First IWC purchase. Which one?

Good afternoon everyone,

Been a member here but with no posts, nor actual introduction.

My name is Kyu from Los Angeles, 29 years old, currently employed as a project manager for a Process Engineering Company.

My obsession with watches have eventually led me to finally getting my first IWC from my fiance as an engagement gift, and thankfully, she understands my obsession and actually gave me a budget to pick a watch from rather than getting me the typical Rolex, Cartier and etc.

The set budget is under $6,000.

What would everyone recommend or suggest?

I currently have my eyes on the Aquatimer Chrono in Blue.

Any suggestions?

Hi Kyu

Welcome here!

I guess a VC Inge would be nice or one of the new pilots. Let us know your choice!

She sounds like an understanding and very wonderful woman!

My very first IWC was a Mark XV, aboiut 12 years ago. For a first IWC today and as an engagement gift, I have two to recommend. Both are recent models in a long line of IWC classics, both exude the IWC DNA, and neither will likely go "out of date" for some time, if ever.

1. Vintage Collection Ingenieur - dressy and sporty, this is a great all around watch. List price (in the US) is $7300 but with decent shopping you (she) should be able to find a new piece from an AD within your budget.

2. Mark XVII - again, a watch that can serve as either dressy (on black alligator strap) or sporty (on bracelet or brown strap). If you do not care for the triple date feature, you can probably still find the predecessor Mark XVI in stock at some AD's.

Whatever you choose, you really won't go wrong with IWC. Please do post pictures of it here when you get it! And by all means hang around and join the fun!

Will definitely keep you guys posted.
Planning on visiting the IWC shop in Beverly this weekend to see how I feel about the watches in person.

My dream watch right now is the white face yacht club..
Such a beautiful watch.
Maybe get to try it on again for the 139497325th time to get myself motivated.

hahaha

A blue AT is an excellent choice. One of the favorite AT watches for forum members is the white dial AT 2000. But the chrono is an upgrade. There are two versions. The most recent has identical blue subdials. Older stock has silver subdials and orange accents. I like the all blue version.
Some have ordered their AT's with bracelets. Others like the rubber strap. Its really a matter of personal preference.
Post some pics once you decide.

If you intend the purpose of the watch to be for everyday use, I would suggest the Pilot Chronograph Ref. 3777 on a steel bracelet; this watch has the day as well as date. The case diameter is 43 mm. It is equally suitable to wear for sporty, casual and suited occasions, in my opinion. PS: It's also anti-magnetic so should not have problems with security scanning equipment in airports etc.

Welcome to the IWC Collectors' Forum, Kyu! My first IWC was a Pilot, followed quickly by a VC Ingenieur. They have a great staff at the Beverly Hills Boutique. Tell Hoa your budget and let him show you some choices...I believe you will come away with something you will be proud to own. The forum members here have given you some great suggestions as a starting point.

Hello and welcome!

I think the Blue AT is very cool!!!!!!

Have you also considered the Cousteau AT, with just a slightly different color combination?

I may have some information for you. Feel free to email me directly at notenoughwatches at gmail dot com

Excellent problem you have...

something 'sporty' classic ?

something 'vintage' classic ?

something sporty ?

this one I would recommend most:

the above is assuming you wish to purchase brand new, and with fair amount of hunting for a good deal.

Or, just break the bank, go into debt, and get this beauty!!

Welcome to the forum Kyu !

My choice will be between :

1. Pilot watch - The now discontinued IW 3717 Pilot chrono or the Spitfire chrono. You can also consider the new Pilot chrono IW 3777.

2. The Vintage Ingenieur.

3. Portofino chronograph Ref 391007/8.

The reason being the same as Dick and Shing advised.

Vishal.

KYU, I would recomend the V.C. Ingenieur Laeureus, beautifuly blue & classic.

Zyxtimer

\DAVID\Pictures\PHOTOfunSTUDIO\20120713[/img]Good day, my first IWC purchase to add to my very small watch collection, (Omega, TAG, Breitling and the obligatory Rolex), is a Portofino Perpetual Calendar, circa 1998, case No. 2461533.(Pictured below, hopefully, any hints about how to do that?). It's a true work of art, just need a few extra links for the bracelet to fit my newly discovered chubby wrists. I have written to IWC customer service in London and set them the challenge. Fingers crossed for a speedy and positive response, anyone comment on their customer service experiences?
Cheers

David2001

Kyu,

Welcome and how exciting it is picking out your first IWC. You indicate that the Aquatimer "blue" Chrono has caught your eye. Very nice ! In addition, you mention that the Port. Yacht Club is your dream. Very Very Nice ! Sounds like you have "Sporty" in mind.

Many fine suggestions have been offered already. My personal choices for your first would be any of the following:

Recently retired Pilot Chrono (3717)

Port Chrono (3714)

AT2000 White Dial (3568)

Being in the L.A. area will give you the advantage of a IWC Boutique as well as a number of AD's within a reasonable driving distance. The iconic 3717 in SoCal will probably be the biggest challenge to find at an AD. The boutique may be the best bet if you are interested. It's a real value. The 3714 is a wonderful Chrono with a design that reflects your dream Yacht Club. It's look is very sporty and semi-dress when necessary. A forum and personal favorite is the 3568/white dial... a very elegant divers model. Depending on your preference for strap options, the AT's are limited due to the "quick change" feature. Something that may play into your decision making.

Enjoy choosing your first......

Good Times,

Andy

here u go David...
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Quick Step One: most people sign up for a free host at www.photobucket.com
Quick Step Two: Upload your pic, preferably in 640x480 size
Quick Step Three: Look for this box below and click on the URL beside IMG Code, and paste it directly in ‘Your Comment’ box when writing a new comment in the forum.

Quick Step Four: check, check, check that you have successfully uploaded the pic (like I have done with the image directly above :) by using the preview button i.e. clicking on the ‘tick’, just above the ‘Your Comment’ box. And you’re done !

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You've gotten some very good suggestions. I'd like to echo the VC Inge and the Mark XVII. The VC Inge is a particular favorite of mine (I don't yet have one). It's classic and very versatile.