Hi all. Been reading this forum for some time but now have a reason to join.
My new acquisition - IWC Inge ME - gains 8-9 seconds every 24 hrs. Is it acceptable or do I need to take it back to the AD I bought it from to look at?
Thank you for your advice.
I have previously been advised that a couple of months "break-in period" is advisable before getting it regulated. Also I have experienced a range of gains and losses depending on wear frequency and resting positions. Makes for more fun in the end if you keep a close eye on it.
...edit : how about a pic
What would be the normal variation for this calibre? I see for some watch makes statements such as "accuracy +10 to -5 secs per day. I tried to see if there was similar shown for your model on the main IWC website but didn't find anything..
Something in the range of 0 to +7 sec/day is reasonable to expect. I'd bet that your watch will settle into that range within a couple of months.
The movement in the ME is rock solid and will after time settle in to be very reliable. Mine is spot on, as is my VCAT with same movement.
Thank you all. It's a keeper then.... Shall get a picture and share as requested at the earliest opp.
I might as well ask here as to what the best cleaning routine is for IWC. Panerai says: "we recommend washing your watch with soap and warm water, using a soft brush. After this, and also after bathing in the sea or a swimming pool, carefully rinse the watch with clean water. All Panerai watches can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth."
Any tips on keeping IWC sparkling new?
I respectfully disagree with Panerai. Soap can get molecules into the watch, especially if too much or with scrubbing. Soap can accelerate the deterioration of rubber gaskets used as seals. I think a little water and a soft cloth are enough, possibly followed by a polishing cloth.
Thank you, Michael. Watches inevitably come into contact with human skin and end up bearing its residue (sweats, oils, etc.) I seem to remember an Oris, I had more than 10 yrs ago(when I was starting my watch journey), recommending to bathe the watch in mildly salted water.
I usually use a toilet tissue (no scent or cleaning agent) and wipe my watch at the end of the day when I take it off. Still, the hard to get to elements of the case would collect dirt after a while.
So, I was wondering is there a good proven way to keep a watch looking as if it is just out of its box.
Greetings V8POWER,
OOOOOHHHH, I find myself cringing at the thought of using toilet tissue to wipe clean a watch. I would welcome any corrections but it is my understanding that using any paper product to wipe clean a surface (especially glass or plastics ) overtime can cause scratching damage. Paper products are derived from wood therefore an abrasive. Manufacturers of high quality optical lenses and precious metals advise never to use paper tissue/towels to clean surfaces due to the very reason of scratching damage.
Watches designed for water are recommended after exposure to salt or treated waters to be rinsed throughly with fresh clean water and dryed with a soft cloth (microfiber is mentioned often). Of course, before starting any cleaning of a watch, always make sure all crowns are properly screwed in/down and there has not been any previous indication of condensation or aging seals issues as this would indicate servicing before attempting a rinse cleaning. Should you want to focus directly on cleaning front or display back crystals, I have been advised that cleaning wipes specifically for optical lenses can be used for watch crystals without risk of harm.
I personally use these guildlines for my cleaning needs and IMO my watches look better than out of the box, but then again I must admit that I have a bit of OCD when it comes to my watch collection.
Hope this viewpoint is helpful to your request for advise on keeping a watch in show condition.
Regards,
Andy
For my first job I worked for the UK importers and service centers of Oris in the 1970's. No salt water used there!
My last 20 years was in packaging industry dealing in polyethene and various papers. Tissue paper to clean optical glass in ultra specialist uses costs for commercial quantities, well over a £150 p ream of 450x700mm versus Commercial Acid Free Tissue at less than £10 p ream. Incorrect tissue used can and will result in silver tarnishing, white clothes staining to off white and even fine scratches on glass or metals.
IWC watches used to come with a micro-fibre cleaning cloth. It seems to work very well.
Hi V8power,
David is correct in saying Something in the range of 0 to +7 sec/day is reasonable to expect. I'd bet that your watch will settle into that range within a couple of months.
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Due to the effects of gravity mechanical watches will have slight differences in timekeeping depending in their orientation. You can use this effect,should you not want to wait for the settling in,or even after that if necessary. Try this:
Take off your watch each night for 6 nights,setting the seconds to your reference clock as you do so. Each night, place your watch in a different orientation. e.g. night 1,resting on the crown; night 2, the crown facing right;night 3, the dial facing down etc. Each morning,note the loss or gain.
After the 6 days you will know which position to leave your watch in overnight to compensate for your activities the previous day.
For cleaning your watch,as previously mentioned,salt & soap are to be avoided,as are fluctations in temperature(cold/hot water on a watch at wrist temperature).These can all reduce water-resistancy either by chemical influence on the seals or through different rates of thermal expansion between the case and seals.
As per the IWC site:
www.iwc.com/en/service/care-and-maintenance/
You should;rinse your watch under running lukewarm water
As your watch is satin finished,you can scrub it at the same time with a soft nailbrush to remove stubborn dirt without any problems. Dry it off with paper kitchen towel. Always scrub/dry in the direction of the graining and your watch will keep its just out of its box. look for longer.
Great watch,
Post some photos.
Leo
Sincerely grateful for all your advice and thoughts. If I was somewhat confused before I have a clear idea how to handle my new 'baby' now.
Just to keep this discussion going, here's another thought.
I have noticed that IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Racer has a rather nice shiny IWC nameplate stamped into its buckle - mine has a simple engraving. Given that the bracelet are the same, is it possible to buy just the buckle from IWC and switch them over?
P.S. You've guessed it, I am into custom mods. ;-)
Yes, buckles can be sold separately. But I believe the Chronograph Racer is a month or so away from general distribution, meaning parts also may be deferred.
Thank you Andy.
It all makes sense. What solution/water would you use to clean nooks and cronies where the gris tends to collect?
OMG...this is the kind of question that plays havoc on someone with OCD tendencies..LOL
Seriously, as long as the water is clean and fresh I would say that is sufficient. OK, now here comes the OCD answer. Distilled water is water that is boiled to remove impurities. IMOCD opinion, this would be as pure and clean as can be for cleaning our precious IWC's ( nothing is to good for these babies..right? ) However, please don't take this to the next level that as pure as this water may be, it must be better to drink on a regular basis. Impurities removed in distilled water also include natural minerals which the body needs. Distilled water generally is used for specific purposes. But if you want to avoid as much impurity contact to your watch, go with Distilled. The most important rule would be no matter what degree of fresh water is used, drying the watch thoroughly immediately after rinsing/spot cleaning is your best defense and will produce that "out of the box" look.
One more OCD comment. If I find I will not be wearing watch for awhile, I store it with the QC crystal cover wrapping that came with the original packing. It's just another level of protection IMO. Most would probably discard it. I've asked my AD to save any unwanted ones for me for my other watches and he is kind enough to do it. When I pay him a visit, he always has a half dozen or so waiting for me.
There you go ..... Happy cleaning and enjoy your shiny sparkling IWC.
Best,
Andy
Superb! Much obliged.
V8P
Is it not the same buckle as on Pilot's IWC, with an adjustment button?
And here is a couple ...
and this ...
Just discovered that the warranty card my Inge came with (plastic, credit card size one) has an Art number of my Inge but not the serial number.
EDIT (10/05/13): Went to see the AD. Awaiting a new, proper, warranty card.