Help - IWC Portuguese 7 Day in 18K Rose Gold

ArphaRima

I am looking at this watch and I am about to place an offer I think. I was about to send the email but then decided to get more opinions..
It has the features I like: Deployment(not tang buckle), good quality strap, clean classic look, and gold case. I'm also a sucker for the clear case-back.

My budget is around 12k usd max. If I do it then I do it this week.
What do you guys think?

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=6464419&rid=0#msg_6464419

peasant

This is so far outside of my realm of experience or "expertise" that I wouldn't dare comment on specifics.

One thing however ...are you sure you really want a solid gold watch? I don't know what age you are ...but I always associated gold watches with retirement gifts for old geezers (albeit important old geezers).

In my mind they always had an aura of finality about them.

But maybe that's just me ...

ThebitterLemon

That's some watch, and as a complete novice I can't give any expert advise.

My opinion would tend to align with Peasants comments and I actually prefer the "non gold" versions.

Whatever you decide, best of luck

TbL

ArphaRima

I am in my early thirties. This will be an infrequently worn watch.

The very reason I am hesitating is actually because of the gold. I do like the other IWC in Stainless Steel, but the more I looked at them the more I liked the gold. Still it's a big buy so I want to be certain.
I have a friend who wears a gold Rolex presidential, gold linked strap too. I think them to be brash and loud. Not my style. This one seems about "right"?

My purchasing decision started as an IWC Spitfire pilot watch, ended up buying a Breitling. This started as a 3714 (below) and is now a 5001-01. Am I mad?

peasant

I think you might be better of with the chrono version.

In a way you're trading a complication (the chrono function) for the goldy looks.
I would rate the 7 days complication less than the chrono ...(plus I also don't like that dash of red over the one, IMO it's out of place on such an understated design).

Don't get me wrong, but you can get (fake) gold and a weekday or power reserve (or whatever) display on a 50 quid Chinese mushroom watch these days and having to explain that no, actually your watch is real gold and Swiss somewhat takes away from it's charms

The chrono looks classier, IMO ...especially for a young guy like yourself.

Deep Thought

IMHO....

Yes you are mad, I have an IWC Aquatimer, and Wear it regularly but am still " concerned" about wearing it, afraid of dings ,knocks and bashes, even though its a robust diving watch. I would be terrified with a 12K all gold watch

Do you prefer all gold?

The 3714 is a fantastic piece, if you really do want the power reserve element, IWC do the same watch non gold but its 4K cheaper.

If it was my cash....buy 3714 and a nice Pammy Base 0 and keep the extra couple grand for a couple of additional straps..

Bullseye1

Beautiful watch. Personally I would prefer the regular steel case version with black face. Unlike P i also prefer the 7 day complication over he regular chrono I think the watch face is better balanced. Particularly for someone in the early thirties. The version you have chosen is better suited to an older man IMO.

ArphaRima

So the consensus is that gold is too much until I retire? I kind of figured as much. My main worry is that I would be too embarrassed to wear it. I almost certainly would never wear it in Ireland (I live abroad).
Opinions on the one below? I can buy new for 9k, as opposed to used at 12k for the other.

I would likely get a brown croc strap too.
Still undecided. I think I will hold the email and sleep on it.

Bullseye1

This


Or this



If it must be a precious metal white gold or platinum looks classier IMO.

peasant

that bottom one is a stunner

Zagato

I would probably avoid the gold case.

The other thing I was thinking was that if I had $9-12 grand to spend I might be aiming above IWC (maybe I'm very naive though)
The other thing is I assume that you have tried the watch on, it's not small, but is beautiful.

Have you thought about other brands? There is a a VC Overseas chronograph for sale on TZ-UK at the moment that's in your price range, albeit is from 2007.

As with all expensive watches servicing costs need to be considered, I have heard that that in house 7 day IWC movement requires an expensive service every 5 years.

Cyrus

I actually really like it, imo the only way to have a gold watch is on a strap, gold on gold bracelet is a bit much.

To answer the points made on the chrono v 7 day movement, the chrono is the 'entry' level portuguese, the 7 day is the more expensive / desirable version, albeit a bigger watch.

If the size is ok for you i say why not, end of the day its a choice between a gold iwc at that price point or maybe a SS Audemars/Patek/Vacheron

Cyrus

Zagato wrote: »

As with all expensive watches servicing costs need to be considered, I have heard that that in house 7 day IWC movement requires an expensive service every 5 years.

IWC servicing is very pricey 7 day movement or not its no more of an issue on this than on the chrono really

Nonoperational

I would go with the 3714 all day long. Stunning, whatever colour scheme you go for.

Homer

Not a fan of gold watches and as a 3714 owner I am biased but that would be my recommendation and also the bonus of a decent saving over the rose gold one you are looking at!

Etc

There's an old saying when it comes to watches "Those that know don't show" i.e. keep it subtle ! Great dilemma to have BTW

Bullseye1

Personally I would go for this watch over the 7 Day IWC.

http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Jaeger%20Le%20Coultre/AMVOX%20Alarm/192-T-25/6276/item/24778?utm_campaign=Newsletter+162+-+2nd+April+2013&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=

ArphaRima

Had a sleep on it, chatted with a few like minded friends etc.
I have decided on the IW500114 in Stainless Steel, with Gold numerals and black strap. I am also looking to get an IWC brown strap too.

Interestingly a friend I asked is looking at an AP Royal Oak right now. They are another tier up and gave reason for pause!

I'm happy with this for now.
I'll post a pic once I get it.

Personally I would go for this watch over the 7 Day IWC.

http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Jaeger%...l&utm_content=

Too busy a design for me. Also I don't appreciate the Aston Martin link-up.
JLC Master Compressors I like very much though.

Deep Thought

Etc wrote: »

There's an old saying when it comes to watches "Those that know don't show" i.e. keep it subtle ! Great dilemma to have BTW

Hard to do sometimes, I think I know but my IWC Aquatimer is quite big, no option but to show.

However, those that don't know , do not recognise the brand, they know TAG, etc...