I am about to buy a 5001 Portuguese automatic (steel; blue hands).
Somewhere i have read that there is a difference between pre- and post 2007 models.
i am curious to know what these differences are and whether they materially affect the quality of this, otherwise stunning, watch.
finall, is there any way to tell the production year of the watch by looking at the reference numbrs on the back?
thanks in advance
Portuegese
Hi Adriaan,
I hope this picture (for IWC forum only) may help you. It illustrates the development of the whole caliber family 5xxxx.
[
](s294.photobucket.com/albums/mm101/flyrobyfly/?action=view¤t=Calibre5xxxxEvolution.jpg)
I suggest also to search into the archives, a great source of knowledge. f.i. searching: "Date your IWC" you'll find the answer to your last question.
The following link will guide you to a very beautiful review about 5001.
Last but not least, the other forumers, more expert than me, will be able to tell you more about this amazing watch.
Regards,
Roberto
On dating a contemporary watch...
There is no easy way to tell. The best you can do is by extrapolation or by finding a reference point. For example, if you have the serial number of a watch introduced in 2007, and your number is later, then it is highly likely that your watch was not produced before 2007.
The 5001 didn't change on January 1, 2007 and finding the year won't tell you. The best you can do is to get the calibre (movement number) and look and the chart flyrobyfly36 posted to show you is you have a newer movement. But also the differences in movements are so technical that it shouldn't matter --all 5001 movements should work fine.
Regards,
Michael
On dating a contemporary watch...
Many thanks for your helpful comments.
