Mark XVI strap versus bracelet

[dc_in_sf]

Just curious as to why there is such a *huge* markup on the bracelet version of this watch?

I'm probably leaning toward the strap version in any case as I want something dressier than my Seamaster Pro, and a Mark XVI on a strap could fit that bill. It would be nice to have both options (strap and bracelet) available, but not at that price point :-(

[westwood4]

I'm interested to know why the huge diff too. Perhaps someone can shed a light on this. Or is it a norm that IWC charges a premium for the bracelet version?

[hpark21]

IWC bracelet is priced at $1400. (Ha!)

That probably is the reason for big mark-up. If there were no mark ups, everyone will get the bracelet, sell the bracelet and buy several VERY high end croc straps. :)

[NightScar]

I have asked this same question in another forum and the answer is simply what HPark said, the bracelet really is that expensive. I have only handled it a handful of times but those who has it can attest at how comfortable and how great it is.

If you really like both, I would suggest getting it with the bracelet because there are a lot of croc strap options available out there and I believe the IWC croc strap is cheaper to get by itself than the bracelet.

[muffle]

Hi,

I guess the reason the almost ridiculous price is due to the bracelet being absolutely gorgous! Get yourselves down to a dealer and check it out. It has to be seen/felt to understand the incredible price. If you compare to a Rolex sub, well, you can't, the IWC is in a different league. And the way you remove the links - genius!

After saying all that I think the MK's and 3717 look best on black leather...

Muffle

[Asad]

Even though the Bracelet model is worth alot more, Though it's worth it, as I have seldom seen or felt bracelet quality to that level of craftsmanship.

[Sgian Dubh]

The bracelet is very well made and very comfortable. But $1400 for a stainless steel bracelet? Bite me.

As a comparison: On my Omegas, the price difference between a strap and bracelet was about $200. Depending on the watch and dealers, there was no price difference.

[westwood4]

I've never handled the IWC Mark XVI bracelet before, so I can't comment on that. :-)

Is there a huge difference in quality compared to the SpeedBird 3 bracelet?

[Denizen]

the $1400 price quoted earlier is if you buy the bracelet separately. if you price the bracelet model over the strap model, the difference is somewhat less, somewhere around $750 or more depending on the model.

if you don't want to pay that much for the bracelet, IWC could care less.

as for the Omega bracelets, other than the deville, most of the Omega bracelets are merely very good, not as good as the IWC. also, if you were to buy the Omega bracelet as an extra, you're going to pay more than $200 i'm sure.

the current bracelet offered on the XVI is actually a step down from the one they offered on the XV. even so, the XVI bracelet is still one of the better ones on the market.

The bracelet is very well made and very comfortable. But $1400 for a stainless steel bracelet? Bite me.

As a comparison: On my Omegas, the price difference between a strap and bracelet was about $200. Depending on the watch and dealers, there was no price difference.

[dc_in_sf]

the $1400 price quoted earlier is if you buy the bracelet separately. if you price the bracelet model over the strap model, the difference is somewhat less, somewhere around $750 or more depending on the model.

if you don't want to pay that much for the bracelet, IWC could care less.

as for the Omega bracelets, other than the deville, most of the Omega bracelets are merely very good, not as good as the IWC. also, if you were to buy the Omega bracelet as an extra, you're going to pay more than $200 i'm sure.

the current bracelet offered on the XVI is actually a step down from the one they offered on the XV. even so, the XVI bracelet is still one of the better ones on the market.


I must admit I'm having issues with paying ~$1000 for a stainless steel bracelet, but given the veblen (as M4tt would say) nature of high end watches I guess I shouldn't be.

I'll have to try an IWC braclet next time I am in an AD. The bracelet on my Omega 2254 is definitely a big step up from the one on my previous watch (a Tag Quartz chrono) that it is hard to imagine how it could be made $700 better (or whatever the differential ends up as).

As previously mentioned though, I am leaning to the strap model for the mark XVI in any case, which is one of those rare cases where desire and economics coincide :-)

[Sgian Dubh]

the $1400 price quoted earlier is if you buy the bracelet separately. if you price the bracelet model over the strap model, the difference is somewhat less, somewhere around $750 or more depending on the model.

if you don't want to pay that much for the bracelet, IWC could care less.

as for the Omega bracelets, other than the deville, most of the Omega bracelets are merely very good, not as good as the IWC. also, if you were to buy the Omega bracelet as an extra, you're going to pay more than $200 i'm sure.

the current bracelet offered on the XVI is actually a step down from the one they offered on the XV. even so, the XVI bracelet is still one of the better ones on the market.

Really, they could care less!

Actually, the MSRP on the Mark XVI with bracelet is $1400 more than the same watch with a strap. Have a look at the price guide.

Buying an Omega bracelet as a separate item would cost more. But if you buy it with the watch, the price difference isn't much. Incidentally, the bracelet on many of the Seamasters are quite good and hold their own against many other brands.

[Denizen]

i don't have a price guide so i'll take your word for it.

i own a seamaster. it a good quality bracelet but still conventional in design and actually rather inexpensive to manufacture (pin & collar links are ABC) and the machining techniques involved for bracelet manufacturing has remain relatively unchanged in the last decade.

i've occasionally wondered how complex it would be to make the spring-loaded catch that the IWC links use. it could be only a small extra complication over a standard link, or it could be considerably more. i have no clue and if someone has any inside information on what's involved, it could be very informative.

price on bracelets are usually a substantial markup accessory for most brands, Omega & IWC included. imo, at least with IWC you get something a little more unusual than what i've seen with Omega.

YMMV.

Actually, the MSRP on the Mark XVI with bracelet is $1400 more than the same watch with a strap. Have a look at the price guide.

Buying an Omega bracelet as a separate item would cost more. But if you buy it with the watch, the price difference isn't much. Incidentally, the bracelet on many of the Seamasters are quite good and hold their own against many other brands.

[Sgian Dubh]

I don't argue that the IWC design isn't something special. It is. But it's still $1400! Then again, at the end of the day, we're paying thousands for something that tells time . . .

[Steve260]

I don't own a Mark XVI, but I do own a Mark XV and a 3717. Both are on bracelets most of the time.
Yes, $1400 is a lot of coin for a bracelet. But, the IWC steel bracelets are in a league of their own. Easy to adjust yourself, very finely finished, and one of the most comfortable bracelets on the market from any manufacturer, IMHO.
If you can swing it financially, I would recommend buying the Mark XVI on the bracelet, and buying a strap separately. Once you see & feel the bracelet, I think you'll understand why most folks rave about it.

Good luck & I hope you get the combination you want!

[NightScar]

I truly have not heard any negative side to the IWC bracelet other than the price. It has been regarded to be on a higher level than even Omega's and that is saying a lot.

[Elsydeon]

$1400 is a lot for a bracelet...and I would say IWC's pilot bracelets are not worth THAT much. $700 or so is a fair price for it though. The finishing is truly stunning, the bracelet (and the watch case for that matter) are so finely brushed that the watch gives off a titanium gray appearance when light hits the watch, rather than a normal light silver colored brushed stainless steel look. Also, there are a LOT of links on the pilot bracelet, and every single link has the spring loaded release button. I would have to imagine it's not that simple to stuff that spring into each link. The final bit is the clasp, there are really not very many watches within the same price range as IWC's pilot watches that have such a stunningly finished clasp. If anybody has any doubts that you're not wearing something special, just pop open the clasp and show them that to prove that you're not wearing a Wal-mart special. Even the attention to detail in the single sided clasp release button is brilliant, it's designed to barely peek out from the clasp after it's closed to make the clasp look as clean as possible.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v726/bkwtang/Misc/08272008071.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v726/bkwtang/Misc/08272008072.jpg

[Steve260]

Great pics Elsydeon!!! You really captured the fine workmanship on the Pilot bracelet!

$700 might be a "fair" price for the IWC bracelet, but IMHO I guess $1400 isn't out of line with the market when companies like Omega, UN and IWC are asking (and getting) $400 - $800 for their leather or rubber straps with deployant buckles... I have a harder time justifying their strap/deployant pricing than what they are asking for bracelets. Ah well, I guess it's "whatever the market will bear", eh?

[minvega]

I am a first time IWC owner and chose to go with the Mark XVI bracelet version. I would have to agree with the other posters that the bracelet is comfortable, functional and a joy to look at. If this is not too off-topic, I was wondering if there were any recommendations on where I could buy leather straps ?

[Sgian Dubh]

I forgot about the finishing on the clasp. Maybe I would spend $1400 . . .

[Carrera 3]

Love the Pilot XVI. I had a look and feel of the bracelet when I had to decide being leather or bracelet. It's a great bracelet and one of the best in the market. In my personal opinion, just not on the Pilot Mark XVI Black face. It should look good on the Spitfire XVI as a dress watch.

By the way does anyone know how much an original IWC MK XVI black leather strap cost? I want to get one for back up.


I must admit I'm having issues with paying ~$1000 for a stainless steel bracelet, but given the veblen (as M4tt would say) nature of high end watches I guess I shouldn't be.

I'll have to try an IWC braclet next time I am in an AD. The bracelet on my Omega 2254 is definitely a big step up from the one on my previous watch (a Tag Quartz chrono) that it is hard to imagine how it could be made $700 better (or whatever the differential ends up as).

As previously mentioned though, I am leaning to the strap model for the mark XVI in any case, which is one of those rare cases where desire and economics coincide :-)

[fxwill]

I'm a jeweller by trade and have just taken delivery of my second IWC and my first with bracelet.
I had the same feelings about the price that have been expressed here, but held out for a bracelet version (3706) because I like to have the whole package.
Boy am I glad I did. The bracelet really is amazing. No it's probably not "worth" full retail but what is. (does anyone really think the watches themselves are "worth" the retail price?)
As a piece of jewellery it ticks every box. It is a masterpiece of design and execution and (as far as I know), it stands alone.
As an aside, the whole finish on the case is just beautiful. In all seriousness it has made me consider using s/steel as a (jewellery) material because I can't stop looking at this case and rubbing my fingers over it. Mmmmmmmmm!

[exxondus]

I've just had the chance to handle an 8 year old used Mk XV bracelet.

Have to agree, its solid and have not stratched at all, unlike the Rolex's older bracelets.

May I know how many links should a full Mark XV bracelet have?

[JC180]

I've just had the chance to handle an 8 year old used Mk XV bracelet.

Have to agree, its solid and have not stratched at all, unlike the Rolex's older bracelets.

May I know how many links should a full Mark XV bracelet have?

I think it should have 26 links excluding end links which are visible each side of the clasp.

simply type the model number in here (http://www.weeber.biz/IWC/Workbook/search.html) and count!

[exxondus]

I think it should have 26 links excluding end links which are visible each side of the clasp.

simply type the model number in here (http://www.weeber.biz/IWC/Workbook/search.html) and count!

Thank you so much for the link!!

[fxwill]

Thanks for the great link. It doesn't seem to work in Firefox for me, but is fine in Explorer.

Could someone please confirm the number of links the bracelet should have. I have a 3706 and the bracelet has 21 links. It JUST fits me which is good but the thing is, I don't have a very big wrist at all. I was quite surprised to see that the bracelets in the workbooks also had 21 links. I was sure mine was missing at least one, and in fact the seller I bought from said that he thought there were links missing.

[JC180]

Thanks for the great link. It doesn't seem to work in Firefox for me, but is fine in Explorer.

Could someone please confirm the number of links the bracelet should have. I have a 3706 and the bracelet has 21 links. It JUST fits me which is good but the thing is, I don't have a very big wrist at all. I was quite surprised to see that the bracelets in the workbooks also had 21 links. I was sure mine was missing at least one, and in fact the seller I bought from said that he thought there were links missing.

I counted 24 so it looks like you are missing 3.

When I get my 3717 back from RIS I will count as I''m sure they are the same length. Spare links are £45 each here in the UK the equivalent of about $75! I will not be surprised if they cost similar stateside.

[blimey]

sigh. the elusive IWC bracelet. I am in a quagmire where I want the bracelet for my Pilot Chrono and AT Chrono. But it will cost me $1400 each MSRP.

I managed to start a discussion with an AD for $1400 cash no tax. But, have not pulled the trigger.

So 2 bracelet will cost me $2800. That is a new watch IMO. I might just end up selling IWC and go with another brand; probably grail Panerai GMT.

[fxwill]

I might just end up selling IWC and go with another brand; probably grail Panerai GMT.

Sacrilege! Bite your tongue. :-)

Actually the Panerai GMT is my fave as well. If you are very patient, the bracelets do come up for sale. I've seen 3 in the last couple of months. 2 on forums and one at an online vintage watch dealers. They are never peanuts of course, but are better priced than what you were quoted. You pretty much get your money back for them when you sell as well. I'd go for one for the pilot chrono and maybe a quality aftermarket one for the AT.

[teku]

Hmm, I live in Sydney and my IWC AD has a Mark XVI with a bracelet which is not that much more than the croc strap (i'll check again tomorrow)

I've been looking at the Mark XVI for a few months now and prefer the croc strap.. but if anyone here is interested in the bracelet I can buy the bracelet version (with the croc strap separately), and then work out some sort of win-win with someone here where you can buy the bracelet off me brand new for cheaper than what the US ADs want for it, and in turn I suppose i'll get some sort of discount on the side for my Mark XVI.

PM me if you're interested?

[fiddletown]

And the reality is that the bracelet costs what it costs. And it really is a beautiful and beautifully put together bracelet.

It's extremely comfortable and amazingly easy to adjust.

I bought my Spitfire chrono on a strap but also bought the bracelet. I wore it on the strap for a while, and when the strap started to wear out, I had the bracelet put on. I bought the watch about 4 to 5 years ago, and at that time the bracelet was, IIRC, around $1,100.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l142/fiddletown_2006/Watches/IMG_5160-1.jpg

[roseskunk]

I'm a jeweller by trade and have just taken delivery of my second IWC and my first with bracelet.
I had the same feelings about the price that have been expressed here, but held out for a bracelet version (3706) because I like to have the whole package.
Boy am I glad I did. The bracelet really is amazing. No it's probably not "worth" full retail but what is. (does anyone really think the watches themselves are "worth" the retail price?)
As a piece of jewellery it ticks every box. It is a masterpiece of design and execution and (as far as I know), it stands alone.
As an aside, the whole finish on the case is just beautiful. In all seriousness it has made me consider using s/steel as a (jewellery) material because I can't stop looking at this case and rubbing my fingers over it. Mmmmmmmmm!

yeah, what he said. i have an older bracelet for my pilot chrono and it's amazing. really, when i compare it to rolex it's a joke, the iwc is so much nicer. :-)