I'm enthusiastic when IWC introduces a special edition, whether it be a Becker, Zidane, Plastiki, Volvo, AMG, Boutique, Pisa, or even CF! Doesn't mean I will buy them (small budget, big wishes),...
Don't forget the relatively affordable LPP. Sorry, no controversy, just wanted to be able to say I posted to this historic thread. I reside in North America, so three cheers for the new president ;)[b][/b]
I'm gonna go sit in the corner and play with my new Inge all on my own!!!! :-)
Now look what have you all done... :P
Now that you have the "baby", cast your eyes and heart toward the Momma (666) and the Pappa (866). Then you have the family and can play house.
:-)
Haven't commented in a while but still lurking. I really enjoyed this thread and I look forward to meeting the new president as well at sometime. While IWC has changed,it is important to remember that it still remains far more supportive of the collectors than most other companies. Moreover despite what we collectors may think or wish for, watch companies are in the business of making money and IWC is doing a very good job. Besides if the current focus of the company is on a certain look or style and that is popular with most people, it means more less popular vintage watches for me!
Best regards,
Dan
I was sad to hear of Edouard d'Arbaumont's departure earlier this year and wish him all the best in his next endeavors. Is there any word on who has filled the role as President of IWC North America?
No word yet. I was in contact with Edouard today. He’s in town, NYC, for a week then headed back to Paris.
Sorry to see Edouard go. I sent him a private message shortly after his departure. What a loss.
The same goes with Goris Verburg for North Asia. He too is gone.
Both of them to me are icons ofIWC. I really enjoyed their hospitality and friendship whenever we meet at the boutiques. What a pity, and a great loss to the IWC community.
I sincerely wish them well. Hopefully we will get to see them again in the future.
Who can forget the fantastic Boutique Event and Dinner in 2014 to introduce Edouard to the Collectors
I remember fondly the day spent with the Blues Brothers and Bill
Farewell Edouard, wishing you a fantastic future. 
You come at a certain moment, and then, after a while, you go. You may hope that during that period of time you did an excellent job, according to yourself, and according to your employer and most of the people you worked with. Then, up to the next job, hopefully with the same result.
I reread the whole thread, was really surprised. First, was this only about four years ago? And what a dynamic thread it has been! Not seen this kind of thread here lately, which in my view is not such a good thing. There was a deeply felt involvement from different parties, where right now I feel sympathy for all those involved.
Kind regards,
Paul
I really feel the urge to give an elaborate reply on this topic as I am one of the younger collectors and find this discussion immensely interesting.
First things first.
Gianfranco d'Attis, I wish you all the best at your new position at Chloe. Edouard Maulbon D'Arbaumont, the same applies for you. I wish you good luck in your position.
Honestly , I have never heard of either one of these persons. This doesn’t mean I undermine their efforts and impact on the forum. This being said though, I think they could make a whole lot of more impact if they weren’t switched out in the same ratio a Dunkin Donuts box in a New York police car gets switched out.
I think for any collector of any brand the most important person to go to is a person that can verify authenticity, gives historical information and is a reliable source when confronting them with possible new information who is a lasting liability. When it comes to IWC , you need double D’s
Definitely David.
Long time and experienced collectors can also help you a long way.
Now let’s dive a little deeper in the discussion that has evolved from this simple welcoming post. Very interesting points from both sides of the discussion. I think we really have to make some nuances though. As I understand correctly from some comments, and please correct me when I’m wrong, there is to a certain extend some anxiety about a younger generation lacking interest and the capability of valuing the historical and technical aspect of a watch.
Of course there will always be a group that is fashion driven. No doubt. And yes also these people will find some pieces of IWC attractive and have different priorities. If a commercial company like IWC notices this change, knows how to make money out it to ensure continuity for the company, then I think this is something we all benefit from. At the end of the day. That is the number 1 goal of a any company. Ensuring continuity.
Yet, I don’t think that the majority of IWC buyers are fashion driven (this might be a false assumption, but based on my own experience I would say that). IWC is known to be a technical brand to be all about functionality , practicality and innovation. As more man and woman enter jobs in the technical work field, I find it nothing but logical for IWC to participate in this trend and prepare an interesting offering in watch portfolio to this target demographic. These are persons to value the mechanics and value the historical aspects of the watch.
Also, the last decade where we have seen a huge appreciation of vintage watches which had to do for a big deal with the rise of social media. Well…my granddad does not use any social media. What I like to say with this is that in different price segments , a broader awareness was being planted to a younger generation. What also came with this is the availability of information and resources. The younger generation also knows where to find these resources.
So what about the older guys? Are they so far off? Are they not that in touch with the younger people at all?
Absolutely not.
The older guys are regarded as the most respected guys. They can make your doubts go away, tell interesting stories and introduce you to other collectors etc.. See how respected John Goldberger is. Talking about the atmosphere of the younger collectors. For this reason I cannot emphasize enough how important the contributions of the older ( I would prefer to say “ more experienced”) collectors are. I am also getting tired every now and then of seeing the same wrist shots over and over again. But I love the wide variety of collectors. Both from cultural background , as watch knowledge background. Everyone teaches each other.
I absolutely agree that some pieces are leaning for more towards the fashion part rather than the part that IWC became known for in it’s glory days. I personally believe that such companies as IWC have an institutional value and should preserve that value. For example. If Patek would switch completely to quartz , you would be seriously pissed. They would never do it, partly because they are very aware of there institutional value. This value should also be carried out in terms of key design of the different collection if you ask me. And yes, every brand has it’s hits and misses and told earlier by another collector. You should never get out of touch with your true DNA.
Now I would like to end my comment with saying the following.
I personally don’t see how some actions of current members limit the likeability of the forum for people from a certain geographical area. I think it’s very ironic that in a culture where having “face” is so important, they apparently don’t show theirs on the forum.
I mean, if you would like to see changes on the forum , wouldn’t the forum itself be a good place to start to propose these possible changes to?
Hahahaha thank you Larry. I appreciate that you like my take on this topic.
On a completely different note, I am researching the reference 866 more and more lately and I really like your elaborate artcile on the Inge. I have read all parts with great pleasure. Thank you so much.