IWC 371918

Hello there, I just recently purchased my first IWC watch. The IW3719. I’m wanting to get a complete service and re-finish and am tossing up between sending it to IWC to do it or there’s someone local (Melbourne , Australia ) I hear that the guys who’d service it at IWC would be mainly interns and there’s a a culture of replacing parts versus working with and restoring what’s there. The local person has refinishing machines etc ..and will offer the same warranty and do it in a third of the time it would to send it to IWC etc. Does anyone have any advice on this ? 

Hi Christo1

Ideally you go to one of our Boutiques you can find here: https://stores.iwc.com/search?country-region=AU&qp=Australia&l=en 

Here you can find IWC BTQs and authorized retailer.

Best

Andreas

Congrats on your first IWC! For servicing, official IWC service ensures original parts and maintains value but can be slow. A trusted local technician might be faster and more personal—just make sure they’re experienced and offer a warranty. It depends on what you prioritize most!

Congrats on your first IWC! If originality and value matter, go with official service—otherwise, a skilled local watchmaker can be a quicker, reliable option.

Maybe check if they’ve serviced other IWCs and ask to see examples of their refinishing work. A good local expert can often give more care and attention than the factory route—especially if you plan to keep the watch long-term rather than resell.

If your local Melbourne watchmaker is IWC-certified, they can likely offer a faster, high-quality service with the same warranty as IWC—making them a solid choice.

However, IWC service centers are known to replace parts without always consulting you, especially for vintage models, while independents may better respect originality.

Just bought my first IWC – the IW3719 – and planning a full service + refinish.
Torn between sending it to IWC or going with a reputable local watchmaker in Melbourne.
I've heard IWC often uses interns and prefers replacing parts over restoring them.
The local expert offers similar warranty, proper refinishing tools, and faster turnaround.
Anyone here have experience or advice on which route is better?

From experience, I'd always go with a local independent watchmaker, and avoid boutique services in almost all cases (unless of course the watch is still in warranty).

Independent service will usually be cheaper, faster and more competent in my experience- and they will also listen to your preferences in a way that boutiques often won't.... go independent!!!

Congrats and welcome. Once the watch is back from service we're happy to see some pictures of the beauty.