Why Do People Bash on The Entry-Level IWC Watches on Their Movements?

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have always wondered why people bash on IWC's entry level watches such as the Portofino Automatic with modified movements?

What are your opinions regarding this matter?

Grüße aus Manchester,

Calvin

Calvin,

IWC sells many thousands of these fine looking, mechanically sound watches. If they weren't popular they would be discontinued.
IMHO, they are a great way to introduce the IWC brand to a wide band of people who may catch the virus and buy many more IWCs with in house movements.
Remember "you can't please all the people all the time".

Kevin

Like Kevin says the Portofino line is a beautiful entry level IWC with excellent movements and design.

I'm not quite sure who bashes. Most of the time people enquire about the watches and the movements, maybe they are disappointed that not all IWC watches have in-house movements, certainly when they think in-house movements are better. Sometimes I think that those who bash are those that cannot afford a watch with an in-house movement.

Kind regards,
Paul

For anyone who bashes, ask them a simple question: what technically is wrong with the movements? Over many years, I have not heard anyone who has been able to articulate any design or assembly or performance flaw or issue.

Candidly, these people have no ability to evaluate a movement, and their concerns are really based on perceived exclusivity.

Could not agree more...

Allow me to add a perspective. I suppose one could look at it from another viewpoint and that is, to ( for example ) ETA, their 2892 is a "in-house" since they built it. Would those who bash using a ETA in a IWC feel the same if a "in-house" Patek was used ? Just a thought...

I have had plenty of entry level IWCs with non in-house movements and all have done the job very well. Never an issue for me.

well said!

Calvin

Entry level? I don't see it that way. I know there is a difference but I love them all. I just bought a JC Aquatimer. Pick it up duty free in a few weeks. Can't wait to get it.

"The Entry Level" is the biggest catch of them all... I know :o)

The Portofino is just one beautiful watch and I do not mind that the movement is not 100% in house. Who can tell each and every one of all the single parts are technically 100% in-house for the other movements. If the company sets its name on it, it means for me it is trusted. Why shouldn't I trust it then ?

It just makes the people to "overcome the luxury barrier". If they were not satisfied with the "entry level", they wouldn't go further. And the ones who are bashing are just snobs and not watch (mechanical engineering) lovers. They just do not understand. (oh sorry for such hard words, but... ;o)

Agreed. 100%

Calvin, this a strictly English speaking forum - German is not allowed here.

Regards,
David

My bad apologies!

Calvin

People bashing IWC's with ETA? Never had these kind of reactions. And I never had the feeling my IWC was less then others, besides of the price tag. But still, for the amount of money I bought my Portofino I can buy 100 other watches that will show the time. And the "cheap" as well the expensive IWC's scream quality and IWC. ETA or not.

First, I'll be the first to admit that I'm one of those folks Michael mentioned who lacks the expertise to personally evaluate a movement. I absolutely lack the technical knowledge.

Second, some of my very favorite watches remain the 3706, 3255, 3717 and 3777, all with the modified ETA movements. Those I have have given me excellent service, and the designs suit my tastes. My 3717 Sptifire and my 378407 (the AMG Ingenieur Big Chrono -- with a proprietary movement) are probably my most frequently worn watches -- with the 3777 close behind.

Third, I wouldn't be surprised if some proprietary movements from some manufacturers are technically fairly ordinary.

And finally, some watches from well known makers with technically highly sophisticate movement are, to my taste, simply grotesque.