Comments:
FYI for anyone buying new IWC’s
Their easy exchange strap system which is not only unavailable due to supply chain issues, but a bigger problem. The metal of the strap scratched the inside of the case. I know this is a ceramic model but my Chrono has the same exact problem and it’s stainless steel. So I can say their release system was not clearly thought out as the strap release should have been in rubber.
Fixed a few typos This message has been edited by cazalea on 2022-05-02 01:10:35
Sorry to hear about your issue. Did the watch originally come with this strap? Or did you add this later?
The reason I ask, is sometimes a design is made to “fit” a certain case and the design wasn’t tested on other cases. Hope you come to a satisfactory solution. -John
That is not possible with normal use and wear...
Here's mine with no scratch marks:
And, here's how one can make the scratches happen. I don't see how someone can get the strap to sit in this position. Especially, when the strap has a deployant.
Simple reason
Your clasp is a deployant not a pin buckle. Therefore it sits different. Also take into account moving the watch from IWC to a dealers case. Not everyone is going to baby it around. The design is flawed and its that simple. Is it a big deal? Nope it's not but this is a site to talk watches and sometimes negative feedback is just what it is.
Sorry to hear this
Since the scratch is on the ceramic case, you might want to go over it a few times with a soft pencil eraser and if it will come off. Based on my handling of IWC ceramic cases, it’s extremely scratch resistance. The scratch could be from the strap steel instead.
Bummer, this is why I always store watches in a manner that prevents clasps and buckles from coming in contact with the watch. It's also a primary reason why I don't like traditional NATO
straps that have numerous large metal loops. Also if you only wear rings on the same wrist you wear your watch on you'll never ping your watch with your ring.
been watching a bunch of review videos that show similar marks, seems not well thought out
Another vote for not really a scratch.
I had what looked like scratches on my ceramic PB Miramar and I attacked them with eraser, Cape Cod cloths, and even scouring pads. They eventually came off and left zero evidence of the aggressive cleaning.
My gripe with the easy change system is that on my bronze Aquatimer, a bump to the strap caused it to release! When the watch went overboard off my boat when I brushed the hull, I decided to sell it. Thankfully I was docked in shallow water.
My gripe with the easy change system is that on my bronze Aquatimer, a bump to the strap caused it to release! When the watch went overboard off my boat when I brushed the hull, I decided to sell it. Thankfully I was docked in shallow water.
Ah yes that was the old system
They designed the new one to fit around the spring bar. The issue is the new one has metal on the inside and scratches the case if and only if the strap is leaning toward the inside of the case. I think the new system is way better than the old minus this tiny flaw which can be prevented if careful.
JLC has done it better.
My Amvox 7 has a novel quick release system that so far seems great. There are two tabs on the back of the case that can be pulled back with a fingernail. The each tab is connected to two rods that slide along the back side of each lug. When retracted, they reveal the strap bar holes freeing a slot from which the strap bar may be removed. The usual spring bar is replaced in this system by a similarly shaped bar without any spring. So any proper size strap is easily fitted to the watch without the need to retract spring bars, and no need for proprietary straps.
Not comparable here
You are talking about an amazing watchmaker and amazing timepiece. This IWC Chrono doesn’t compare it’s in a much lower league.
It’s caused by fingernails…
I have observed, while the thumb pressed on the lock to remove the strap (due to the angle of the strap required to pull it out). I have the same on my BP43 and was before as puzzled.
Yea they totally botched the design
I have had so many watches from so many brands and my review, comments and critisim is always from personal experience with my own watches. Watches I spent my own money on. So I try to be honest and not sugar coat flaws in design. If a company is asking 8k+ for watches then I expect their R & D to be spot on. This is really not a big deal in the grand scheme of things but its good for others to know before buying.
I wound up selling of the Chrono
Not really for the strap issue but overall I was not feeling it. The 41mm size with the thickness just doesn’t work here. It’s really a weak attempt to downsize without having the proper movement to do so. IWC’s in house movements are really just clones of the outgoing ETA/Valjoux. Nothing special, run too fast, weak power reserves for the chrono’s. I replaced it with this top gun ceramic. This design works for me. If they offered it with a Sellita Sw or an ETA I would have gone that route. This movement however is alright. The case design and matte finish are awesome. It’s really a good design and huge bang for buck. I also ordered the green olive strap from the discontinued mirimar. It arrives tomorrow so I’ll post pics of it.
