Proof that white dial Mark is REAL!

No, not THAT white dial- calm down Clep, OneRedTrim, et.al.

But in the year 2000, the Köln jeweler Gadebusch, celebrating their 150 years, offered a special Mark XV, in 50 individually numbered pieces, with a white dial.

It had the base calibre ETA 2982-2, IWC 37524. Later, IWC introduced for the US market another white dial Mark XV. It differed from the Gadebusch in that the dial had "Mark XV" on the dial, and no special engravings on the back. It was not made in limited numbers as far as I know.

The post last week by Thang about his and Arne's great voyage to Zegg to pick up their special 'branded' watches made me remember my own voyage back in the year 2000. I know many of you have heard this before, but for those of you who have not, here is a short recap.

In 2000, not only was there no Euro, but the US dollar was very strong to the German Mark. I had contacted Gadebusch about getting one of these pieces, and during the phone conversation, they mentioned they also had a three piece box set of the Calibre 5000 in SS, RG, and PT. There would be 2000 pieces of each of these metals made, and the first 100 of these were sold as a box set with matching numbers.

I was able to strike a deal with Gadebusch whereby they would not only fly me over to Köln and put me in the great Hotel im Wasserturm (a wonderful hotel- try to stay there sometime), but I would get the Port set and the white Mark for such a little amount of money I still can't believe it.

So on a Thursday I left for Köln, and flew back to the US on Sunday with my four new additions. Quite a whirlwind trip, but one I'll always remember.

And Clemens, here is a another bonsai tree for you-

I'd like to hear of other great stories of the lengths we go to to follow our great IWC hobby.

Nelson

Great story Nelson. And the great thing is, that even 13 years later, thinking of your trip fills you with joy.

I agree with Giovanni, a great story. There's nothing like a good financial crisis to create opportunities to pick up watches at a good price, if you're willing to be creative.

Oh the exitement of it all!

Absolutely perfect example of "doing what neccesary" to feed Übervirus and the joy of collecting.

Whilst I knew the story, it's absolutely fantastic to be reminded of it again.

Nelson thanks for sharing, I was not aware to this before your post.
The watches are beautiful.
You need to plan a trip to NYC soon, so we can get Bill and Evan together for a GTG.

Regards,
Kevin

Thank you very much for the wonderful story Nelson. Great of you to also post a Bonsai shot, it looks great! Do you know how old it is?

Kind regards,

Clemens

Nelson, thanks for sharing. GREAT story about your massive 4x acquisition back in 2000 ... not only outdoing Arne and I by quantity (we could only manage a measly 1x each) but you even got them to pay for you travel/hotel!

... all we got was a blank stare when arguing (pleading!?) for a discount!

Regards,
Thang

Not sure why, but I can't remember ever hearing that story. That must have been quite an exciting trip! I love reports like that! So much fun to live vicariously.

Nelson,

Talk about rolling out the "Red Carpet" for you...a mini vacation and a hat trick plus one. How good is that?

Thang,

GEEEESSSHHH....that blows me away that there was no wiggle room on a team purchase like that. From your description of a " blank stare " I take it not even a gift with purchase was included. You'd think at least a hat...even if it was one with mouse ears.

Andy

Wonderful story, Nelson. Love that platinum 5000.

Thang - check your receipt, you probably paid extra for the blank stare.

LOL..LOL...LOL

Good story Nelson.
Why are you teasing ORT? Inquiring minds wanna know.
BTW, the Platinum and the Steel watches swapped places, while you were not paying attention. :-)

Hi Nelson,

My 'best' story is that I put a 'want to buy IWC ref. 866 silver dial' on a few watch sites.... and ended up with this...

Long story short:
- well known collector/trader from Schaffhausen offered me a blue one.
- we agreed a price.
- I booked a hotel to collect the watch in Schaffhausen.
- 1 day before I left I was informed that "the watch was missing"... I was really angry and upset as you can imagine.
- few weeks later the watch was found again, since it was supposed to have been at a exhibition for IWC?!
- without me paying anything (!) he sent me the watch AND a NOS ref.10 bracelet (in the original plastic wrapping).
- the rest is history: one of my favourite watches (for)ever!!!

Best regards,

Bob

Hi Bob,
Everytime I see that watch my knees buckle with envy for a couple of seconds but it soon changes into admiration. That model is arguable to most collectible of all Ref 866.
You got it, and you were not even looking for it, but now that you have it, its a keeper. Outstanding story.

Bob, love that story- it's one with a good ending, and it proves that these watches eventually go where they belong!

NELSON

Bob,

Love that story. The best ones always seem to appear by unconventional means.

Both the stories are great. Love that Ingenieur.

And picking up 4 in one trip?? Jealous.