Ulysse Nardin Maxie Marine VS IWC Aquatimer 2000

[payj]

Thinking of buying one of these can't decide which one. In terms of quality, reliability, brand, re-sale value, prestige, etc. (In no particular order) which one would you chose? Or which one would you choose based on your personal reasons....


Thanks!

[blakey]

UN Maxie Marine uses in-house movement while I believe IWC Aquatimer 2000 is modified ETA movement. IMO, I wouldnt want to pay much for modified ETA movement since its common to any low range watches.

In terms of quality and reliability, both are top notch (be it ETA). Not sure about re-sale values though.

As for prestige, I have my hands up for UN as an independent. IWC uses too many ETA movements, thats my only quibbles. If you want IWC, I would recommend calibres 5XXXX or 8XXXX. Those are the only IWC "worth" getting.

I am not sure which UN MM u are referring to, but the UN MM chronometer is just gorgeous to me. =)

[StephenD]

UN. So wonderfully quirky, you will grow to like it that much more.

[bar2020]

Both are very nice choices overall. The Aquatimer is a nice diver with a solid movement, modified eta. It is a bit bulkier and more sporty. Most would agree that the UN diver will be a more finely finished watch in a sense that it has a more polished SS case and also gives a more "dressy diver" look. The UN has a heavily modified ETA that has been assembled by UN, along with in-house modules & parts added to the movement. The standard ETA 2892-A kit contains 81 parts, and the finished UN-26 adds an additional 51 parts to complete the movement. I do not know the exact details for the IWC movement. I would choose the UN, but I am partial to their watches and currently own the UN Diver...previously owned the Marine Chronometer.

[blakey]

I wouldn't disagree with bar2020 about the UN ETA movements. In the past, UN uses modified ETA movements for their chronometer. But this all changed recently at baselworld where UN unveiled new in-house movement UN-118 for their chronometer. This in-house movement uses their own oscillator and patented hairspring.

Just be sure that when you get UN chronometer models, take note of the movement models.