Community Stories

Do IWC vintage watches trump (no pun intended) vintage Seamasters?

Syrte
Posts
7,651
Likes
21,955
ConElPueblo ConElPueblo
$1500 opens up for a huge variety of great dial and case designs from all sorts of manufacturers, chronometer-rated Omegas and top condition vintage Seiko divers. I find the IWCs a bit bland to look at.

If you’re seeking to have many watches with different and striking designs, you may not want to accumulate IWC variants— but if in your collection you’d like a very pure and classy watch, ( or if you prefer to wear only a handful of watches like most normal people do), IWC offers super sophisticated watches that are still somewhat within reach for a number of middle class watch enthusiasts. Although of course cost is completely relative and what’s within reach for someone usually is stratospheric for others.

edit / add - for example, dibs on the one @Shabbaz just posted before the last one.
Edited:
 
imfagent449
Posts
372
Likes
344
I always wanted a 8541B. I got one about a year ago.

I it not exciting and it doesn't stand out. It is beautiful in its meticulous design, seems reliable and I love it.

I have worn it about a week I think - I should wear it more often.
 
IMG_0177.JPG
Tony C.
Posts
8,115
Likes
28,604
As others have noted, IWC of the mid 20th century tended to be understated. So if that's not your preferred style, they obviously wouldn't be a sensible choice. But for those of us who appreciate understated aesthetics, along with quality, reliability, and class, they stand tall.
 
Spruce
Posts
8,672
Likes
71,868
Thanks, it’s been interesting and @Shabbaz IWC looks lovely (and worthy) but I think I’ll stick with my shouty Seamaster(s).


9A33A5E7-E24B-4D20-83D6-34DB3457B51B.jpeg FD6E0D6D-A06C-4541-9BD9-03D397E336C6.jpeg
 
JwRosenthal
Posts
16,307
Likes
44,998
Spruce Spruce
Thanks, it’s been interesting and @Shabbaz IWC looks lovely (and worthy) but I think I’ll stick with my shouty Seamaster(s).


9A33A5E7-E24B-4D20-83D6-34DB3457B51B.jpeg FD6E0D6D-A06C-4541-9BD9-03D397E336C6.jpeg
Shouty? You must be British. 😉
 
Spruce
Posts
8,672
Likes
71,868
Yes, I am British, but I was looking for a bit of alliteration to respond to @Tony C.

Tony C. Tony C.
As others have noted, IWC of the mid 20th century tended to be understated. So if that's not your preferred style, they obviously wouldn't be a sensible choice. But for those of us who appreciate understated aesthetics, along with quality, reliability, and class, they stand tall.

Which word might a non-Brit have used? 😀
 
JwRosenthal
Posts
16,307
Likes
44,998
Spruce Spruce
Yes, I am British, but I was looking for a bit of alliteration to respond to @Tony C.



Which word might a non-Brit have used? 😀
The Brit comment (meant humorously) was in regards to thinking the Seamaster is loud in comparison to the IWC (I love the restrained elegance with a pop of flair in English fashion) . This comment coming from the country where people wear Ed Hardy T-shirts and jeans to weddings.
 
Spruce
Posts
8,672
Likes
71,868
And taken humorously too 😀
Which country is this?
I’ve just looked up Ed Hardy T-shirts - hmm.
 
JwRosenthal
Posts
16,307
Likes
44,998
Spruce Spruce
And taken humorously too 😀
Which country is this?
I’ve just looked up Ed Hardy T-shirts - hmm.
Like you have to guess 🙄
A467A64E-9A42-40CA-AA7B-F800372B9A23.jpeg
 
lindo
Posts
944
Likes
4,326
I love my vintage Omegas, but this 18K IWC crossed my path a while ago and begged to be added to the collection. The best bit was that the price was less than half what I would have had to pay for an 18K Constellation in similar condition.

I liked the look and the movement, and did not stop to consider whether it was better than a similar Omega. So my answer to the thread's question is "Do we really have to make a choice?"

IMG_0007.jpeg s-l1600-10.jpeg
 
imfagent449
Posts
372
Likes
344
@Tony C. - perfectly said. I feel taller when I wear an IWC

The only watches that I wear out of the house are usually one of these.

They just work.

(I just noticed that they have the same date)
IMG_0179.JPG
 
JwRosenthal
Posts
16,307
Likes
44,998
janice&fred janice&fred
Listen to you. What's wrong did you misplace your checkbook? 😁
I would, but it would go in my drawer with my other silver dialed Seamaster’s that don’t get worn. When I was wearing jacket and tie to work every day- sure. But that’s not my life these days.

I’m trying to show some restraint g-dammit, don’t be shamin’!!! It’s hard for a watch brother with a problem. 👎
 
Dan S
Posts
24,378
Likes
54,251
Much of this is a matter of personal taste, but I will just say that if we are talking about 1960s designs specifically, I tend to prefer IWC, and currently have several in my collection that are probably not going anywhere. For whatever reason, my 1960s Seamasters have come and gone. But maybe I just haven't found the right one yet. 😀

[Edit: Just so I don't get drummed out of the forum, I will say that I am a big fan of 1940s and 1950s Omega watches, especially some of the hand-winders with 30mm movements.]
Edited:
 
ollipekka
Posts
96
Likes
103
The problem for me with IWC is that the price is often 5 to 10-fold compared to the equivalent vintage omega. That and there isn't too many resources to learn from. I'd love to have a vintage Yachting Club or Ingeniur, but the 5k+ prices are a serious turn off especially since there are many good redials to burn newbies like me.
 
55 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Thatguy

Hi guys! I'm new in this forum, so, nice to meet you all :) and I need some hands (no pun intended)

Thatguy Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Thatguy
Thatguy
Posts
0
Views
1K
ctime3

Right on time no pun intended

ctime3 Modern Omega Watches
ctime3
ctime3
Posts
0
Views
1K