with difficulty so supply is limited, and therefore values I'd say would clearly be retained in the short to medium term. However as it's not a limited edition piece - you really have to assume that at the end of the day IWC / Richemont will take advantage of high demand and will find a way to meet that supply. But in this case you aren't comparing it to another limited edition option. So any argument here is rather moot (and keep in mind Patek's retain an exclusivity just by being at a much higher price point).

But putting the rational aside (which I think IWC wins hands down) - like buying works of art, you have to see what sings to you the most and will continue to do so for the long term putting aside everything else. What is most beautiful to you regardless?

If your head has been turned and you think it could permanently be kept that way (and voices in your head are starting to say such things as 'I'm too thick'...) well you can only decide what you have to do.

But for me - there's little to no debate between the two. Your 5032 is one of the most beautiful watches out there by any brand.

Regards,
Thang

Ben,

I think your 5032 is far more beautiful and elegant than the Patek. Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder but for me it's not even close. To me the 5032 looks timeless (no pun intended).

I don't know about market value but I would put it like this: if you wear the 5032, I think you should keep it. If for some reason (e.g. thickness) you practically never wear it, then I think it may be the better option to sell it and get a watch that speaks to you more.

Thomas

Thang said it best. No way I'd trade that blue beauty for the Patek.

Thang, said it as it is. Cant fault a thing he said actually- that 5032 is timeless and has a briliant movement in it designed by a master watchmaker respectee by all in the industry.

Hang onto it!

Don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's all I have to say. :-)

Cheers,

Jarrod

Thanks Tilo for your insights. Yes, it is certainly beautiful and versatile. As for long term value, I guess none of us can be sure as no one has an acctual working crystal ball

Thanks Paul. The problem is my heart ( or mind ) is not settled yet which direction to go. I am greatly seduced by the charm of the Patek's 5980R as I have seen it multiple times and one of my WIS friend got one recently. But of course, there is also PP's price-tag that is formidably expensive that acquiring it means sacrificing some other timepieces I got.

The thickness have indeed start to bother me a bit but not so much that I stop liking the watch. At 15.5mm thick, it is the thickest watch I own in proportion to diameter and even thicker than my YC. Also recently I have acquired some slim looking watches and maybe that reflects unfavorably on my IWC's thickness.

I come from a community ( I am from the Far East ) where among high-end watch collectors, most are incredibly biased towards brands like PP, AP, RM and maybe Lange. There is not much demand or love for IWC. That is why it is interesting to come hear and hear the perspective of IWC fans, which I am one of them.

Hello Thang, great comment! Specifically because this is an IWC forum that's why I come here so that I can hear the perspective of IWC fans. So far when I asked my other WIS fans locally ( most are PP fans and collectors also ), their advise is that I should jump at the chance to flip my IWCs for PP.

You make a great point that the PP 5980R it's going to be "another RG watch" and correct, I already had 3 so far so keeping a WG watch retains variety and versatility in my collection. Yes I am inclined towards big watches myself. I don't think PP watches design has been poor laterly but I agree that Panda 5960 is quite ugly. On the other hand, I find the 5980R very beautiful and also of a large size with good wrist presence.

I know generally speaking the 5032 holds better value compare to other IWC Portuguese models due to it's rarity but it is also not so rare that one has to wait-list / hunt for it. Over here in the far East, it is quite easily available at ADs and can be had for a substantial discount ( about 20% ).

I might have a possibility to sell this piece at a price that I will not loose too much money to another collector so I am wondering if I should grab the chance. But I have not made up my mind yet.

Decisions... Decisions. Thanks everyone once again for all your replies!

I do not think PP 5980 R will have a better residual value compared to IWC 5032 WG.

But if the question is to trade 5032 for vintage grails such as PP 1518, 2499, 3970, Paul Newman Daytonas or Padellones; well, that is a whole new world.

And by the financial point of view, 5032 would never form a solid base to catch one above, maybe PN 6239-6241. So my suggestion to keep it if you trade it for 5980R.

I would only think of selling it to reach ALS Datograph or PP 5170G.

My two-penn'orth :-)

I think I have decided to keep the watch around. Too beautiful to sell it away and I do still love it. IWC isn't popular over here like Rolex, AP, PP or Panerai so even if I sell it, it's unlikely to fetch good value.

IWC makes nice watches, but the brand doesn't do more or do enough to maintain brand equity and value IMO, evident for some very poor resale value of its watches. Sorry to say.

Great decision. Resale? Respectfully... who cares? Just wear it and enjoy. It's an absolute stunner. I could never get sick of wearing that.

Cheers,

Jarrod

A great decision. Maybe IWC has a little weak standing in your circles. One more reason to hold up the Schaffhausen flag! I appreciate your decision and am sure you won't regret it the long term. A wonderful timepiece!

I'm glad you decided to keep the PPC. It Becomes difficult when one gets into a race and compare your tastes to others or the prevailing trends - which differ from territory to territory.

I've always liked the products of IWC as they (historically) have always been a little bit different and for the longest time managed to do it their way!

You will not be disappointed in the end - anyway, there is a great support group right here :-)