You've seen photos here of the Collectors' Forum Pilot's Chronograph as they have trickled in. I think virtually everyone reports that the watch is a stunner.
While you no longer can request a specific number, you can still order the watch through many IWC Boutiques, which will have been allocated limited quantities for special orders.
If you need further information here, feel free to contact me.
I'll be taking a look at the CF3 at my local boutique when available to see what it looks like in the flesh. Maybe I will be tempted, looking forward to it in any case!!
You probably won't see it then. It's intended as a special item only. If a Boutique has one for delivery to a customer, they might be able to show it to you first, if your timing is fortuitous or you arrange this in advance.
Michael
I see that the CF3 has the CALIBRE89365 which is also in the IW387802. A few previous posts on the forum have referred to some problems with this calibre, namely the watch stopping completely when the fly back function is used, with some noting that this problem was not rectified even after returning the watch to IWC for repair.
Has this problem now been fixed? Have there been many reported issues? Or has this never really been a problem?
Thanks, I really like the look of the CF3 and the members that now have it seem to be very happy indeed!
Michael, I hope you are fortunate to sell the stock. Given the price tag, I would never buy it before seeing it in flesh - but that's me with my budget contraints. Pictures never reveal the real impression a watch makes.
I myself will wait for SIHH 2015, where we will have the chance to see and touch the new inhouse calibres of IWC in the DaVinci line.
Quick replies:
@Regulateur --that's fine (although I don't believe you felt that way about the Collectors' Forum Portuguese Perpetual in steel that you were petitioning for several years ago). And also I think you are wrong about the rumor you mentioned for 2015.
@Fernieboy --you may have an unfortunately distorted perception here, based on one or two recent and vociferous internet complaints. The flyback and basic Chrono mechanism in calibre 89365 is the same as 89361 and it has been essentially problem free for over 7 years absent a recent post or two, I personally have known people or members here with perhaps over 100 such watches (also in the Da Vinci line) with never a problem. There is no inherent defect or overall problem, although I don't minimize that one or two very recent users have reported a genuine concern (still, I can't evaluate their use or any accident, etc.). There is no generic or design problem, and there has not been in many thousands of watches over 7+ years.
That said, I would ask that new topics be included in new posts. My post was simply to inform new visitors here that the CF3 watch still could be obtained, if desired.
I'd really love to get in but I have decided for another piece that I wanted more than any other watch.
But I really appreciate your and IWC's efforts and this watch. The service on this forum is unique and outstanding.
Thanks Michael, I was just checking and you've put my mind at rest. I have noted your point about new topics should be under new posts, and I won't make the same mistake again. Anyway, I'm getting my pilot order in now :-)
Ivan,
Congrats to that decision, you will not regret!
I saw the prototype at SIHH and will eventually pick up mine on Monday. It's really cool.
/Anders
Good move Ivan - we look forward to welcoming you as a full fledged forum member with many posts sharing your enjoyment of this great CF3 piece with us.
I agree that rarely does a picture match seeing it in the metal. Let me say, I was maybe sold 75%" on the CF3' and now that I've been wearing it for 3 days, for totally sold on it. And wife who rarely comments on a watch, wants to wear mine (cringe). It is a stunning piece and the whole package (strap, dial, hands, date window, and finishing) marks for a very rare and special piece.
...It is a stunning piece and the whole package (strap, dial, hands, date window, and finishing) marks for a very rare and special piece.[/QUOTE]
I fully agree on that. I've been wearing it for 4 days and it is a great timepiece. I personally like most the beige colour of the hands, numbers and marks, as well as the single window date.
Cheers Chris
I should not, but i am seriously thinking about this one. It is really stunning, and how the time goes by..its getting even more and more.
Do it - it's a very special piece ...
Best,
-christian
I got to see the CF3 piece this weekend in the flesh at my local boutique.......can i pull the trigger, i'm still not sure, it's a beautiful piece but IWC have so many stunning time pieces that I still don't know for sure what will be my next IWC purchase!!
I've been following all the CF 3 meeting posts (which have all been a fantastic read) ...... I loved seeing the Z&C Big Pilot PPC, that to me is absolutely stunning.
If I decide on a CF3 and it's sold out then that is my bad luck, I should of acted earlier but I will still enjoy my current collection and look forward to purchasing another IWC that is on my ever expanding wish list.
Best regards
Jonathan
Jonathan: Check the 2nd hand IWCs of earlier years, i.e. Porsche Design watches. You can get really fine timepieces of IWC history and importance for a small percentage of the price of this artificially made-up "collectors item", and they still look like modern watches should.
That is a pretty offensive statement given how much effort went into the CF3 and how much those who have purchased love it. Some people just see the world in a strange way I guess.
I have enjoyed all the build up and excitement over the CF3. got to say this is my first experience on this forum that I have read negativity towards another members purchase.
I haven't picked my CF3 up yet but nobody will dampen my excitement over my first IWC purchase. I have spent over two yrs saving up for this watch and intend to cherish it.
David