That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

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james80
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by james80 »

downer wrote:My favourite of the recent ingenieurs and a nice size. This year, IWC are launching a blue "Laureus" edition, which would be an excellent watch to own.
I saw pictures, I like it a lot.

The chronos are nice as well.
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by andyg »

I have been considering these as an AT/Explorer alternative.

i like the styling, and they are less prevalent than the other 2. But the price for an ETA movement is a bit of stooping point.
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Aifo »

Its iconic, superbly made and reasonably priced (for an IWC), cant go wrong with that.
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by welshlad »

A really lovely watch, which I would love own...in black, white or Laureus blue. Not sure I would categorise it as a cross between a sports watch and a dress watch though (like an Aqua Terra is). To me it's an out-and-out sports watch. But that's semantics...it's definitely lovely whatever category it's in! :)
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Wis »

Thanks for all your comments. I've been reading up on it, and quite a few people feel it is overpriced (well, aren't all luxury watches in one sense overpriced?). I don't necessarily agree, but in this kind of price range, what would be good alternatives?
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Wis »

welshlad wrote:Not sure I would categorise it as a cross between a sports watch and a dress watch though (like an Aqua Terra is). To me it's an out-and-out sports watch.
Well, I know the Nautilus and Royal Oak were ment to be sports watches, but today - when the categories are much more blurred, it seems to me that they are more like sporty dress watches. To a slightly lesser degree the Ingy falls in the same category for me.
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Wis »

andyg wrote:But the price for an ETA movement is a bit of stooping point.
I don't have a problem with that. Firstly, if it had had an in-house movement it would have cost twice as much, if other IWC's are an indication. Secondly, the ETA2892 is a very good movement. Thirdly, I'm sure IWC has tweaked it a bit. Fourthly, while in-house is nice, there was a time not long ago when even the most august watchmakers routinely bought movements from outside suppliers. There are many reasons why in-house is now considered a must in high end watches, and quality is not necessarily one of them. And finally, with a watch such as the Ingy you pay for design, finishing, quality of case, dial, hands, bracelet - and obviously also for the privilege of having an IWC on your wrist.
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by gaf1958 »

Wis wrote:Thanks for all your comments. I've been reading up on it, and quite a few people feel it is overpriced (well, aren't all luxury watches in one sense overpriced?). I don't necessarily agree, but in this kind of price range, what would be good alternatives?
They're expensive, but overpriced? Everything is relative, including value. IWCs are not cheap, but are excellent watches. Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Wis »

I've searched for more information on the cal. 30110 (ETA2892-A2). Here is what I could cobble together from what seem to be a reliable source, the moderator on Timezone's IWC forum Michael Schott:

"It seems Swatch will no longer sell IWC the parts kit so IWC can modify the movements in-house. Basically IWC say they order movements from ETA produced to IWC's standards which undergo the same inspection and test procedures to assure they meet IWC's standards.

In reality it is very likely that the movement is exactly the same as when IWC was doing the work."
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Wis »

gaf1958 wrote:
Wis wrote:Thanks for all your comments. I've been reading up on it, and quite a few people feel it is overpriced (well, aren't all luxury watches in one sense overpriced?). I don't necessarily agree, but in this kind of price range, what would be good alternatives?
They're expensive, but overpriced? Everything is relative, including value. IWCs are not cheap, but are excellent watches. Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
Agreed. And this beholder finds it beautiful. And not overpriced.
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by blowfish89 »

If you keep searching, you will find many watchmakers analyze and state that the 2892 is just as good as the base Rolex movements (313x).
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Kip »

What a great watch! Congratulations on a certain classic. I am very happy for you. :thumbup:
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Wis »

Whoa! I haven't actually bought it yet. For the moment I'm simply searching, pondering and debating with myself. It could go on for a very long time. :D
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by downer »

I have no clue what the IWC support is like in Norway, Bjorn, but I want to let you know that (so far) my experience with the UK service centre is a long way from satisfactory...
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Re: That elusive allrounder: IWC Ingenieur 323902

Post by Wis »

Thanks Richard. There is an AD Very close to where I work, and they do some servicing so I would think they do service the cal. 30110. My experience is that it boils down to the people who work there, and they generally get good reviews.

I'm not sure if it would be possible for a non-IWC watchmaker to service an IWC, i.e. source parts? I have a good relationship with an AD for Jaeger-LeCoultre/Vacheron Constantin/Breguet/Glashütte Original ...
Bjørn
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