IWC

cholack
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Dornbluth Regulator or IWC Portuguese 7-Days??

Alas, the time has finally come, as I have procured enough funds to purchase my next watch.  However, I am torn between two choices, namely the IWC Portuguese 7-Day and the Dornbluth Regulator.  Both watches deeply satisfy my desire for silvered dials and heat-blued hands (images are from their respective websites).

While I have worn the IWC several times, unfortunately, I have not had the pleasure of seeing a Dornbluth Regulator, or any Dornbluth for that matter.  However, from my reading and for the most part, I think both the IWC and the Dornbluth have characteristics that place them on par with each other.  In my opinion:

Movement: The IWC Cal. 51011 is likely the more technical of the two, given the Pellation winding system and 7-day power reserve, but the Dornbluth is also quite complex as it requires significant modifications of the Unitas base to display the regulator-type dial with center seconds and power reserve.  Aesthetically speaking, I feel that both are terrific in their own way; the Portuguese with a more utilitarian look vs. the Dornbluth with a very German ¾ plate and various embellishments such as gold chantons, blue screws, hand-engraved balance cock and Geneva stripes.  Although I have never seen the Dornbluth caliber in person, I do have a feeling that the Regulator caliber would evoke a greater emotive response vs. the IWC caliber.

Case: I think both cases are finished to a high degree, with IWC setting the bar between the two. However, based on some Dornbluth owners comments, it would appear that Dornbluth can match IWC; perhaps this may be true if rumors that Fricker does indeed make the cases for Dornbluth.  Again, as I’ve never held a Dornbluth I can’t verify this. 

Dimensions: While the IWC Portuguese and Dornbluth regulator are similar in diameter with measurements of  42.3mm and 42mm, respectively, I think the IWC wears bigger given its very small bezel.  For me, having wide wrists, I feel that this is a plus and really helps to focus the attention of the wearer/viewer on the dial.  The question remains, how does the Dornbluth wear? 

Dial: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I lust after both of them.  Interestingly, IWC and Dornbluth take very different approaches in their dial aesthetics.  The main difference, other than the layout, in my opinion is the use of applied Arabic numerals in the IWC vs. engraving (ie. flat) numerals in the Dornbluth.  Another difference may be “in the glitter” of the silvered-dials but, again, I do not have a first-hand comparison. 

Exclusivity:  Hands down, I am sure that the Dornbluth is the more exclusive.  I believe that the total number of Dornbluth Regulators is only in the 50-60s.  That said, I have only met two people who own the IWC Portuguese in the many years that I have lusted for this model. 

After sales service:  No matter which watch I will choose, either one will be a life-long keeper.  As such, maintenance servicing is quite important to me.  I have read on several fora that IWC’s after sales service is… sub-par.  However, as a JLC owner, I have found the service at Richemont to be adequate.  On the Dornbluth side, I have heard amazing stories of being able to switch dials and complementary polishing with servicing from several members.  The problem is, Dornbluth is a family run business, so what would happen if the unthinkable happened to Dirk Dornbluth? 

So what say you?  Which watch should I get and why?  Also if there is anyone who owns both please comment and share side-by-side photos as this would greatly help my decision!