While every blogger in the blogosphere has, by this time, posted inumerable photos from the tres chic IWC boutique in Manhattan, I wanted to write about the actual buying experience.
I'm an IWC collector, no actually an addict. I pretty much own something from every generation since 1980, and sincerely lust for things numbered 5441, 5227 and such. I also like to keep up with the current generation, so went to the IWC boutique in search of the new 3262 world timer.
It's easy to get distracted by the architecture and the furnishings, but I was on a mission. The watches are distracting too. Unlike some AD's we'll fail to mention, there were no dusty GST chronos on offer here -- just the good stuff. And I'm talking EVERYTHING from the current collection. It's truly an IWC lovers' paradise.
But to the experience. At the boutique, you can find sales staff as passionate about the product as the collectors they sell to. It's rare in my experience to find someone knowledgeable about the brand, the pieces, and the heritage. Here at the boutique, you can fine all of that and more. You're in good company with true believers in the brand and everything it stands for.
Mind you I trooped into the boutique with three kids and Mrs. IWC collector in tow, but I couldn't have found a staff more excited to see us, more inviting, or more friendly. This was, bar none, the best watch buying experience of my ten-plus years of collecting. Kudos to Patrick and the IWC Manhattan boutique staff for an all-around outstanding experience.(and a cool watch, too. The world timer is quite awesome.)
