IWC Portuguese - Honeymoon Over

[x4rno]

Hey Everyone,

So it looks like the inevitable happened – somewhat earlier than I hoped for. My IWC Portuguese has given up its life with its automatic movement A7750 (the new and improved version “Seconds @6â€) – though to no avail). It arrive in March 2013…. (Some Pics attached)

As I researched on here before, a lot of you guys advised me that it was a paperweight waiting to happen. However I went with my head an brought the watch I’ve loved since the day I first saw it, despite the good advice offered by the forum. I’ve come to the conclusion that it was an incredible watch (while it lasted), it was impeccable quality in terms of looks and finish, it just lacks the reliable mechanism due to the Sec@6 modifications.

Honestly, I’m gutted. Not because of the loss of a couple of hundred pounds, but because the dream watch has failed me and all those good feelings of owning something that looked so good have now gone. If I could buy these locally, I’d have another today without a doubt even though I know it wouldn’t last. But because of the risk of customs generally, and having to order from China using uncomfortable payment methods (my personal opinion) I’d probably have to avoid another like this and go for something more reliable – and dare I say it, more-common. L

Anyway, enough of my sob story I do have a question which I was hoping to gain some useful information about this problem.
The mechanism inside fails to keep the momentum and unwinds to a stop after a few minutes – even on a full-wind. Wearing the watch and swinging my arms 24/7 would keep it going but doesn’t look great in public J. It’s as if the winding ability has either worn out of broken.

Can this be repaired under a jeweller service, and perhaps improved with better parts (if at all?)
I would happily pay and accept a cost for servicing and replacing parts if it would give it a new lease of life for a year or two, perhaps.

I could buy a new rep replacement every 6-months but would probably go for a Gen if that’s the reality….

I will accept any offers of humble pie and “see, I told you†comments as they are fully expected J

Thanks Guys.

 

[ad6904]

That's a real beauty mate! Unfortunate fate, but completely expected. I think Domi does a mod to sec@6 movements to improve them, however I'm not sure about a repair..

 

[x4rno]

That's a real beauty mate! Unfortunate fate, but completely expected. I think Domi does a mod to sec@6 movements to improve them, however I'm not sure about a repair..

Thanks pal, I know she's lovely! Would a mod improve its life do you think or just lower the chances of failure? I wonder if a mod could be done to mine or whether it's too late as it's already failed.

Glad you like it!

 

[Robotomic]

Don't give up! Some of our great smiths can service these and maybe make them work.

Also, I have seen at least two IWC 79350 movements for sale (one on ebay and one on the forums). These should be possible to install in your rep case.

It's an amazing watch and a good rep, don't think of it as a paperweight just yet.

 

[Robotomic]

Just want to add also that in the last year I bought 4 reps. None of them with problematic sec@6 or sec@12 movements but regular A7750, a2836 and a2824.

Every single one of them broke down within days or weeks. So in comparison your sec@6 has lived on for longer than all of mine.

The asian movements almost always need a service to work good. They are full of dirt and perhaps some of them are rejects from the movement factories. They are sub-par and need service.

After proper service, they are almost on par with ETA movements according to many of our experts.

 

[x4rno]

Thanks Robotmic, that's positive and provides some level of hope for the IWC. I would like to be able to have it serviced and brought back to life, or indeed have the movement changed to a more reliable version in the original casing.

Would you, or anyone be able to recommend any places where such could be carried out?

Is it just me, but I feel funny about walking in to a jeweller and asking about servicing on a rep watch... I'd have to say obviously (they would probably know anyway once the open her up) I don't know, kind of feel cheeky :-s

Still , if it gets it fixed then that's fine by me!

Anyone any views on servicing reps in the Uk ((Surrey/Hampshire/London specifically)

 

[ShiroTenshi]

Send it to Domi, or Goin, to do the extra jewel mod.
$ usually not the issue, but the waiting time..

 

[Luthier]

Don't even think to "walk in jewelry store", there's no professional watchsmiths.
Just send it to Domi, and he'll do the job. Your watch will make you happy for many years.

 

[Spboudart]

Get the gen, no other way around it.

 

[davylloyd]

You plainly bought this watch with eyes wide open, and I can see why - it's lovely. I can only see five options.
1. Buy the gen.
2. Buy another rep and love it again until it dies.
3. Buy a quartz version that will last forever and accept all the shortcomings.
4. Have your movement repaired/modified/serviced
5. Have the drive for the seconds hand removed and the second hand frozen.

 

[kilowattore]

Mate I'm very sorry for you, that watch is a real beauty!
I'm no expert at all, but so many members here are talking about Domi.. Why don't you shoot him an email?
Hope you get it sorted

 

[x4rno]

Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciated! Great to see that so many people like the watch, I guess that's why it's so painful knowing it's no longer working properly.

How do I get in touch with Domi? Are they in the TD list? I think this will be my first port of call I think... Second hands frozen(?) never considered that but could be a last resort to resolution!

As for all other comments, good advice and glad to see so many supportive folk to a newbie like me! Shows credit to the forum!

On to Domi I think!! Fingers crossed!!

 

[x4rno]

3. Buy a quartz version that will last forever and accept all the shortcomings.

Hmm, quartz... My only issues be the weight and feel always just seems so poor in terms of quality and feel. Other than that, they probably don't stock a quartz IWC Portuguese like this... If they do, I'd certainly have a look!

 

[kilowattore]

Domi's section is here

 

[mrfog]

That watch really is a beauty, sorry for your loss. I would def get it repaired though even if it takes months.

 

[barth]

Hmm, quartz... My only issues be the weight and feel always just seems so poor in terms of quality and feel. Other than that, they probably don't stock a quartz IWC Portuguese like this... If they do, I'd certainly have a look!

It does exist. Dial is wrong, but as the others said it will last ! Most dealers carry them, I know Marvellous Replica has it on its album: have a look

 

[prb]

1) Quartz version is actually pretty stellar quality. And you can sell it back to the forum if you decide against it, maybe at a small loss, but really helps offset the risk.

2) You can also freeze the sec @6 subdial. Most modders can probably do this for you. It'd be much cheaper than adding a jewel to the movement, but you'd lose the running seconds obviously.

 

[Alex_P1]

2) You can also freeze the sec @6 subdial. Most modders can probably do this for you. It'd be much cheaper than adding a jewel to the movement, but you'd lose the running seconds obviously.

This is what I'd do, the rest of the movement is probably fine so the watch can live on, however, if the non-working dial would bug you, go down the service route.