HOW DID YOUR FASCINATION FOR MECHANICAL WATCHES START?

My fascination, appreciation and addiction to mechanical watches has a similar origin story to that of IWC. It began with American pocket watches. Whereas, IWC's founder originally came from E.Howard, my indoctrination came in the form of a 12 size, 17 jewel, nickel plate Elgin pocket watch that I received for Christmas of 1994 when I was 12 years old. It was all downhill from there.

Now, I love mechanical watches of all kinds and am building a collection of my own. I still have that original Elgin, but, unfortunately, I need to replace the balance staff. I guess it's all part of the joys of mechanical watches.

very early in my life...i love mechanical devices

Years ago, a friend of mine was carrying an old Hamilton pocket watch. I asked him about it, and he pulled it out, showing me every detail, including opening the back of the case so I could see the movement. I was so intrigued by the beauty of the engineering and craftsmanship that went into how it worked, I was hooked, and the rest is history.

My dad also likes watches. Runs in the family.

Hi Everyone,

I am very new to the IWC watch collection having purchased my first Vintage Portofino Steel (moonface design) 6 months ago.

I have been very careful at caring for it but I noticed after coming back from a 4 day trip that my Portofino had started slowing by approximately 10 mins every 5 or so hours sometimes more. This has improved slightly having given it a few full winds over the last 7 days but it still struggles on occasion. Is this normal for handwinds? Should it take so much time to get upto speed?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Hi Everyone,

I am very new to the IWC watch collection having purchased my first Vintage Portofino Steel (moon face design) 6 months ago.

I have been very careful at caring for it but I noticed after coming back from a 4 day trip that my Portofino had started slowing by approximately 10 mins every 5 or so hours sometimes more. This has improved slightly having given it a few full winds over the last 7 days but it still struggles on occasion. Is this normal for handwinds? Should it take so much time to get upto full speed?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

In the late '80's/early 90's I badly wanted the then-popular Tag Heuer Sports/Elegance watch. I didn't know anything about watches, movements, quartz vs. automatic, but my wife saved up and bought it for me (we were poor graduate students at the time). That started the fascination/obsession.

Three years ago, after the passing of my Mother-in-Law, I found a mechanical Omega Seamaster in a box under her sink and that re-kindled the interest. Since then I have been voraciously ingesting all the information I can about watches, and recently discovered the IWC Father and Son Big Pilot's watches. I have my eye on a set to share with my son and hopefully pass on to him and his heirs someday.

Early 80's as a 4-5 year old boy I was fascinated by my grandfathers wristwatch. This was the first item I can remember I put in a category as a beautiful item. I later learned it was a cheap mechanical watch from late 50's.

IWC to me is symbiotically classic and modern and takes me back to my early memories of beauty.

Ralph, Welcome to the forum and don't be a stranger. Many of us got our start with mechanical watch in a similar manner.

Regards,
Kevin

I have worn a Rolex brand for the past 20 years and at the atender age of 44 decided it was time for a change and I started to look for a new watch - My choice was IWC Special edition Jacque Cousteau 100th Anniversary Aquatimer, I love it only people that are in the know recognise it but most people appreciate the quality.
I Love it.
Now I would really like to get all 5 special editions dedicated to JC, If anyone could help me with the following questions it would be really appreciated:
How many Special Edtion JC has there been is it 5 ?
How many were made in each edition and are they all sold?
How many Calypso special editions are there or are they the same as the JC

my email address is william.binns@googlemail.com
Apologies for my ignorance but I am novice but want to learn

WBB

Hi William, welcome to the forum - yes indeed there are five, and they can be seen in this earlier forum post:

www.iwc.com/forum/en/discussion/29581/

Thank You Shing
It would be fantastic to see them altogether, you have been most helpful.

Kind regards

William

Hi,

This is the first time for me to write a few words here...I just need some opinion for some collectors.

Should I go for Pilot Chrono 3777 or Aquatimer 2000?

Thanks so much

Hi
I bought my first IWC 2 days ago;A Portuguese hand-wound 545405.
I have a Rolex deepsea and a Breitling Galactic 41, but this IWC is just so elegant and different from those.I really can see what all the fuss is about!My dream watch would be the Jubilee stainless steel model of 1993 with gold indicies because I love the faith to the original design of the 1940s Portuguese watch that was preserved.Having said that I do like the black/grey subdial on mine as it represents an unashamed modern take on the classic look with a unique bit of flair to the dial.Who knows maybe they will hold their value given this model was only produced for 1 year.Anyway that's irrelevant to me because this watch is never going to be sold!My parting word to those who have the chance to own fine watches...WEAR THEM!! A safe is no place for a fine IWC (unless you are in the business of selling watches to make $)Life's way too short for your best or favourite watch not to be worn loved and enjoyed.
Enjoy the passion of watch collecting,
cheers,
James

"IWC to me is symbiotically classic and modern"
A fine description I couldn't agree more!!

When I received an IWC watch on my birthday

While travelling internationally. Always lots of time to kill at airports. Most have great watch selections. That is how I initially became interested in watches.

My dad had both a 1970 Rolex Oyster Date-Just Perpetual and
a 1972 Jaeger LeCoultre. I remember the ticking noise that it made.