Picking Up an IWC.

FIrstly.. Thank you for checking this out!!
Seconly.. Where would you pick up your IWC? and would this make a difference?

Backgroud to this question... well I understand there are couple of places anyone looking to get hold of an IWC can get their holy grail from:
a) an IWC Boutique.. where staff has IWC badges and all
b) an Authorized dealer... (sincere, cortina from those in Asia)
c) second hand shops.. for those looking for pre-loved and vintages
d) airports.. you know all those placese with no Tax..

Well there are upside to these different placese.. and i suppose if you picked it up a new watch from "a".. you would get those free IWC stuff.. the watch travel pouch. a Happy New Year card.. "Happy Birthday" (i presume if you spend enough) and those from "b" you know you get the discount were it is much cheaper then buying from "a" and some of thsoe travel you did.. and well you just closed a hugeee deal and you saw this beautiful pilot watch and ah well its tax free i am going to buy it!.. If purchasing a watch or in our case an IWC and its all an emotional experience.. wouldnt picking it up from an IWC Boutique.. be the ultimate experience? and getting invited to IWC events be another highlight?

I suppose this is more of a those who have picked up the IWC from "a" to share the experience and if its going to be something everyone should look up for.. or it really isnt going to be much different and go get the discounts from an authorized dealer..

Curious,
Bon Hon

My personal choice would always approach a boutique first. Unless there's an old and discontinued model I'm looking for is unavailable, then I'll resort to an AD or second hand shop. Although I must say the deals in the airport is especially good at times, especially in KLIA. 

I can understand the temptation in KL, where ADs are abundant and deals are always good. However, establishing a relationship with the boutiques is great and it's always wonderful to meet up with other IWC collectors in town and expand the community of collectors. I enjoy the newsfeed and the events thoroughly which makes the whole watch collection experience more rewarding. 

I have to concurr with everything that Vincent said.

I have personally biught IWC from all those distribution chanels except the airport and must say that all experiences have been good at that time.

Thanks Guys!

guess i will have to wait till October to decided if i reallly want to pick up a LE from the boutique. or if the AD can give me a better discount!

Regards,
Bon Hon

well its done.. and i must say.. the experience was pretty dissapointing!!! in no way am i going to stop buying IWC.. but i am all ashamed that the boutique in Kuala Lumpur is that depressing..

i guess my only question now is .. who can i contact to relate about my experience and hopefully something can be done before well pretty much before IWC gets wiped out of KL marketn and i have no other place to find motivation??

That is so disapointing! I have bought three watches from the London Boutique and the service has been sensational! 

I have to Agee with the xpericne from a boutique, but that great feeling of purchasing a great watch duty free at a great price is so tempting, at the end of the day for me it’s all about wearing that beautiful watch...at a great price....

Hi
I have bought in boutique, AD and second hand.
obviously second hand is the wisest choice money wise, but the experience of the boutique (as well as getting a brand new watch) is very satisfying.
At an AD you would get a discount but you do not really get the service of the boutique.
It all, of course, depends on the budget one has.
(it goes without saying that you should only buy from trusted second hand stores)
Cheers

Hi all,

I would not recommend to buy at airports! First of all the "Duty Free" as some older members might remember doesn't exist anymore in Europe. If you buy as an European citizen or resident at an European airport you have to pay the local VAT, no matter what and where you go! And please check the prices of any good (spirits, perfumes etc.) before you buy! Most of the times they are much higher then in the market outside the airports. The only advantage of buying something in a "Duty Free" store is that you can bring the item with you in your carry on luggage onto the plane. 

Second reason is that even if you bought your IWC in a real Duty Free store (maybe in an Asian or Arab country) for a very good price you would have to declare your purchase upon arriving in Europe because for sure the value exceeds the 300 € allowance. So add your local European taxes and the time and hassle it takes to do all the paperwork upon arriving after a long and exhausting flight and you get the idea. It is not advisable trying to smuggle your new IWC into Europe. Penalties are quite high here and will destroy the enjoyment forever.

So I think buying local at a IWC Boutique (the one here in Munich is excellent!), an AD or from a well known Second Hand dealer are the best options. You will receive full service and warranties and always some extras and goodies:) And maybe you make some new friends that share the same hobby.

Have a nice day!

Well said Mat! Totally agree on that.