• Connoisseur
    2 Dec 2016, 8:58 a.m.

    Just wishing to know (no rubber coated watch purchased yet, but playing with the idea of having one):
    1. - does IWC re-vulcanize (re-coat) the rubber cases/backs and/or bezel rims of the Aquatimer Galapagos Island ref. 376705 and the 379502 series if needed (in case of either coating injury or normal wear)?
    2. - if yes, till how many years from purchase does IWC warrant do this?
    3. - taking todays prices approximately how much does a re-coating cost - in case of the watch case/back and bezel, respectively?
    4. - same question regarding replacement of other rubber coated parts (crown, pushers, pusher guards)

    Excuse me if all the above questions might have been discussed earlier - in this case a few good links will do for me too... :)

    Thank you in advance for any kind input!
    Best regards,
    Robert

  • Master
    2 Dec 2016, 10:54 a.m.

    I have a SLR Nikon F90X where the rubber has gone sticky after 12 years. You wouldn't want a watch costing approx three times the cost of the camera when new if it's going to become sticky after a few years. No doubt the composition of the rubber is different but would I want a watch coated in it or similar?

  • Connoisseur
    2 Dec 2016, 8:36 p.m.

    Hey Robert,

    this is something I asked the IWC staff during the last collector´s day in Schaffhausen when we visited the service department. They told me that they are able to refurbish rubber coated watches without any problem. In a first step the rubber is completely removed from the steel case and then a new rubber coating is applied. So technically this should be no concern.
    I do not have any info on the cost for this service though.