IWC Movements

[malkoun1]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about the movements that IWC uses. I have read on this site and others that the Portofino watches use modified ETA movements, while the salesman at the local IWC boutique assured me that all IWC movements are now made "in-house." Is that true? What about the Portuguese line, does that use "in-house" movements?

Also, I have been told that Jaeger LeCoultre makes a different movement for each of its watches, so that even if one of the models is not in limited edition, it still has its own unique movement, is that the same for the "in-house" IWC movements? Which other watches do the same as JLC?

Thank you

[Watchbreath]

IWC now uses Selllita in some models.

[charles2]

The port chrono uses a modified Valjoux movement.
The portuguese automatic features an in-house movement.

[watchhound]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about the movements that IWC uses. I have read on this site and others that the Portofino watches use modified ETA movements, while the salesman at the local IWC boutique assured me that all IWC movements are now made "in-house." Is that true? What about the Portuguese line, does that use "in-house" movements?

Also, I have been told that Jaeger LeCoultre makes a different movement for each of its watches, so that even if one of the models is not in limited edition, it still has its own unique movement, is that the same for the "in-house" IWC movements? Which other watches do the same as JLC?

Thank you

IWC has some well-regarded in-house movements in some of its higher end pieces. Many, however, use ETA movements that are made to IWC specs (whatever those may be). There was a time when IWC modified ETA movements themselves but no longer. What you were told is not accurate.

As to JLC, while they have a wide range of in-house movements, I am also not sure it is true that every model has a unique movement. I am not a big JLC person but I suspect that there are certainly models that share the same movement.

[Vahalis]

IWC inhouse movements are listed in the catalogue: http://media3.iwc.com/site_media/pdf...2012-13_EN.pdf , see page 18. Others are not inhouse.

[malkoun1]

Thank you for the replies. I was already very disappointed with the sales man at the local IWC boutique, and this makes things even worse.

[Rjlaero1]

I'm more concerned about accuracy, but I understand the in house debate, especially as the price goes up.

I've read more than a few complaints about IWCs pricer models with in house movements ( 7 day port / BP) and a lack of good timekeeping.

Paying more money for in house movements that struggle to keep good time with the less expensive eta watches. It becomes a bit of a twisted debate.

[watchhound]

Thank you for the replies. I was already very disappointed with the sales man at the local IWC boutique, and this makes things even worse.

The sad fact of life that I think most of us have come to terms with is that those who sell watches often know less about the product that they are selling than those of us who love watches and frequent these boards. While boutiques are usually better in this regard, I visited the new Rolex boutique in NYC a couple of weeks ago and the salesperson made a few misstatements about particular models that surprised me. Omega boutique offered a similar experience with an attractive young lady who seemed to know very little of the technical aspects of what she was selling.

[Rjlaero1]

Like any sort of sales, part of it is image for a store & who they hire.

Lots of sales people know very little about the product they sell.

Sales is usually high turnover, no matter what the product.

[Vahalis]

Thank you for the replies. I was already very disappointed with the sales man at the local IWC boutique, and this makes things even worse.

I can understand you are disappointed with the salesperson, he clearly doesn't know what he is talking about, but what makes it worse?