Need help: Which of these IWC's for a gift

[zaazaa]

Here's my situation - I'm buying a few reps for me and one for a surprise birthday present for a friend who likes watches.

For me, I've decided on the high end Chopard and Pam187 reps. But for the gift I need to get an entry level version (and it's been tough).

Can those of you in the know give me your feedback on which of these you think holds up as the best gift.

1. He won't know about movements or small inconsistencies

2. It will be more about "this looks and feels much like a gen" (and overall coolness)

3717 Chrono

http://www.watcheden.com/iwc-pilot-chrono-...-19786-p-1.html

I've seen a lot of great things said about this watch, but I'm sure it's always the higher end version. This version?

PORTUGUESE White variations

http://www.timeshops.net/IWC6917_-_IWC_POR...h_020015-66.htm

Nice looking watch, but again not sure of the lower end versions. The blue looks cool, but a little afraid of it in a rep. If it's acceptable though it could be eye catching.

PORTUGUESE Black Chrono

http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...roducts_id=3681

Another great looking watch, but I can't find a "lower end" version. They must make one, since they have them in white face?

So any feedback you could give would be great. Really struggling with this one.

Thanks for the time! Appreciate it.

Edited June 9, 2009 by zaazaa

[cornerstone]

My suggestion would not to be to get a faux chronograph as a gift. It seems more sensible to get a regular watch, and then you can have an Asian 21J movement in there to save some bucks. Run, don't walk, from the A7750 seconds at six Portuguese Chrono there - it has a reputation as a beautiful watch....which soon becomes a beautiful paperweight.

[bizta]

I have the FA Jones had wound and am very happy with it.

[Member X]

I agree with the above - I've not got one but everything I've read on here says that the A7750 in the chrono portuguese is a ticking timebomb!

Have you considered this one?

http://www.rwg.cc/members/IWC-Portuguese-1...Pho-t97170.html

It's pretty similar to the gen, bar the size of the numerals and the 21.6k bph movement, and by all accounts is top-notch I'm currently sourcing one now!

From what I've read the gen is a limited edition of about 50 so you're unlikely to see another in the wild - although it is in platinum and worth about

[umngmc]

it seems you like the beautiful styling of IWC's. if you like the portuguese line, look at the FA Jones or a Portuguese model with running seconds at 9. the Port chrono 3714 with running seconds at 6 is a beautiful watch, but the rep movement is not reliable.

the FA Jones is a nice manual-wind with a display back and can be had for $100-130 from the dealers.

if you want to get a sportier watch for your friend, take a look at some of the Omega's or Breitling's with the Asian 21J movements. some of them are spot-on with the gen and have a gen feel and weight to them.

[ubiquitous]

For a gift, I think the $100 Port 1939 is an option to consider...

Linky

[zaazaa]

I want to thank everyone for their input. It's been very helpful.

Thanks for the FA Jones 1939 suggestions. I'm afraid it's not quite his style though. Damn.

My suggestion would not to be to get a faux chronograph as a gift. It seems more sensible to get a regular watch, and then you can have an Asian 21J movement in there to save some bucks...

So for a faux chrono like this one:

http://www.watcheden.com/iwc-pilot-chrono-...-19786-p-1.html

The arms essentially just spin (not their intended use) and the buttons don't work. If that didn't matter, this is an Asian 21J. Thoughts?

Run, don't walk, from the A7750 seconds at six Portuguese Chrono there - it has a reputation as a beautiful watch....which soon becomes a beautiful paperweight.

Thank you, I will. Does anyone know if they make a 21J version of this (which seemingly would be cheaper, more reliable but non-chrono working)?:

http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...roducts_id=3681

I haven't seen one!

I did find this, which is similiar but quartz:

http://www.timeshops.net/IWC_Schaffhausen_...NOGRAPH_744.htm

Thanks again

[zaazaa]

Damn, it's always something...

I find a rep, and then as I research the cheap version falls apart (no pun intended)

Looks like the cheaper version has a white date wheel, but it should be black (and I also fully realize how the mod the chrono movement)

$128

NOT $128

Not sure I can deal with the white, even as a gift. Damn.

And I'm guessing they don't make an A 21j version of this because the chrono would have to change:

What do you all think bout these Quartz versions:

http://www.timeshops.net/IWC5770_-_IWC_POR...h_3125-4895.htm

http://www.timeshops.net/IWC6917_-_IWC_POR...h_020015-66.htm

Thanks

Edited June 9, 2009 by zaazaa

[FxrAndy]

either go for the quartz or go for a non chrono, to save the gift coming back with a problem