Help with Watch

Hi

I am in discussions with a chap to purchase a 3717-02.

Its says its new, old stock

Is there any way I can determine its authenticity?

I have seen a couple of photos, and looked at the size of the hand on Seconds Sub dial, the text looks correct as do the length of the hands

Any advice appreciated

Gary

Hi Gary, welcome to the forum. some of my suggestions below..

Determining Real or Fake Watch - my opinion only

For the newer pieces, you should be able to get a new one from an authorized dealer fairly easily. But if your friend / a seller is letting the watch go for a great price that cannot be passed up, or it is an older piece, then I think the 'genuine or not question' can be answered in the following ways:

a) Does it have box and papers ? If they do, good - but this is not a guarantee that your watch is real, although the papers should indicate where it was sold, and the warranty card should have the casing number written on it, which should match the casing number of the watch.

If it does not have box and papers, then ask yourself if you trust the seller, and does he have a good reason for not having box and papers, and where and when did he get the watch from ? so this here is 'buy the seller, not just the watch' - i.e. does your instinct and senses tell u the seller is trustworthy ?

b) the dial and the case back can be authenticated visually - google for images of the case back (although there are great fakes out there). So this here is the visual authentication, much dependent on one's ability to determine genuineness in the metal or in the pics.

c) size and weight - if you have access to the workbooks

www.weeber.biz/IWC/Workbook/search.html (older models you can find it here: www.weeber.biz/IWC/Workbook/2007/3255_s.pdf)

you can use measurement tools to measure and weigh to ensure it is according to specs. perhaps a bit extreme, but I do it myself, especially on the weight - I am not beyond bringing an electronic balance to check the watch's weight. the workbook says, for example, the ref 325502 weighs 71 grams, measures 39mm and is 11.5 mm tall, and lug size is 20mm. I suppose if it is a fake, (hopefully) at least one of these details will be wrong.

d) try setting the watch - adjust the hour and minute hands; slow adjust the date; quick adjust the date; check if the hacking seconds stop when the crown is pulled to position 2. this ensures the movement & complications are as according to published specs, and also checks for the working condition of the watch.

e) if a service center is nearby, would the seller be willing to go with you and have the watch authenticated there?

I am guessing it would be through the case and movement number of the watch (and the solid caseback - or any caseback for that matter - will have to be removed by an experienced watchmaker).

f) If you pay by paypal or credit card (possibly - depends on your arrangement with your credit card provider), there is an avenue for dispute if u do not get a real watch. So here: possibility for getting your money back through a payment 'buffer', but note this is not full-proof.

my 2 cents.

Hi and welcome to the forum. Does the paperwork match the serial number and if so it looks to be genuine and it appears to have the right paperwork but for future reference items to buy or wish lists are not permitted on the forum.

Hi,

I have just been fortunate enough to be able to purchase a Porotfino perpetual calander watch, (circa 1998), IW 3541, unfortuately, despite recently serviced by IWC, and having all the other documentation, there is no user manual. Can you please advise where I can obtain one, or better still e-mail a copy to me.(my e-mail address is located in my member details). I would be most grateful. Thanks in anticipation.

David

Hi David, welcome to the forum.

I have posted another reply here, with a link to a copy of the user manual (courtesy of another forummer), but unfortunately that post, with the link, still await's our moderator's approval.

You can also email me for it if u like.

Hi SHING,

Thanks for your offer of help, I have e-mailed you as suggested,
Cheers
David
PS, I loved your 'sayings' on time, here is one of my jottings,(published a few years ago), for your interest, I hope,

TIME.

Time is that very special thing that you cannot touch or see, but it can be measured with unimagined accuracy. It is that thing that flows and can be experienced throughout the Universe, and yet it becomes ever more precious the smaller the amount that is left for us to count on. Wealth, on the other hand, (and in what ever literal sense you mean it), is in most respects, measured by the absolute volumes of how much you have. However, imagine, what is this wealth without the time to enjoy it?

Consider also, it may not be your time that is the important factor it could be that time remaining for those that you love. This becomes your key to fulfilment and ultimate satisfaction. Never has the phrase, “make the most of it” contained more poignancy then when the end of “it” for yourself or your loved ones, is apparent or can be expected.

Time cannot be bought or sold, but it is the key to life and happiness, it is within its framework that memories are stored, thereby becoming our repository of life’s experiences. Without time achievements and relationships are impossible.

With time anything is still possible.

David, thanks for sharing - absolutely love what you have written !

David2001 --my compliments on your poignant and articulate little essay about time. It's outstanding and I really enjoyed it.