Dornbluth Regulator vs. IWC Portuguese 7-Day

[Bidle]

I thought Dornbluth manufactured in-house movements???

Nope but they do change a lot of the movement. Also I can add that it's a great brand with a very nice owner who you takes time for you when you want info!

[Aliisloo]

Thank you for all the comments, and please keep them coming.


Regarding the thickness of the IWC, it IS a big boy but it fits (snuggly) under my shirt sleeve; thus, this point isn’t a deal breaker. As for comfort, for me the IWC is reasonably comfortable, although I have not worn it for an extended amount of time.
Because I have seen and worn the IWC, I think it represents a ‘safe bet’ with good connotations - I think that if I settled on the Portuguese I would be very happy with it. However, the Dornbluth is a wild card as it represents something different in terms of form and manufacture…again, unfortunately I can’t see it so I can’t confirm my thoughts on it.


All said, one day I will take the leap of faith with Dornbluth, but is today the day to jump?! I think I need more proof (or rather I'm begging to be convinced), so please if you’ve owned either or both of them, please comment!

I would not take a "leap of faith" on a ~$10K watch. If you are brave enough or rich enough to do it, you are lucky man!

[flyingpicasso]

Apples v lemons.

No need to be so dismissive of the OP. This seems to be your go-to reply (or pears, carrots, etc.) when someone wants an opinion about watches. With eye rolling. The choice doesn't have to be between two nearly identical watches for it to be a valid choice. In fact I too would struggle to decide between these two. So in response to the OP I say it's hard to go wrong here. These are two splendid watches and no matter which one you choose you will still want the other. I wish I had this choice to make; please let us know which way you go and post pics! (If it's my money I probably end up with the 5001...by a hair.)

[Watchbreath]

That's my normal reply when comparing such two dissimilar watches and it will not change.

No need to be so dismissive of the OP. This seems to be your go-to reply (or pears, carrots, etc.) when someone wants an opinion about watches. With eye rolling. The choice doesn't have to be between two nearly identical watches for it to be a valid choice. In fact I too would struggle to decide between these two. So in response to the OP I say it's hard to go wrong here. These are two splendid watches and no matter which one you choose you will still want the other. I wish I had this choice to make; please let us know which way you go and post pics! (If it's my money I probably end up with the 5001...by a hair.)

[Retrograde]

That's my normal reply when comparing such two dissimilar watches and it will not change.

What's the point of posting such a reply?

[superbry]

Just get what you want more hehe but I'll probably go with the other guys and get the 5001 bec of the brand and in-house mvt.

[Barrelfish]

A few years back I found myself in the same position of choosing between these two watches. Ultimately I went with the D&S as I liked the idea of getting a watch made in a small shop which will produce significantly fewer watches each year than IWC. Don't get me wrong, I would still LOVE to get the 7-day PR (or a 2011 Portofino 8 day PR!) but I have had ZERO regrets with my choice.

I had many emails back and forth with Dirk during the process of creating my watch and while the only customization I did was having my initials discretely engraved, having those communications made for an even better buying experience. Plus, the communications back to me were with very little delay, which in my mind, shows the kind of service that he wants to provide. While I haven't had need to send it back (although I will likely do so pretty soon, just for routine maintenance), based on what I have read on many occasions, I expect that his customer service would still be of a high quality.

As for the watch itself, it really is amazing. The dial's engravings have a crispness to them so it is very readable and the silver grain results in a nice shimmer when in sunlight. The hands are perfectly suited to the watch with a nice deep blue from the heat treatment that is applied.

The case is also stunning, with its combination of brushed and polished parts and an embossed crown that is a perfect match. While it is a fairly large case, it sits very comfortably on my wrist (6 3/4"), not looking out of place as some large cases tend to be. I imagine that it would be a good fit for a larger wrist as well, possibly even a better fit.

Lastly, the movement truly is beautiful to look at and I often found (and still find) myself taking the watch off just to stare at it. Knowing that so many of the parts are made or modified in-house (I vaguely recall that it is around 70%) makes it seem more *custom* than it truly is.

Of course the finish work is what really draws the eye and the reaction from watch aficionados or from those who tell time solely via their mobile phone is the same...one of amazement. I don't think I need to go into all the details since they have either already been mentioned or can be found via a search. Just know that this is one of those movements that you can come back to over and over, lingering longer than you should!

To wrap up a far too lengthy post, I can say that my D&S Regulator truly is an amazing piece and while a person could NOT go wrong with anything from IWC (especially the Port 7PR), I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in buying from Dirk. Whether you buy 'as-is' or work with him on customizations, his watches (and this one in particular) will bring a smile for a long time! Definitely a .

Jeff

[Jules A]

I faced a similar dilemma earlier this year when purchasing my 40th birthday present - choosing between an IWC and Dornbluth. I decided on the Dornbluth (99.3 #76).

Why? I liked the idea of having the only 99.3 in the country; a watch that is unique.

I am blown away with its beauty and am very happy with my choice; even after another trip back to the IWC store.

Good luck with your choice. I'm sure you will not be disappointed either way.

[pexyme]

You know, I thought the Dornbluth was preferable to the IWC, and ended up emailing Dornbluth.
I haven't heard a peep out of them and that was 4 weeks ago.
Not a good portent

[v76]

I think it must be summer vacations for them. Pretty much all companies close shop in summer in Europe (especially western/northern Europe). From what I've heard from other Dornblueth owners, Dirk is excellent at doing customized touches (if possible) for them and haven't heard anything bad about communication either.

You know, I thought the Dornbluth was preferable to the IWC, and ended up emailing Dornbluth.
I haven't heard a peep out of them and that was 4 weeks ago.
Not a good portent