Portuguese Chrono Split Second RG HELP... 371204

IWC experts, please help...

I am in the process of acquiring a discontinued Portuguese Rattrpante RG IW371204. I have found one piece that is very close to be finalized, however upon closely looking again, I noticed that this particular watch's crown is not signed. No "fish" logo on the crown. BTW, this is a pre-2000 watch and comes with the original box and papers.

My question is, did IWC ever produced this watch with un-signed crown?

This will be a keeper for me so I would not be willing to purchase one in a non-original condition.

Thank you very much for reading and I hope someone in the know could share his knowledge...

I think it was around 2002 or 2003 the probius crown started to be in use:

www.iwc.com/forum/en/discussion/11822/

Yr watch could have had its fish crown replaced. To determine if the watch is real, do post pics (without reference to the commercial site).

There are watches without fish crown, however: A 3712 should have one. If it doesn't, that would be a reason to re-negociate the price.

Appreciate your input, Shing.
Unfortunately I cannot post the picture because all the photos are watermaked, so it is impossible for me to show them without showing the owner's site.

Anyway, the watch seems to be very much in order. It's just that the crown is not signed.

After reading the link that you suggested, I noticed that MB 75 mentioned about how ref866 models should have fish logo on the crown and anything prior to ref866 not to have anything on the crown. Looking at the timeline of ref866, I think it is safe for me to say that all IW3712 should come with either fish or PB logo since they are produced long after ref866?

I guess this is a simple open and shut case now then...

Thank you again for pointing me to the right direction Shing...

I don't believe MB75 is correct; there was inconsistent use of the fish crown way before the ref 866, But all 3712s had a fish crown, and none had a Probus crown.

Gentlemen,

Thank you very much for taking the time to chime in. I am now certain that the watch is actually not in it's original condition, has been serviced (not by IWC) and the crown replaced with a generic RG crown.

I wish I could simply forget about this watch and move on with my search but I was really hoping that this is the one, the end of my search.

Anyways, may I ask for your thoughts if faced with this situation? I take it that REGULATEUR seems not too worry about the overall condition, which I tend to concur.

Thank you again guys...

When u say 'generic crown' do I mean the 'probius' crown?

Unfortunately not. It is a no-logo, plain RG crown.

Pardon my ignorance, but does any of you think that this plain crown is a deal-breaker? I really want to know experts' point of view on this because above $10K watch purchase is not something that I do regularly...

For me personally if it is not an original IWC crown, it will definitely be a deal breaker. I can accept it if for any (proper) reasons it underwent a change in Schaffausen - but that would still be an original IWC crown.

To me, if

A) the crown was absolutely identical in size, shape and color (but for the engravings), and

B) I wouldn't intend to ever sell or trade the watch, then

It'd be fine.

To play devil's advocate, as long as you're sure nothing else on the watch been modified, you could always get IWC to replace the non-IWC crown with a legitimate RG fish crown right?

Thank you so much for sharing the thought on this.
As I have to travel soon to the location of the seller (coincides with my business travel - so I'm combining it with pleasure as well :)), I have come to a conclusion of my own. Of course, my conclusion is based on the input that I have received from here.

Given:
1. Watch is not in original condition
2. I am not expert enough to tell if the movement is as it should be even when I open the back case
3. This is a purchase for a watch that I have been searching for for so long. A keeper.
4. Hoping to still have long years ahead of me... :)

I decided to pass on this opportunity. One other reason is that someone closer is offering a stainless steel 3714. I believe that this is a good way to have my thirst a bit quenched while I keep on searching for the right piece. Having it in SS is also a good option for my future 3712, so I can wear it everyday, as opposed to a more formal RG material.

Once again I thank you all for friendly and knowledgeable inputs. This is indeed a great site with great people inside!

By the way, the piece that I am being offered is priced reasonably. For those interested in acquiring it (or at least checking it out), welcome to PM me for the seller's detail.

Live long and prosper...

Joey
jbudhiman@yahoo.com

Latest Update:
I decided to aqcuire the watch!
No regret. Very mint condition. Perfect sample of a loved discontinued watch. Running like a charm. Very accurate (+2/day). Perfect size. Decent power reserve - 47 hours after full winding. But of course, came with a non-original crown :). As
Oh by the way, did I mention that I purchased the SS regular chronograph too...

My automatic 7 days just got new competitions for wrist time!

Thank you all for the input given...

Congratulations, now you just have to post a few pictures. In the meantime, enjoy your new watch and wear it in good health.

Kind regards,

Clemens