My first high-end watch purchase, and first IWC!

Dear All,

I've been searching for my first high-end watch for a little over a year. It started off as an interest and quickly grew into endless obsessive research. At first, I was determined to get a Rolex, and was zeroing in on a no date sub. After reading all I could about the Sub, something started to not sit so well with me. My gut pointed me towards a Milgauss. This was going to become my life partner, the one that I wear to every occasion, destination and project, therefore it was a very serious decision for me.

Then I discovered the 3227-01. Its design, history, exclusivity, overall uniqueness took my breath away. The only thing holding me back was it's size and weight. I don't have a large wrist and wasn't sure if I could pull it off.

In the end, I realized that I've spent so much time on watchuseek that I've been strongly affected by their members' opinions and what's considered acceptable - instead of what makes me happy. That forum is filled with so much of members' personal opinions and fashion advice, that I just grew so tired of reading and thinking about it. It was months and months of indecisiveness that was tormenting me, then suddenly I realized the 3227 was for me, and I went for it.

I then discovered this forum. A forum of collectors who are truly happy for each others acquired pieces and appreciation for fine watches without further judgments. So here I am, thrilled to share my first beloved watch with you all. I just received it a few hours ago and I already love everything about it. I don't think I could have possibly made a better decision.

I'm so happy to join your family. :-)

A gorgeous piece. Glad you went with what You loved rather than conforming. All the watches you mentioned are lovely, but having what you truly love is what makes the hobby more that just the watch itself. Enjoy!

A real classic! Congratulations.

Thank you guys! I think the IWC community is a special one, quite exclusive with a tight bond. I'm glad to finally be a part of it!

Congratulations, beautiful piece! Wear it in good health.

Congratulations and a warm welcome on this forum!
Thanks for the compliments.
This watch you chose is a fantastic decision. You'll always love it. It's a classic and an icon with lots of character.
Greetings from a younger brother.
[](scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11760053_480578972111742_3184692287762766501_n.jpg?oh=ca819d5150bd3289d413d13382e36853&oe=564A751B)
Thinking about getting the bracelet for this piece as well.

Congrats on your first IWC and welcome to the forum. It's a lovely piece.

Enjoy and wear it in goog health.

Cheers Chris

Thank you guys! That's a gorgeous piece Tilo. What's the reference #?

Is that the Kevlar strap? How do you like it compared to the bracelet (if you've tried one)?

Howi

I absolutely agree with you. It's a real IWC icon and much beloved by its owners. The Inge bracelet is the best among IWCs really great straps. My 3227 recently came back from the IWC Spa. You will find it's a bit of a ding magnet.

[](s95.photobucket.com/user/wbarker75/media/Ingenieur/D8N_0147_zps1ygdfwqb.jpg.html)

I think I found it, is it the Silberpfeil 3785-05?

Thank you Bill, and what a stunning photo!

I always read that it's all about the details, but I could never appreciate it fully until I had it in my hands. Below are some of the highlights that captured my heart:

1. There are so many levels of depth on the dial that it really needs to seen in person to truly appreciate it. The weaving "I" pattern on the dial that I love so much from many online photos is actually so small that it basically can't be seen by bare eyes (and I have really good sights).

2. I'm absolutely THRILLED about the movement! The crown gently clicks as I unscrew it, makes distinct positions, with a solid resistance when adjusting time. The date changes in a flash right at 12AM and even makes a loud click! Everything about the operation of this movement makes me feel a sense of precision, engineering, and robustness. I never thought I could feel so connected to a watch by feel, definitely an unforgettable experience for me.

3. The bracelet is truly, as I've read numerous times, a work of art. It's beautiful to look at and comfortable to wear. As much as the adjustable pin system is genius, I'm even more impressed by the fit of the push buttons located inside the bracelet. I can truly appreciate the amount of effort it takes to create a beautiful (and functional) fit such as this:
   

4. My gosh is the second hand touching the rim? The second hand glides above the small roman numeral dial on the perimeter and comes to about 1mm away from touching the rim of the dial. Simply incredible....

And I'm sure I will discover more details as I grow with it.

Howi

Congratulations on a great first up choice! And welcome to the forum. It is a great place for IWC fans to be. I hope to add the 3227 to my own collection at some point in the future. In the meantime, hello from its older brother.

[](s375.photobucket.com/user/noiseorchard/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpskwbj4kju.jpg.html)

Hi! Welcome & congrats on that great acquisition. The 3227 is a real classic to me with great heritage.

Wear it in good health,

B.

Exactly, with a rubber strap with Alligator inlay. Waterproof as well. Despite all similarities or resemblance it's a different watch. Yours is great! I'm thinking of getting the bracelet as well for mine probably next summer. But it will be lots of steel with the silver dial. Probably some lack of contrast.

Jarrod yours is the younger brother, though it's bigger. ;-)

Yeah, I actually meant "big" brother. :-)

Hi,
welcome to the forum and congratulations on a purchase you won't regret.
That's a great way to start a collection !!!