I think IWC, with the introduction of two models, have very eloquently answered Mr Mayer's open letter.
The Pilot CF3 and Portugieser Hand-wound 8 days 75th Anniversary show what IWC can do, how much they do value collectors and how a modern watch can embody so much history and heritage.
I say WELL DONE IWC!!!
somehow, i see Mr. Mayer's concern as grounded. I made this consideration as a result of the following events:
1. In 2014 (summer 2014?), IWC released a limited edition of the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar single moon. That limited edition differed from the other ordinary ones only for the case material: it was steel.
I am sure the buyer of that limited edition would have anger towards IWC for having been induced to buy a product unaware of the fact that few months after it would have been dropped.
If you were him, how would you react?
Hi Giovanni
Well, I'm not him so I don't know how I would react.
What I can say:
1. there won't be a CF4 for the foreseeable future.
2. There won't be another Portugieser 75th Anniversary ever!
That would be like getting angry at a car maker for releasing a new model with an updated engine of the car you had bought 12 months earlier. Doesn't really make sense. I would still be ecstatic with the Perpetual I had chosen.
Cheers,
Jarrod
It also wouldn't bother me one iota. I would love to have the Portuguese Perpetual in steel. The fact that there are newer models with a different "engine" wouldn't change the fact that I still would own a beautiful timepiece, well-engineered and one that keeps excellent time.
If I bought a 1940s original Portuguese Ref. 325 I would not feel short-changed if newer Portuguese models were introduced.
Mark, I'd completely agree. My own view is that the pieces John Mayer knows and loves remains there to this day, he's just not looking hard enough / getting distracted by the greater offerings (which you can't blame IWC for innovating and broadening to a wider base).
Regards,
Thang
New watches are released every year, as IWC also explained to mr Mayer. But you choose the one you love at a given point in time, and i hope you choose well.
If you dont choose you may never own a watch, waiting for the next best thing. That would be a pitty. Better will be buying a second and third watch in the years after, and you will even more apreciate your first watch seeing it back after a few weeks rest. Built a collection or trade in old ones for a new model or family. It can be an endless journey to discover more and more. With already 6 references in the PPC line there was already a lot to choose from , and change over the years in case size and number of moons.
There was no steel version, except for the Cellini version, so if you choose that last year it must have been for the case metal and design. No competition there from the new models i would argue.
A point were i do agree with mr Mayer is the release of some special editions, the most unholy beeing the commercial edition of the Jubilee for a magazine .... with product name on the back. A Disgrace to one of IWC grails i think.
But i forgive them with these new movements ( ceramic parts !!! front line enginering and design , IWC sets a new standard folks ) and the glorious and respectful design of the aniversary models. Excellent with 2 new complications, and 3 new in house movements, lots of DNA there too.
John Mayer , dont you want one ?????
I surely want one!!!!
I think they made a great job with the new ones. My first purchase was in 1998. Last in 2013. Both of them memorable watches and getting back to the previous emails, I have no regrets. I remember the dealer telling me: you will see how IWC line-up will look like in few years. It will be amazing.
He was right. The only problem is: I really would like to have one of them.....
Nevertheless, I would be very sorry if it was me to have purchased the steel version of the perpetual calendar.
The CF3 is the best answer one can give to Mr. Mayer.
The steel Portuguese PC was an LE who's counterpart doesn't exist as a production piece in the 2015 line up, so I doubt that any owners are feeling buyers remorse right about now. Hell, my Top Gun BPPC is scheduled to be updated with the new 52000-series movement and a slightly smaller case, but I couldn't care less. My watch is my watch, and over the course of the past couple of years that I've owned it I have developed a sentimental attachment to the beastie – my son will be wearing it with pride long after I'm gone.
Regards,
Adam
I did; and I don't feel short-changed.
The CF3 and the new Portuguese hand-wound are strong arguments that IWC still knows something about its illustrious history.