• Master
    27 Dec 2012, 2:36 p.m.

    Hi All,

    This site (Collection>Portuguese>ref.3714) reports the numerals for ref. 3714, as "embossed". I've always known, the numerals were applied since years already.

    Is this:

    1) My mistake (numerals were always embossed)
    2) A site's mistake
    3) New process so the numerals went from being embossed to applied and now embossed again

    Could someone please clarify?

    Thanks!

  • Master
    27 Dec 2012, 3:09 p.m.

    Greetings Roberto,

    I too am interested in the answers to your questions. When I purchased my 3714-45 back in April my AD told me the markers were embossed and RG plated. The only change for 2012 was the strap was upgraded to deployant.

    I would like to add one additional question to your list. If it turns out the markers are currently applied, are they plated or solid RG ? Curious...

    Regards,

    Andy

  • Master
    27 Dec 2012, 3:10 p.m.

    I read that the older models were embossed and the newer models are applied. I don't know when the change occured.

    Kind regards,
    Paul

  • Connoisseur
    28 Dec 2012, 9:16 p.m.

    Hi Guys,
    Paul is correct. Models upto 2005/2006 had embossed numerals on the dial as a nod to this feature in the design of the original Portuguese watches. Later models all have applied numerals.
    Personally, I find the modern dials are sharper looking and ooze quality. At the end of the day,'Embossed' is just a fancy way of describing a stamped-out dial with minimal operations in its manufacture.
    Leo

  • Master
    28 Dec 2012, 9:41 p.m.

    Hi Leo,

    Thanks for the clarification. I was always wondering how the markers looked so thick and sharp edged to be embossed, although if mine was truly embossed, excellent work IWC !

    Can you address whether the markers on the current models are plated or solid RG?

    Thanks,

    Andy

  • Master
    28 Dec 2012, 11:12 p.m.

    Hi Roberto,

    The older Portuguese Perpetuals also have embossed dials. My Pisa certainly does.

    I didn't check what the dials on the first Portuguese 7-days were, but I guess they are embossed too.

    Kind regards,

    Clemens

  • Connoisseur
    28 Dec 2012, 11:20 p.m.

    The original Portuguese 7-day, ref. 5000, had an embossed dial. That was changed when the current 7-day, ref. 5001, was introduced.

  • Master
    29 Dec 2012, 8:14 a.m.

    Mucho Gracias Leo