Considering the WG 5001 with Ardoise dial, a couple questions....

Like some here, I love the Ardoise dial of the white gold Port 5001. I'm considering purchase of one, but have a couple quick questions. First, is IWC using un-plated white gold, or do this plate it with rhodium like some manufacturers. Also, I've read about accuracy issues with some of these, which frankly I'm not largely bothered by (i prefer a nice long power reserve, to some COSC accurate watch). That said, upon first service, is IWC installing the improved parts used in the new Port movement to try to stabilize accuracy in the older movement?

Thank you for any info!

Cheers!

Douglas

PS: if anyone would like to share some of the WG Port 5001 in pictures, I'm happy to see them! This watch is true eye-candy!

IWC has not used rhodium plating on WG since 2002.

Regarding the movement, the 51011 calibre movements with a single long mainspring had some people worried about it running a bit fast. In my opinion, that was because they typically insisted on having their watch all the time at maximum 7-day power reserve. A watch with a very long mainspring typically runs a bit fast at maximum power reserve, and then gradually slows down a bit when the power reserve goes down, so that on average it runs perfectly ok.

I have owned a 5001-14 since 2010, and I have never experienced any accuracy issues.

Anyway, apparently to address the concerns, when IWC introduced the new 52010 caliber in 2015, they switched to a twin barrel construction.

I gently disagree with this statement. Ususally, a watch runs most accurate when the mainspring is fully wound. With lower power reserve, i.e. with lower mainspring torque, the amplitude decreases and the watch starts to run faster (because of reduced friction distance).

Having said that, I personally own three watches with Cal. 51XXX and they all run within +4 s/d when fully wound.

Hi Douglas,

I'm a big fan of the 5001 WG and don't understand why it was discontinued, but still..... here are some pictures of mine, on the last 2 pictures you see the current strap: a dark brown Santoni (a MUST add-on).

Regards,

Bob

PS: and mine is indeed running fast, but I don't mind

Beautiful photos Bob!