IWC

Here you will see for the first time anywhere..I guess...what happens to the parts that don't make the grade.

At several companies, I visited, I see no graveyards of parts, mainly because they yse tried and tested generic parts from others who did "all the preceding" developmental works.

Of course, when it comes to totally new works, 3 to 5 years of testing and tons of waste are accumulated...here is the evidence before you that the IWC bif calibre is TOTALLY developed and grown and nurtured...at IWC. No less..and at Renaud and Papi too...

 

The TRUE in house and something revolutionary, with plain watchmaking sense...no new materials etc.
 

Testing the surface resistance to scratches, at least a reasonable pressure...

Heat and cold.

 

 

These show, the older watches are also continually acessed for how much they have withstood wear and tear.

IWC is/was run like a company that is concerned with technical and engineering ethos. building data from experience with old products is a serious and budget consuming affair, this only pays off in the next 20 years.

By which time, a new CEO will reap the benefits. I can understand, with today's model of commercial practice, this is not always possible unless you have a CEO who is selfless, and commits budgets to R&D for the next incumbent.

Otherwwise, commercially speaking...it makes sense to put money into advertising and leave R&D a much lower budegt...especially for research that pays off in 20 years.

IWC has fostered a culture from the late 1990s to create an engineering aura around itself...

 

 

So...the next time you are told that the movement was developed in house..ask to see the graveyard of evidence.

Nah..don't believe them that they are "thrown away"!

Tongue in cheek.

This message has been edited by bernard cheong on 2008-01-12 23:33:31

nt

to fix a simple movement the equivalent of a Unitas or ETA hand wind!!!

Sheese...and he said quote " complex..German."

 

.

nt

Always do a body count !

MTF

nt

Hi Bernard, I think I must follow you on one of these "educational" tours which we "normal" people don't get...hehehe ;-)

cheers
joe

nt

Thanks for your efforts to educate!

TM

nt

I extremely love the the cut in half Aquatimer.  Would be an awesome paper weight for my desk

Cheers,
Anthony

I must thank IWC and Georges Kern that they did not pursue my signing of the non disclosure agreement...chuckles.

No message body

nt

you have done it again...I love your posts

 

I think you once mentioned that you had written an article on the great cal 5000. Ive been searching for it but no succes. If so can you guide in the right direction please. thanks.

kind regards

christian

I may be able to post many of the pictures and stories here..I have actually completed a book on the caliber 5000 and it is a book that is not bound, but alows pages to be added as the product grows, and evolves thur the years.

It is due to be released with IWC's consent in the 10th anniversary of the cal5000.

for the Lord Arran Ultraceomplication!

Best,
Magnus

I have seen also the graveyards of the Vainney Halter Antiquas and Goldpfeils...tons!!!

Another great post from you!
I have to add that, as a owner of a 5000, I'm very happy to see some posts about this watch , and its fabulous movement.
Yes, the IWC Portuguese 5000 is IMHO, an icon watch.
It has all, the sex appeal with its plexy, its very well designed dial ( witout date, even better!), its well built movement, and its perfect proportions.
A Keeper, for sure!
Thanks again!
Nicolas

nt

nt

nt

and reused?

Nah...

Kidding. No less..the IWC folk are almost as German as they are Swiss. Their old relations with Porsche are significant, as was thier once very austere but Porsche minimalist lines.

Well...I guess a box of dead spares weigh less than a kilo. Most of all...they are often taken out for re examination..like in CSI.