Why is IWC replacing its lines with models that look more and more cartoonish by the generation? The pilots watches now look like a joke (although I do often have trouble figuring yesterday's date when I can only see today's so I suppose the new style may be helpful) and the ETA movements delivered as finished are drawing IWC towards the likes of Panerai.
Why are you destroying the company which brought venerable models such as the Mk XII, the Fliegerchrono 3706, and the REAL Big Pilot???
While having wondered the same thing myself on occasion, I look at IWC's past and see some fairly wild offerings. Having just received my Portugieser "Pure Classic" I am reminded that all is not lost, and that IWC does indeed remember "The Honest Watch."
We need to understand that a watch company can't simply remain static and expect to stay in business, and I believe that IWC is given a great deal of autonomy.
Sorry Michael...It is a tricky subject that I think is on people's minds.
without alienating too much of their existing fan base, but ensuring the company's future existence (and growth).... this is a very difficult and fine balancing act of tradition and contemporary appeal. everyone will naturally have their own views... for me having just finally acquired my first ever IWC - a da vinci with ardoise dial (which i know is a line which remains sacrilegious for purists!) - personally i think it's an absolute gem of a piece embodying the past and the future.
no company will ever strike a perfect balance to appeal to everyone, but i think they're on a very good path. particularly as they will always have more traditional lines which will rarely change - like lots of their portuguese models.
as a side mention, i think every company will be vigilant, very careful and not too wild to alienate their original fan base given the experiences of the watch company Zenith (owned by LVMH). this brand is a recent example of a brand that became very exciting with new creations - but veered too far over the edge, upsetting too many purists along the way, that they completely had to 'reboot' (but in my opinion too far the other way!). that company's changes over the last 7 years makes for interesting reading and a lesson to other brands.
vinhthang
ETARules,
I don't understand your comments.
The Pilot's watches are great and are consequently renewed. A 3706 was replaced in 2006 by the 3717. It's a little late to complain about that now.
The new Pilot's line is very strong and a real winner.
Most of the watches now have IWC inhouse movements. For a first post on a first day of membership I really wonder why you've signed up. If you like the old models better, you're free to do that.
I just quoted some passages, some are evidently not true (ETA, destroying), some are a question of taste (cartoonish, joke). To start with the latter: if you don't like some watches, just don't buy them. Time will tell whether so many people share your views that not enough new Pilot's watches will be sold. But the reactions until now seem to indicate that rather the opposite is true, I guess IWC will have trouble producing enough of them in the next year. Which leads to the former: IWC seems to be more successful than ever, so there is no way the company is being destroyed. And the movements used are first class, I guess the Mark XVII is about the best value for money watch you can buy, having a great movement too, a classy workhorse that will not fail you.
Change is the key to success, if you look at the models of, say, the last five decades, you see a development in models, a development in taste. Those companies that chose not to change enough went away, sadly of course. I wonder whether Universal will ever recover from a disastrous road of keeping quiet.
So what is your problem with all this? From your rather agressive and unpleasant tone I infer that you must be hurt by the developments. I would say, this is not worth it as long as you don't lose family or a fortune: again, if you don't like the watches, simply don't buy them.
Kind regards,
Paul
That is a lot of frustration in a first post on IWC's company forum. Not sure why you feel the urge to post this kind of message and what you hope to achieve by doing so. It's like being invited to a diner and loudly complaining the whole evening about the food you don't like. If you were my guest I would have kindly asked you to leave. And Paul is right: this is only about watches, come on, if you don't like them don't buy them and there are really more important matters in life that deserve our attention and energy.
I will stand by what Sunflower and NorbertS have written. But I will add a few additional facts, rather than opinions:
IWC's sales now are many times larger than before. At least by popular opinion they must be doing something right. If anything, IWC is pushing Richemont up.
There are less ETA movements now than ever, and a greater percentage of in-house movements than ever, including entirely in the new Spitfire line. The main reason they haven't done more is price point: less costly models are demanded by the market.
Finally, not as a factual pointe, but like Norbert I wonder about the motivation of someone who comes to a company-sponsored forum, uses an anonymous name, and for his first post frankly tries to piss on the company. Constructive criticism is valid, but this approaches being a troll.
I don't think we need to reply to trolls, since the real intent is to stir controversy rather than meaningful discussion.
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Hidden by on 8 Nov 2018, 4:22 p.m..
A further example of the adage, "De gustibus non disputandum est."
And for what it's worth, as relative newcomer, I very much like some of the new IWC offerings. I can appreciate the design of the Miramars, even if they don't "ring my bell" to the point that I'm planning to buy one. And on the other hand, I'm thoroughly smitten by the new Spitfire Chrono. If they are not reproductions of the past, they still reflect the culture of IWC in current idiom.
And as far as the use of ETA movements is concerned, I've had no reason to complain about the performance of my 3706 or Mark XVI.
Interesting comment but I think you are completely and totally wrong. Richemont has done an outstanding (and surprising) job in allowing the watch maisons to develop during the recession. They could have cut corners and reduced risk to keep the returns to the shareholders. Richemont has not deviated from its strategy and I think Johann Rupert has not only served his shareholders well but has also built the equity in his brands. I may not agree with everything the brand CEOs have done, including Georges Kern, but I believe they have had remarkable freedom from the shareholder to build value. I have seen similar comments as yours from misguided analysts based in Zurich. I trust you're not one of those.
Dear etarules:
I enjoyed reading your post, which reflected tremendous care and concern, not to mention candor, on your part. You clearly love fine watches!
From your comments, I have no way of knowing whether you have ever owned an IWC. If not, you don't know what you're missing. They're technologically marvelous, built to a fare-thee-well . . . and, judging by my beloved Mark XVI, they keep perfect time. Also, like the very best watches, they appear to be built to last indefinitely. I would urge you to consider these qualities of IWC rather than perceived glitz, glamour, or trendiness of the company's products.
IWC is on a roll right now, but I suspect that when the bubble bursts, as burst it eventually must, the company will still be dedicated to making the best watches of which it is capable. Most fans of the company are touched by its admirably unpretentious motto, which has served it well from the beginning, "Probus Scafusia" ("Solid Craftsmanship from Schaffhausen").
As for changes over time in style, size, movement source, or other elements of watch design, here is another Latin saying that seems on point: "Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis" ("Times change, and we change with them).
If there is an authorized IWC dealer in your area, go have a look!
Cheers and Best Wishes,
Donald
(IWC Forum member for two years)
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Hidden by on 8 Nov 2018, 4:22 p.m..
Completely agree and that's why I already regret that I answered at all. Let's talk watches, facts and respectful opinions again.
Hmmm. I admire many brands but I don't necessarily like every watch that every brand makes. I have 2 IWC and there are at least 3 more on my wish list. Not every IWC is on my list to get - that is why there is variety. There is something for everyone. And by the way i have one PAM and one other on my list to get. There are rolexes I like etc. hope you find what you are looking for. Cheers.
There are a few things that I love about IWC, and I will name two.
There is a wide variety in the types of watches offered.
Within each family, there are different price entry points.
The styling of each family, or even watches in each family, will not please everyone, but IWC is doing just fine because buyers and collectors recognize IWC as a company that will continue to innovate and push boundaries. For example, take a look at this report.
I own both a BP and several Panerai. Am not bug a booed by ETA movements and all the nonsense from my viewpoint. If I wanted an incredible high complication movement I would invest in a Patek or maybe A. Lange. But I love the history and if everything goes well, I'd like to sell a couple of other brands and buy a 5002 and a Pam 372 in the future. I think Richemont is doing just fine with IWC and Panerai. In fact I'm pleased with both, and those who don't like them always have the option at these kinds of dollars to vote with their feet.
Best,
Mike
I know that IWC are upsetting some of the purists with their new designs, but you have to remember they have always been innovative particularly with the "sporty" models - think back to GST line in the 90's, or even the Inge before that. I believe the new models will become widely appreciated once the looks have settled in people's minds.
The Portuguese and Portofino lines are obviously more conservative and wisely IWC leaves these to evolve slowly.