• Tired of adverts on RWI? - Subscribe by clicking HERE and PMing Trailboss for instructions and they will magically go away!

First watch

daednoise

Do not accept unsolicited offers
27/6/18
1
0
1
Hello! After many days of browsing, reading and checking out TD's, I think I'm ready to jump in and purchase my first watch. The only real question I have after reading a few threads about movements are, should I request a "better" movement for my watch?

The watches I'm interested in are the IWC Big Pilots. I know which factory to look for and that asking for a original movement (ETA or SW300) is going to probably get me a secondhand or worse movement. But, is there a better option?
 

p0pperini

patr0n h0arder
Gold Patron
Certified
29/1/19
9,502
34,451
113
UK
Being able to request an upgrade to a gen ETA used to be a thing. It isn't any more (AFAIA).

You could buy the rep, buy an ETA from a reputable source, and get a watchsmith to do the swap (or learn how to do it yourself!).

The better option is to buy the watch with the Chinese movement, then wear it for as long as the movement lasts, then eventually replace it. It could (and probably will) last years without any issues.
 

Feefo

CEO, Vaselume (TM) Corporation
Staff member
Moderator Sales
Certified
8/5/22
17,933
44,386
113
EU
Hi and welcome to RWI! Glad you found your way here.

Well, @p0pperini beat me to it. Buy stock, wear/enjoy till it lasts, swap when necessary. No need to bother before, it may even be the movement will work for a very long time, so why bothering now.

Please take some time to read the sticky threads in the new members area (all subsections), learn the basic forum rules and get some very good advice in the process. A number of questions has already been answered there, this is just an example:


As a new subscriber, you've already been directed to this thread, please read carefully and look through the linked additional threads:


Another good thread to read to understand where RWI comes from and some fundamentals is this:


Most of the information you need to know to start is there. If you're preparing to buy, read the stickies before ordering. When you're finished, you can continue learning by reading the stickies in all remaining sections. If it's stickied, it's important information.

If you intend to sell, read the sales rules and all stickies in the sales section with particular care and make sure you understand each single rule. Sales rules infraction is taken very seriously here. As a new member you are not eligible to sell. Using the sales section is a privilege, eligibility must be earned, make sure you know and understand how.

For anything else, feel free to reach out to @eBoy or me, we're happy to assist, advise, direct, explain. Don't hesitate.

Don't be afraid to post noob questions in the new members area. In doubt, use the flame free zone. If you feel uncomfortable anywhere in the new members area, please reach out to @eBoy or me. Mutual respect is of utmost importance to us. On the other hand, we're grown-ups and are supposed to be able to deal with a bit of irony, don't take it personally, ever, a bit of irony never harmed anyone. If you laugh at jokes, you'll make friends faster.

This forum is a treasure trove of information and benefits from the engagement of all members who take their time to share their knowledge, help each other out and have some fun. We hope that you'll benefit and enjoy this platform as well as contribute positively to it.

If at any point you feel to contribute also on another level, feel free to pm the boss (trailboss99) to become a supporter and get some little perks with the status (editing rights, for example).

Enjoy the forum.
 

trustytime

Trusted Dealer
Trusted Dealer
3/4/16
2,234
2,038
113
Hello! After many days of browsing, reading and checking out TD's, I think I'm ready to jump in and purchase my first watch. The only real question I have after reading a few threads about movements are, should I request a "better" movement for my watch?

The watches I'm interested in are the IWC Big Pilots. I know which factory to look for and that asking for a original movement (ETA or SW300) is going to probably get me a secondhand or worse movement. But, is there a better option?
Hi buddy

IWC Big Pilots in the market does not have Swiss ETA movements at the moment.
The best versions ones are mostly with Asia automatic movement.
The BP Factory ones external case for IWC BP is one of the best.

Thanks.