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IWC Portofino Watches Bring Back The Mesh

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWC Portofino Watches Bring Back The Mesh
I didn't expect to see a return to mesh metal bracelets from a big brand like IWC. Mesh metal bracelets, otherwise known as "Milanese" bracelet were big back in the middle of the 20th Century, but stuck around for niche use mostly on dive watches. The only mainstream brand I recall using them was Skagen. For 2011 IWC totally redesigned and reintroduced the Portofino watch. There are now four models of the Portofino - two of which will be offered with a metal Milanese strap. Those two models being the above seen chronograph, as well as the three-hand automatic. The Chronograph is 42mm wide, while the three-hand automatic I believe is 40mm wide.

The watches comes in two dial colors - the off-white, and a slate gray. Each has a few red accents on the dial for color. The Milanese strap is quite nicely done - as IWC has been able to overcome the biggest problem with the strap - adjustability. By giving it a strap like buckle, the wearer can adjust its size. The metal is thick, but smooth to the touch, and looks quite good in a retro sort of way. Will this signal a major return of Milanese style straps? Hard to say, but they do look nice on these new Portofino timepieces.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

IWC Portofino Watch For 2011

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The IWC watch you never see or hear about in America is usually the Portofino. In my opinion, we are a Big Pilot and Aquatimer country - but I digress. The odd member out in the collection was always the Portofino. Not a bad looking watch in and of itself, it was sort of shoved under the carpet but IWC's more distinctive collections. For 2011 the Portofino get's a total rewrite. To me they feel very much like the classic Max Bill designed watches.

According to IWC, the Portofino was always their entry-level model. Not sure if that will still hold true, but it might for some of its basic versions. Interesting enough, IWC is due to debut a whole range of new Portofino watches - not just one or two models. There will be at least 4-5 new Portofino pieces in the 2011 collection.

Available in 18k gold or steel, the Portofino will be 40mm wide and have black or white dials. Models include the Automatic, Chronograph, Dual Time, and the pictured Hand-Wound Eight Days. Inside this latter model is the caliber 59210 manually wound movement that is modeled after a pocket watch movement. It features a very long 8 days of power reserve, along with a power reserve indicator on the dial. Other features include the time, subsidiary seconds dial, and the date. The new deals are attractive. You can see how IWC retained the distinctive Portofino hands (which can be an acquired taste). I do enjoy the rounded case edges and thin bezel that will have the watch looking as large as possible on the wrist. This is also added to by the relatively thin and highly curved lugs. Attached to the watches will be Italian leather straps.

I will look out for details on more of the new IWC Portofino watches as I learn of them. Not sure about prices, but looks like they might be going up from those of the outgoing Portofino models.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Shia LeBeouf Wears IWC Watch In Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Movie

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWC watches are displayed on the wrists of the two main characters in the new Oliver Stone movie, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. Wasn't this movie supposed to come out already? I think it got pushed. The infamous Gordon Gekko has Michael Douglas wearing an IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar watch in rose gold, while lead Shia LeBeouf is also wearing an IWC perpetual calendar timepiece. Only his character Jacob Moore is wearing an IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar in 18k white gold (model ref. IW376205). I guess they both really like knowing the precise date.

Probably too ritzy for his character in real life (maybe he bought the watch after making the money), the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar combines the classic look of the famous Portuguese models, with the intricate complication of IWC's very popular 7 day power reserve automatic perpetual calendar with the date, day of the week, month, leap year, year indicator, power reserve indicator moon phase indicator, and the time. Like I said, the case is in white gold, just over 42mm wide, and retails for $38,800. Check out IWC watches in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps when it hits theaters soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph Edition DFB Watch For The German Football Association

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph Edition DFB Watch
Swiss IWC will be the official watch maker for the German national football team. The beautiful limited edition watch as a result of this partnership will be very difficult to obtain. Pretty much the only want to get one of the 250 IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph Edition DFB (German Football Association) watches is to be specifically nominated by the team's coach Joachim Low. You might also have success asking IWC really, really nicely for one. Like many European nations, Germany is Football crazy, and are likely excited about the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

The limited edition watch build on the existing IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph with special colors and a special logo applied to the sapphire exhibition caseback on the rear of the watch. Note the black, yellow, and red colors on the watch dial in honor of the German national flag. At 45.5mm wide in steel, the Big Ingenieur Chronograph watch has one of my favorite IWC movements - the automatic calibre 89360 in-house made movement that has a full 12 hour chronograph in just two subdials. This is done by having both the hours and minute in the upper subdial (using two hands), while the dial has a clean, symmetrical look to it. The dark rings of the chronograph look beautiful against the silvery dial. This is one of my favorite looking IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph watches out there. The watch is paired with a black alligator strap that is red on the inside. Not sure about price, but if your "selected" to own one, I am sure they will tell you how much you need to pony up for it.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

IWC Big Ingenieur Edition Zinédine Zidane Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWC Big Ingenieur Edition Zinédine Zidane Watch
Usually brands like IWC offer a single piece in celebration of a partnership with a new celebrity, athlete, or likewise. Yet here is the second timepiece by IWC made with French soccer (ahem, football) player Zinedine Zidane in mind. Again, using the Ingenieur watch as the palette - this time it is the Big Ingenieur watch and case that is the base. This watch is the Ingenieur version of the brand's very popular Big Pilot watch. They have similar dimensions being 45.5mm wide - here in steel. They also have the same wonderful in-house made Calibre 51113 automatic movements with an eight-day power reserve (complete with indicator on the dial). The unique black and red color schemes for the watch contain some hidden meanings that are important to fans of Zidane.

The limited edition piece is perfect for fans of the sport of the man. For the football fanatic father, this just might be the perfect father's day gift (assuming your budget and love of dad are robust enough). There will only be 500 of these new IWC Zinedine watches in the Big Ingenieur watch case. They are matched to a black alligator strap, and come with all the standard rugged durability that the Ingenieur watch case and design is famous for. Prices at $13,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

IWC Tourneau Big Pilot's Watch In Platinum

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

iwc tourneau big pilot watch
As a special, limited edition of just 15 pieces, IWC created a version of their ubiquitously popular Big Pilot's watch in a 46.2mm wide platinum case with silver toned dial. This is the only platinum version of this style piece available. The sharp looking upper-luxury refresh of the piece has the famous IWC Calibre 5111 automatic movement with a power reserve of over 7 days! The power reserve indicator on the dial in in black.

Few platinum watches are this functional. Even if you are in a room with people who all have an IWC Pilot watch, you can be pretty sure no one is going to have some like yours. "Steel? No this isn't steel. Platinum baby...." The monochromatic watch features a matching alligator aviator style strap (with rivets), and a pretty fantastically cool looking design. This is part of the power of being Tourneau, that you can get brands to do highly special edition pieces for you. If you can find one still available, price is $49,000 only at Tourneau.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

IWC Wins Readers' Choice Award for Best Watch Line

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


IWC is the winner of the Readers' Choice Award for Best Watch Line.

With a deep connection to functionally themed luxury sport watches, IWC rejects an approach to watch making that focuses on form over function. In recent years according to one poll, IWC, has risen to be considered the top luxury watch brand among wealthy Americans. Frequently sighted on the wrists of athletes to actors and bankers, the wide adoption of IWC watches proves that watch lovers want timepieces with utilitarian roots.

IWC watches are split between two major styles, with activity themed offerings such as Pilot or Aquatimer diving watches, and classic "thinking person" styles such as the mega popular Portuguese or Ingeniuer timepieces. Equally proficient in steel or gold, IWC is also known to offers excellently finished movements of in-house design and manufacture. IWC is also known for offering luxury watches for a wide array of budgets from mid level luxury to the ultra high-end.

While a name like "International Watch Company" might sound universal, the brand is totally Swiss in design and quality. IWC watches have little trouble being recognized in most circles and benefit from a distinct lack of pretentiousness in their brand image. Owning an IWC luxury watch typically communicates that you buy nice watches for your own enjoyment, not merely for others to see.

Readers' Choice Award Nominees for Best in Accessories

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

Best Jewelry Line
Each of the Readers' Choice nominees for Best Jewelry Line is a leader in the industry. One is not only known for its signature jewelry, but also for the blue box that it comes in. Another is known for its handcrafted pieces, but it is also known for its many innovations. Another nominee is a newer designer on the scene who is inspired by Florentine jewelry-making, but also astronomy, celestial, mythological and astrological influences. Another nominee is synonymous with glamour and fame and has ties to some of the world's most famous jewels. Finally, there's a nominee known for the panache of its founder, as well as its vast collection of the world's finest diamonds.
Graff Diamonds
Harry Winston
Temple St. Clair
Tiffany & Co.
Van Cleef & Arpels

Best Watch Line
The Readers' Choice for the Best Watch Line nominees include a perennially favored brand among the watch-loving elite that is known for making the most complex wrist watch in the world. Another nominee is known for its functionally-themed luxury sport watches. The third nominee, while an historic brand with almost 200 years of heritage, is known for being a forward focused luxury watch maker of the future. A fourth nominee is perhaps the best-known luxury watch brand in the world, with a stellar reputation to match. Lastly, there's a watchmaker that epitomizes Swiss haute horology with its modern classics and technical innovation.
Audemars Piguet
IWC
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Patek Philippe
Rolex

Best Leathergoods Line
The Readers' Choice for the Best Leathergoods Line for a Luxist Award include award-winning brands from France, Italy and London. One started out making equestrian equipment in 1837, and still makes its goods by hand; some of its handbags are so coveted, there's a two-year long wait list to buy one. Another was started in London by a former fashion editor who partnered with a couture shoe maker to create a company now synonymous with the "red carpet". The third nominee is known for its clean lines and simple classic color palettes while the fourth is a global force of tradition and innovation. And finally, the last nominee epitomizes luxury with its delectable designer bags and vaunted luggage--some of which command five figure prices.
Bottega Veneta
Gucci
Hermes
Jimmy Choo
Louis Vuitton

Best Department Store/Boutique
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best Department Store/Boutique include one based in London that has no fewer than 330 different departments, a staff of 5,000 from 50 different countries and is visited by as many as 300,000 people on a single day. Another, with roots in Texas, is known for its superior customer service, in addition to its luxury merchandise, including some of the world's most extravagant items. One New York-based store has a shoe department that is so large, it was given its own zip code. Another Manhattan-based store specializes in hard-to-find international designers, many of which it will help launch into fame. Lastly, there's an upstart from London that is so cutting-edge and up-to-date, it launches 300 new styles on a weekly basis.
Barneys New York
Harrods
Neiman Marcus
Saks Fifth Avenue
Top Shop

Best Clothing Designer
Readers' Choice nominees for Best Clothing Designer are award-winning fashion designers from Italy, England, France and the United States. One was started by a wunderkind who was named chief designer of one of the most respected fashion houses when he was still in his 20's. Another has been one of the leading names in fashion for nearly 100 years. A third nominee, known for its timeless style, has outfitted First Ladies on both sides of the aisle for decades while the fourth is famed for its understated elegance. The final nominee is synonymous with high fashion though its roots are in luggage and leather goods.
Alexander McQueen
Chanel
Gucci
Oscar de la Renta
Prada

IWC: Totally Swiss in Design and Quality

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


With a deep connection to functionally themed luxury sport watches, IWC rejects an approach to watch making that focuses on form over function. In recent years according to one poll, IWC, which is nominated for a Luxist Award, has risen to be considered the top luxury watch brand among wealthy Americans. Frequently sighted on the wrists of athletes to actors and bankers, the wide adoption of IWC watches proves that watch lovers want timepieces with utilitarian roots.

IWC watches are split between two major styles, with activity themed offerings such as Pilot or Aquatimer diving watches, and classic "thinking person" styles such as the mega popular Portuguese or Ingeniuer timepieces. Equally proficient in steel or gold, IWC is also known to offers excellently finished movements of in-house design and manufacture. IWC is also known for offering luxury watches for a wide array of budgets from mid level luxury to the ultra high-end.

While a name like "International Watch Company" might sound universal, the brand is totally Swiss in design and quality. IWC watches have little trouble being recognized in most circles and benefit from a distinct lack of pretentiousness in their brand image. Owning an IWC luxury watch typically communicates that you buy nice watches for your own enjoyment, not merely for others to see.

Cast your vote for the Readers' Choice Awards at http://www.luxist.com/awards-vote/accessories-awards.

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Watch In Rose Gold

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


As though such a dive watch needed any beautification to begin with? IWC thought otherwise and has now crafted one of its new popular Aquatimer Chronograph watches in gold. This is the IWC Ref. IW3769 and it represents that large demographic of fully capable dive watches that you'd never want to get wet. Unless you find yourself suddenly in a James Bond style action-filled chase that ends up in the ocean, you are going to baby this watch.

All rose gold cased watches such as this feel good in the hands being hefty and solid - just what a good diver's watch should feel like. Aside from rose gold, the case has the sapphire crystal covered bezel, and rubber for parts of the crown and pushers, and for the strap. You also get IWC's special quick release strap that was first seen on the 2009 aquatimer watches. The watch is 44mm wide by 15.5mm thick. Only water resistant to 120 meters though, so don't get any deep diving ideas.

Powering the watch is an IWC in-house made caliber 89360 automatic chronograph movement that I really love. Not only does it have a long-lasting 68 hours of power reserve, but it also has a 12 hour chronograph in a bi-compax array. It does this by have two hands in the upper subdial, making it count both the hours and minutes. IWC typifies the chronograph hands by making them in red. Really a fantastic layout from a popular movement that IWC uses in a few watches. The back of the watch has a sapphire caseback window showing the movement. Nothing is better for "everyday excess" than a luxury dive watch with an in-house movement in my opinion .

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Hurting Luxury Watch Companies Finally Discover Their Sales People Stink

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

iwc pilot watch
You might have heard the saying "a sales person is born, not made." There is a lot of truth to that. Good sales techniques often don't rely on too many particular skills or knowledge of a product. Hell, sometimes they don't even rely on there being a good product. If you are an honest and straightforward person who is interested in really helping out the consumer - you'll make a terrible sales person.

Finding a good sales person is tough, because they are either in high demand, or often times their personalities makes them... less than reliable. A good sales person can effectively help erode logic and focus from an unwilling consumer and get them to purchase not on principle, but on emotion. And there are people out there who train others on how to do this. Only the most manipulative and shiestiest survive. You are good if the consumer doesn't even know they are being sold.

It is no secret that luxury watches have been hurting, bad. Estimates say that luxury watch sales in the US are down at staggering 42% or more from when times were "good" a few years ago. A recent story in the Wall Street Journal discusses how Richemont Group brand IWC hired sales consultant Jean-Marie Brücker for their Beverly Hills boutique store. His role is to train the sales people on proper selling techniques for items whose values aren't always on par with their price. Being a watch fan, I am not saying that watches are necessarily overpriced given their complex construction and typically low volume, but the price of entry for most luxury watches is intense to heart-stopping. Plus, if you are of the "I am so rich I don't care segment of the population" the sales people only need to be good enough to keep you in the store while you are looking around - so they don't have to play the "let's evade the matter of price" game.

Click below to read the rest of the article.

IWC 45.5mm Big Ingenieur Chronograph Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

iwc 45.5mm big ingenieur chronograph
I got a nice chance to play with these larger IWC Ingeniuer watches recently and boy do they make an impact. The mechanical prowess you feel from handing the case is intense, even though they have "basic" calibre 89360 automatic flyback chronograph movements inside (love that the top subdial is used for minutes AND hours). I jest because the movement is manufacture made by IWC and is quite impressive. At 45.5mm wide (and 14.5mm tall), the steel, 18k rose gold, or platinum cases are hefty and well sculpted. Attached to the case are alligator straps. The Big IWC Ingeniuer that can be obtained in platinum has got to be one of the heaviest watches out there without a bracelet, and I love it. The dials are really easy to ready and the action of the chronograph pushers is pleasing. There are some sharper edges on the back of the case, but it is not a big deal really.

With a "scientific watch" heritage, the Ingenieur watch line has come a long way with the pictured style being the dominant look of the watch line today. It really isn't for every man, but enough people are going to love the technical, though luxurious look and personality of the watch. It can easily be dressed up or down, and is the perfect type of watch that you can rely on for decades, or generations for that matter (with proper service). The slate gray or white colored dials have nice contrasting subdials and enough decoration to make you feel good about your aggressively styled luxury Swiss watch. Available now.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

IWC Rated Best Luxury Watch Brand By Wealthy People

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWC watch
The results of this study details the perception of wealthy buyers towards luxury watches. An LBSI survey asked individuals with $2 million or more money in investable assets about various brands and IWC was rated "best of the best" out of 33 competing luxury watch brands. IWC earned tops scores for luxury, value, as well as being recommended to others as a good luxury watch brand. IWC, part of the Richemont Group is one of many luxury brands under the company's umbrella. Two and three on the list of best brands were Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

It is important to understand that the results of the survey does not mean that IWC is the best luxury brand, but merely that it is perceived as such by the population surveyed. This is thanks to effective marketing and brand positioning, as well as the user experience owners have had with IWC watches. Buyers of luxury watches expect their watches not only to look nice, but be reliable and free from defects. This means that overall IWC owners were happy, likely repeat customers - more so than those of comparable brands. Other key factors that surveyed consumers indicated about IWC was they they appreciate the classic yet unique looks of IWC watches, as well as the rareness of the brands overall character. This either speaks to the difficulty in finding a brand with this blend of traits, or that IWC watches are in fact difficult to find.

Luxury watch brands each have their fare share of positive and negative qualities - but IWC has apparently succeeded in winning the most amount of hearts for its target demographic. They are in fact excellent timepieces, and now I know that I am not the only one that feels this way. The pictured watch is the IWC Grand Complication perpetual calendar watch in 18k rose gold.

Via National Jeweler.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

iwc da vinci watch
This IWC presents a first (in my knowledge) complication for watches. This is the first perpetual calendar with a "big" date and month display. I really like how this looks on the face, having the two large display windows polarized horizontally on the dial. While it is easier for me to read the month as a three letter abbreviation, this style will be more convenient when you write out the date in the European style: "25/8/09," as for us Americans, we will have to switch around the numbers in our head. While this Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar watch does not display the day of the week, if you aren't aware of that, you've got other problems. Instead, there is a tastefully small leap year indicator at 6 o'clock, and a full 12 hour chronograph to satisfy you. The chronograph combines both the hours and minute counter into one dial (with two hands) in the 12 o'clock position. This is one of the most simple looking, complex watches out there.

The watch comes in a limited edition of 500 with pieces in 18k rose gold or platinum. The newer Da Vinci style tonneau case measures 44mm wide by 16mm tall. This watch has an automatic in-house IWC caliber 89800 movement that has 474 parts (very complex) and a massive power reserve of 68 hours. Knowing this will help you justify the price of this beautiful IWC Da Vinci watch, which is likely to be $40,000 plus.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

IWC Gold Aquatimer Vintage Collection Automatic Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Last year the watch loving public was delighted to see the Vintage collection from IWC that included a vintage styled Aquatimer watch, closely resembling the first Aquatimer watch from 1967. This was easily the best of the new Vintage line watches in my opinion, and still looks great a year later. This year IWC has taken the entire new IWC Vintage line and added 18k gold (white or rose gold) versions of the 44m wide case to the strong lineup.

This is the rose gold IWC Vintage Aquatimer on a honey alligator strap. The look is about as beautiful a retro diver watch as you can get. The internal rotating bezel is controlled via the top crown on the right side of the watch, which is screwed down. Inside is an IWC manufactured 80111 calibre automatic movement with Pellaton winding system and integrated shock absorbers. Sapphire crystals (antireflective) are on the front and rear of the watch. This true diver's watch is water-resistant to 12 ATM. Price likely $15,000 - $20,000 for the gold versions of this highly desirable IWC Vintage Aquatimer watch. Perfect for actual diving or otherwise.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

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