Texski

I can't remember what the material is, but when I ready what was used in their ceramic, I remember thinking this is an abrasive used for sand paper ... zirconia, maybe One of the characteristics of a good abrasive is how it fractures, creating a new sharp cutting edge. So, the characteristic that make this case so hard, also makes it brittle. Some IWC owners have complained about their cases cracking. COMMENTS I have read where IWC can blend slight scratches in their cases.

I would suggest the one with the metal bracelet 3717 Classic Pilot w/ Bracelet As I mentioned before, the rep strap is crap. You will want to replace it, so you are spending this money regardless. For the extra $20, you can have a metal bracelet, which is a nice option. If you decide to add this later, you can expect to pay $40 + shipping. If you decide not to use it, you should be able to sell it easily ... to people who made the same mistake If you decide to sell this watch, it is a nice option. It wasn't so long ago that these watches sold for $250+. This is a great deal. Keep us posted, Mike

nwolf, It looks like your caplock was on when you typed this. When I see this, I think people are yelling, and that would be rude. Tom makes a good point, the Asian UNITAS-6498 has a good track record. The thing I don't like is that the quality of these watches tend to be on the lower side. They have mineral crystals (easier to scratch) instead of sapphires. A more expensive rep will run $250 and up. These are half the price. In some cases, the factory will use the lower quality parts in these and quartz watches. This is a good introduction to reps. As I mentioned before, the 3717 or 3783 Portofino should be a safe buy. These watches have an Asian 7750 movement, and these have a good reputation. I would suggest that you talk to Lay at ReplicaMake88.com because of his QC. He puts the watch on an analyzer and videos it. This can identify some problems in the movement, and he is not going to send one out if it tests out of range. If you purchase the 3714, I recommend that you have it properly serviced. G (mentioned above) and Rolexman (EU) are 2 people that I trust to do these. I am sure that there are others. But again, this movement straight from the factory has mixed reviews, and there has been many have complaints about failures. @Tom The part that you have quoted refers to the mechanics of the geartrain, how it is laid out, how it transfers power from the 9 position to the 6, and that has not changed. Additional gears require additional energy, but I don't see geartrain layot as the main cause of failure. What has changed is the way this movement handles the additional power drain by reducing friction. In the older movements, the gear pivots for this complication were located in steel, and this creates more friction (higher CoF). One of the ways they reduced friction was to locate these pivots in a jewel (colored saphire). For this movement, the issues that caused the high failure rate are more quality related, not mechanical (geartrain configuration). The older movements had 1) gear pivots in steel, not jewels, 2) improper lubrication (many times none, sometimes too much), 3) contamination ... trash in the movement, 4) poorly designed parts. The new style movement has added jewels in this complication, but that is not enough to address the other shortfalls. This is where proper servicing will improve the functionality and reliability of this movement. G addressed the poor quality parts issue by epoxy-ing the press fit pivots. Will it be as robust as a cal 79350, NO. But it can be an economical alternative to a 79350. I think I posted some numbers in the RG thread showing that for the same money, the A7750 sec @ 6 would provide about 68 months of service to the 79350's 48 months. Assumptions were made, please refer to that thread. It seems like the conventional advice about the 3714 has been either "It's a timebomb ... forget it", or "replace the movement with an IWC cal 79350." With the latest information, we have another viable choice, have the movement properly serviced. Yes, it will add more to the cost, but it does provide another option for this beautiful watch. And finally, if money were no object, he should look at one of my 3714's. 100's 01/01 Although this watch will never come up for sale! Mike

Tom, I have posted extensively about this movement here Advice on buying a portuguese or something simlar. It was a heated debate, but if you can sort through it, it will be worth the read. In this post, I tried to clear up some misconceptions about this movement. The short of it is that, if properly serviced, the modified A7750 sec @ 6 can be a workable solution. This movement has earned a bad reputation, and rightfully so. Francisco did his review on 2/13/09, nearly 2 1/2 years ago, the movement did not have the advertised improvements. A Close Inspection to the new IWC Portuguese Movement Graphite or special coating of the plates was the only solution. As you may know, graphite is ground particles and lubricates as it is crushed further. These smaller particles contaminate the movement and require more frequent service. If you have one of these older movements, I would suggest you replace this with the latest version, instead of using graphite. In the lastest movements, they have added extra jewels for the geartrain in this complication, and that can significantly reduce friction and improve functionality. However, they must be serviced properly. G actually epoxies the pivots, since they are press fit, and makes sure all the parts are aligned correctly. With proper lubrication, these movements have been showing some promising results. Here is G's review of the latest movement The "New and Improved" Seconds-at-6 Movement Explained For those who won't take the time to read these articles, I want to be clear about something. A movement with IWC (or Rolex, or ETA ...) is not a guaranteed solution. If the movement was not built or lubricated properly, or cased to protect it from contamination, it will not last. Just having one of these movements does not ensure reliability. IWC uses special oils and tuning procedures on these 79350's before they are put in a watch. Some of these 3714's that have come to me are not properly sealed (even worse than the factory), and the movements have not been properly lubricated and are experiencing difficulties. I am not looking to ruffle feathers, but with current information, I want to add some balance to what is being said about these movements. Also know that financially, I am better off machining a 3714 case and swapping the movement than I am providing a serviced movement. There is much more time and labor in a 79350 swap. Hope this helps, Mike

Ditto Tom. There are issues with the 3714 movement that require more money. The movement in the 3717 is more reliable straight from the dealer. You will spend a little bit more to get the 3717 to face like an IWC (day/date wheels), but you won't need to spend money on the movement. You might want to look at the 3717 Spitfire ... a silver/white dial. It seems to me to be more formal than the Classic Pilot. IWC dial is incredible for the Spitfire. Search IW371702. If you order a 3717, get the metal bracelet. A rep leather strap is useless, and you can get these aftermarket. It is more difficult to get the bracelet separately, though. Tony's website is slow to load, but I like the Portofino. The white dial that IWC has for this is impressive, rep not so good. The movement is the same as the 3717 (can't see the picture, assuming a chrono). I have been threatening to build one of these. Mike

Looks good. Has he replenished his supply, or did you have to send yours in? Mike

I think PT took better pictures. This does look better that what I saw the first time. It's a nice look. I see potential. But what about the way they mounted the movement ... is this like the 3717 with a loose ring, but the movement is mounted to the ring? Mike

+1. The glue comes in a syringe ... this is not something to do after a pot of coffee. Keep the needle between the crystal and the bezel, and apply evenly. I think there is a GS crystal adhesive, too, no UV needed.

You can use a gasket and UV glue. Press the crystal and gasket in first, then apply glue. Use a small UV lamp to cure, or set it in direct sunlight (it will take longer, make sure it isn't dusty). Mike

I think the rep looks cheap! Not even worth the effort to frank. The IWC 3563, WOW Look at the body of this watch, nice and rounded from the front. The sunken krone looks good, very nice touch. Not sure about the hands in this one, but I can assure you that rep hands won't be as nice. Alot of IWC's parts are rounded so they morph the light. A RG hand or number can look RG, silver, or even black depending on the angle and light. The rep won't do this. Step up on the case GZ. I can take care of the rest! Mike

If you look at the spacing between the top and bottom of the 0, you will notice that it is closer to the bottom of the 1 than the top. It leans towards the right. Mike

I have been using a dedicated bezel remover. Clamp it in, and pry the case up. I just got the rubber one, and I think it may work just fine. The bezel is press fit onto a plastic ring ... it is the white one on the case. The bezel is upside down, but yes, you do need to remove the crystal to get to the ring. Not at all like IWC.

No grease. And every time I take out the pusher assemblies I find at least 1 metal chip. And no silicone around the caseback gasket, or crown either.

Contact G. He's in Dallas, great with 7750's. Mike

I am. And I forgot to mention, 100, what a pleasure it was to meet you. It has been great to work with you on this. Mike

I'm anxious to see it finished, too. The back will be more impressive than the front. Blueprints for the sapphire caseback are finished and met with the machinist a few days ago. Good job, 100 Mike

Good Job N! Gold star for you. I obviously don't get out of IWC very often. MBJ Silver star for you! "What am I missing?" Look closely at 9. See the pinion? Mike

N, Can you be more specific. The Daytona and the Portu both have constant sec @ 6. I am not sure what you are referring to. And just to clarify, MBJ and All. The latest movements have additional jewels (sapphires) which reduce friction. In the previous movements, the pivots were pressed in place (no jewels used = greater friction), and graphite was used to reduce friction in this case. For those of you who don't know, oil is dropped into a jewel and is held there with capillary attraction. Once this area becomes contaminated, the oil will run out. Graphite will break down and become a contaminate and that I why I do not recommend this. If you have an older movement and use graphite, it will need to be serviced every 12 - 18 months ... basically cleaned, lubed, and replace the graphite. The latest movements have more jewels to reduce friction, and graphite is not necessary. Even with servicing, these are not Swiss movements, but they will prove to me much more reliable. So, if you have a newer watch, or are going to buy a new one, know that it is best to get it serviced. Also sharp impacts like hammering or tennis can damage this watch. G also recommends hacking the watch when you are not using it (pull the stem out to stop the movement), and do not keep it on a watchwinder. Good find, MBJ! Mike

I haven't dealt with this dealer, and not sure they are on our list. Tony @ Asian7750.com has 3714's for much less, and Lay @ ReplicaMake88.com has a larger selection. IWC dials fit watches that I have purchased from them. Good luck, Mike

Actually Andy, I sent a PM to Admin asking for clarification on the different membership levels a while back. I haven't had a response. I have tried. I'll respond personally to the others, as I don't see how it benefits the community. Mike

txcollector, Please don't take this the wrong way, this is not a fight, and I am not inviting Nik to 'Step Outside.' We are not bitter rivals. We both have a passion for IWC and this craft. And we want others to benefit from our good fortune - suppliers who make these parts available to us. (Nik, I say we, and I hope that I am not speaking out of turn.) It is hard to request modesty when I demonstrate something the opposite! I was trying to say that I too, could dedicate a post exclusively to parts I am selling. It wasn't mean to highlight the work I do ... but you should see what I am working on now! Just kidding. Your point is well taken, and thanks for the opportunity to clarify. It is a grey area to me as to how we let you know what products are available and how to inspire you, and what is self-promotion. Personally, I would like to see more of the watches that I make ... I mean that WE make, and less posting that encourages you to buy what was just made. txc, I think we have exchanged PM's before. I am in Arlington, and ready for a North Texas get together. Take care, Mike

"I have never bought one of his pieces and probably never will ... " Thank you for your honesty, and admitting your personal experience. "Drop to your knees and thank your maker that this community has people like Concepta." No offense, Jkay, but do you know the meaning of the word hyperbole? Nik supplies parts, and has a watchmaker assemble them. Not to take anything away from Nik, but what part of that should make me want to approach God and give thanks?! I do thousands of dollars per month in IWC parts, source very limited parts, create custom parts, and do 01/01 watches that can take 4 - 6 months to complete. Some of the things I do cannot be photographed, and the way that some of these things came about cannot be revealed by me or my clients. And yet I don't take out full page threads to advertise. I have considered these sub-forums to be a place where we can educate each other about this great craft, show what we have purchased, and support one another. This would be a great place for Domi and other watchmakers to advertise their craftsmanship, and yet they do not. Why? Nik is in advertising, and I am sure that influences way he does things. To me, it draws value from this forum when he promotes "I have ordered these things, come buy from me." I mean, to say, "I don't have these things in my possession yet, but let's do business" that's just bold. And this is not to say that Nik won't deliver ... in no way am I implying that. However, I find this style of post to be self-promoting. And for those that don't know, Nik, Hugo, and I talk to each other. Or, let me speak for myself, I talk to Nik and Hugo, and assume that they talk to each other. If Hugo needs help with something, I'm there to help him out. I am sure he would do the same. I don't consider this to be a bitter, cut-throat competition. I think we are all here because we love IWC watches and want to help you have the best watch you can afford. It just seems like one of the trio seems to bring more attention to himself. A final note to Jkay. When I am able to post pictures of these special things that I do, please don't make comments like 'thank your creator' about me. Complimenting the watch will be the highest praise I will recieve. Best Regards, Mike

Nik, I suspected as much! Thanks for confirming. It is a shame though that we have to fill this subforum with Solicitations for business. I guess we will have to wade through these to find the great things that others have created. Got your PM, thanks! Mike

Concepta, you are certainly have no reservations about self-promotion. Mike edited by Andy

Yes, these latest movements show good results if they serviced appropriately. Graphite is not a good solution for the sec @ 6 complications. The IWC Index Ring must be modified to work with a rep case. IWC hands must be modified to it an Asian movement. Mike