Most collectible modern timepieces

A friend of mine asked me not so long ago which brand I would choose if I were to collect watches from only one manufacturer. The answer came easy - IWC of course. But the more I thought about the question the more I wondered which of the modern IWC watches are considered to be most iconic/collectible/desirable/rare by the IWC community. I think this could be an enlightening experience to compare our thoughts on the topic. It is the collectors that feel and help to preserve the IWC DNA, according to the IWC CEO :)

I'll start by suggesting Portofino 5251 and Portugieser 5441.

Aquatimer 812 And 3536
Ingenieur 666 and 3227
All vintage or almost vintage now

Modern & iconic - the Big Pilot is in that conversation. Likely 5002 or 5004, I lean 5004.

Iconic Portugieser automatic and certainly the ppc!
Best regards, Markus

First ever ceramic Flieger, the Ceramic Fliegerchrono ref. 3705. Only around 1000 pcs made from 1994 and by 1998 sold out.

If you mean current collection absolutely iconic for me is 3714. More than 20 years in production, no changes and still very popular! In my opinion it's the must for everyone.

I guess it's a rather bread sweep to include both collectible and iconic timepieces in the same topic since rarity does play a huge role in collectability.

My own journey into IWC world began with a white-dialed 3714. I totally agree with Roman - it is an icon of style and function. Unfortunately I must keep on refining and consolidating my set and can't keep all the watches I like (a real bummer I must admit) so had to let it go to make room for another Portugieser, the 5703. And while I am trying to man up and buy the original YG Portofino Moonphase I settled for the VC piece in steel.
For many years I have considered the BP to be too large for my wrists, but the funny part is that I never actually tried it on, just kept looking for another pilot watch that would be good enough. So it was 3717. A great watch, but soon I got hung up on the idea of hunting down a 3705. After years (literally) of lazy hunting a finally got one. What a gem! I was so excited and content that I visited a local dealer and tried a BP Le Petit Prince thinking that I would put the whole Pilot matter to rest now (the 39 mm vs. 46 should've been a no brainer size-wise). What a happy mistake! BP fit me surprisingly well. I mean it's still a very large watch but it doesn't wear as large as its parameters suggest. Now a BP is a must and sits first on the to-get list.

Some photos to illustrate my lengthy post :)

In the current collection, the iconic models are in Portugiesers and Pilot's watches collections.

Portugiesers: 3714, 5004, and the perpetual calendar 5033/5034.

Pilot's watches: the Big Pilot's Watch 5009.

As for the regular pilot's watches, IWC urgently needs to launch a MK XIX with an in-house movement and the classic MK 11 / MK XII style.

Tough question: There are so many!
And of course collectability for everyone is different: rareness, taste, iconic, classic, different families, different editions, etc.
For now I choose this one:
[](media3.iwc.com/site_media/thumbnails/fd/bd/IW503801_hAoEqR2.fdbd99d8c2af4e856c02039fbcee299e.jpg)

Here are a few of my "Modern Collectable" favorites:

"Classic" Pilot / UTC

MARK XV - White Dial ( aka "Albino" Dial )

Aquatimer Titanium Double-Crown Ref. 3538

Aquatimer "Vintage Collection"

Pilot Chrono Ref. 3717

Pilot Chrono Ref. 3705/ Ceramic ( Roberto & Ivan...should you ever decide to sell and you would like to keep it in the "family", please think of me. Promise to take good care with much respect! )

Andy

In my eyes the 5001/5007 plus 3713 are good examples of collectible modern pieces. Good value for money.

But there are many other good examples around depending on personal taste.

Greetings from Hamburg

Martin

Oops....one more. How could I have forgot to include this one. Another modern collectable and favorite:

Vintage Collection Ingenuier - "Tribute to Italy"

Never say never but no intention to sell at the moment - as first owner this lovely piece has been mine in the last almost two decades, very rarely worn though. Good luck for your hunting - my hunting also lasted for a few years at the end of the 2nd Millennium :)

Roberto....thanks for acknowledging my "grail dream" to acquire a 3705. I know you are very fond of that piece and with good reason. It is IMO the right size, case/ pusher materials making the perfect combination for a Pilot Chrono.

I continue the hunt and like you say, it may take some time to locate one. However, I remain optimistic that the time will come probably when I least expect it.

With new IWC leadership in place, perhaps a 39-40mm modern version of the 3705 would be considered for the Pilot Collection. We can only hope that IWC is listening to our wants and desires. Kind of like a micro-adjust clasp for our AT's. Right Roberto ?

Andy

Tonny, you nailed it to the spot. These are awesome pieces. I love especially the ngenieur and the GST and the other 2 are spot on as well! All 4 are all time classics.

Obviously a matter of opinion but here are my favorites:
3714
5009
5007
3902

WD

I would argue for the cal. 5000 (Portugieser 2000)
- Pellaton winding system with a 7 day power reserve
- Plexi crystal (one of my favorite things)
- the iconic Portuguese line

But also I would agree with others who suggested the 3705- not the first ceramic, but maybe the best and first example of a iconic-ceramic-IWC tool watch- something they were amazingly good at.

Nelson

Hi Nelson, you are right, the 3705 is not the first ceramic (it was the first Da Vinci QP chrono) but the first ceramic Flieger - as I have mentioned this above.

Sure, the micro-adjust clasp is a must for every bracelet :) and I agree with your wish of a normal-size Fliegerchrono again - just as I suggest IWC to make a 40-41 mm steel Aquatimer Chrono with the day-date cal. 69xxx - and without the thingy at 9 of the actual AT-s... and of course with the double-pusher quick-micro-adjust clasp :) but let's not steal the thread, even more because all these deserves a new thread - and much more. :)
Best,
Robert