• Apprentice
    13 Jul 2014, 10:03 a.m.

    I went by an IWC store the other day an realised that I will not able to resist these beauties much longer. I have had an unfortunate experience in the past* but this is now forgotten. Would the Portuguese Chronograph, almost a classic model by now, fit the following profile?

    My priority is accuracy and reliability. It should be a robust companion that I can trust. Not having to service every second year.
    Many words have been written about in house vs mass production movements. Being an owner of both categories I tend to have a pragmatic opinion. Would I prefer aircraft engines to be: "New and innovative, including features unique of its kind" rather than "An enhancement and refinement of a proven design"? No thanks.

    • Bought a Ingenieur 3227 that never worked. Three warranty repairs the first 10 months made no difference. I then gave the watch away. Know what you are thinking, but the purchase was made in Asia so a return was difficult.
  • Master
    13 Jul 2014, 10:54 a.m.

    All my IWC movements have proved to be quite reliable. The movement of my 3717 is the 79320, ETA-based, maybe the 79350 is Sellita-based, I'm not sure. What happened to your 3227 is quite unfortunate, and a glitch I am sure: I have two 80110/80111 movements and never encountered a problem. To me, it is quite important to buy my watches at an official AD, they just take care of the problems you mentioned: I know of one case where after a few mishaps the watch was taken back. Giving/throwing away EUR 5.000+ is not exactly what I have in mind. Good luck on your new watch, show it around here when you have it!

    Kind regards,
    Paul

  • Connoisseur
    13 Jul 2014, 3:04 p.m.

    I've had a 3714 for many years. I have yet to service it, and it continues to keep good time. I don't rate-test watches, but if I wear this watch day after day, I don't need to reset the minute hand for at least 10-11 days.
    If you choose the 3714 you are buying a classic. Good luck.

  • Master
    14 Jul 2014, 9:10 a.m.

    The Eta / Valjoux movements are among the best concerning reliability.
    I had a few and never had one problem. Go for the one you like most.

  • Master
    14 Jul 2014, 1:49 p.m.

    79350 is also ETA-7750 based. Unlike the 79320, which is essentially just an ETA-7750, 79350 is a modified one with a sub-dial removed to make the dial appears to be more balanced.

    79350 is a very reliable movement. I would say go for the Portuguese Chronograph.

  • Graduate
    20 Jul 2014, 12:11 p.m.

    I recently bought the IWC Portuguese, a calibre 79350 and it is perhaps the 2nd most accurate watch i have ever owned, (the first being my Rolex Explorer which was pretty much +- 0.5 or so every day, so 1 second maybe every other day).

    The IWC runs a solid and consistent +1 a day, which for me is an incredibly tight margin and extremely happy with it. I used the chronograph a couple of times also, the seconds hands hit bang centre when reset. Ofcourse I would not expect any less from such a timepiece but its astonishing how poorly some "expensive" watches are regulated these daysim looking at my Panerai LOL.

    Go with your heart!