Help a first-timer: worth upgrading A2892 to SW300?

[rolladyce]

After months of occasional lurking, I'm going to get my first rep: V7F IWC Mark XX. Blue dial on bracelet is a no-brainer for me.

(It's the watch I secretly wish my Sinn 556a was...)

I have no idea about movements. It comes with A2892 which I understand is the same as ST1812. This version costs £285 from Hont.

I've read others talk about upgrading it to SW300. This would be £150 extra at £435.

Is this upgrade likely to improve the expected lifespan of the watch? Is it likely to save me hassle further along down the line? Or is it overkill for what is still, essentially, 'just' a replica (albeit a very good one by all accounts I've read).

I've read opinions on both sides and am currently leaning towards just getting it with the A2892 on the basis that others say this is still a solid movement. I am willing to pay the extra though if that's likely to make it last. What should I do?

 

[eBoy]

I have had an IWC Mark XVIII IW327006 Titanium V7F for a while now.

The stock A2892 it came with is pretty good so far, rotor noise is rather low for a rep movement, time accuracy is quite decent, power reserve is as specified... I don't see the need for a movement upgrade and will continue using it as it comes OOTB.

Upgrading it would not be a wrong move as upgrades are (almost) never bad, but it's not an instance where a movement upgrade is a must to be able to find satisfaction.

To me personally, at least. Depends on your expectations I guess.

 

[eBoy]

Regarding lifespan: I guess a gen Selitta will have a better lifespan. But that's not necessarily the A2892's "fault". You pay a premium, you get more in return.

But then again, we are talking about very delicate and fine mechanical machines based on 17th century technology. A perfectly regulated, well oiled and thoroughly serviced-by-a-master-watchmaker Asian movement may well have a better longevity as an unserviced gen ETA or Selitta that was installed in a messy workshop by a mediocre-skilled worker.

 

[KGZ]

Let me put it this way: will you be happier with the watch if it has an SW300 inside. Will it make it more valuable and desirable in your eyes or are you strictly concerned with reliability?

Personally, I would just get it with the A2892 and enjoy it. The £150 saved could go towards another watch. If the movement fails and I still want to keep the watch, then I'd look into putting an SW300 in it.

Hope this helps!

 

[derjenigewelcher]

Personally, I would just get it with the A2892 and enjoy it. The £150 saved could go towards another watch. If the movement fails and I still want to keep the watch, then I'd look into putting an SW300 in it.

Perfect recommendation.
Use the watch, if you are lucky the movement holds for years.
WHEN it fails, buy a SW300 and swap movements for max 200 total costs. (if you had a SW from NOW on you had to make full service after years for that money anyway).

 

[Geonor]

The ST1812 from Seagull is a great movement. It's one of their premium ones. It winds smoothly and holds time really well. I personally wouldn't and didn't go for the SW over the ST on my V7F Mark XX. If it ever craps out it's around €90 for a new one. But again as @eBoy says, if it makes you happy, go for the SW.

 

[Rx4Time]

I'm personally mixed with my own collection. I've got a few 28xx movements that have run flawlessly for years, and One which crapped out twice. First time I had a watchsmith service the movement, second time about 3 years later I just swapped an ETA in. It's luck of the draw, but most likely the Asian clone will be fine. If dealing with repairs will be problematic for you down the road, then it may be worth it to do the sw300 up front.

 

[rolladyce]

Thanks all for the advice! I'll stick with the A2892 then I think - perhaps a bit overkill to upgrade to SW300 on my first rep when I'm probably not going to know any different. I was just worried about it crapping out in the first couple of years and wishing I'd paid the extra I guess, but fingers crossed the Seagull should last a while

 

[Enthusiast101]

Been eyeing up the same watch in blue also. Will opt for the clone movement as it seems to be solid

 

[Geonor]

Been eyeing up the same watch in blue also. Will opt for the clone movement as it seems to be solid

I have that blue and it catches the light incredibly well

 

[sorginator]

I've done a ton of research on the exact watch you are getting as it will be my first rep. From what I've seen, it is a waste of money to get the upgrade. The clone 2892 is a reliable and solid movement that hasn't had a ton of problems reported here. People seem to say that even if you upgrade to the SW300, it will be a factory reject from the actual Swiss manufacturer. I am going to buy the one with the eta clone, and if it fails, I'll swap it to the Seagull 1812, which is cheaper than the SW300, but arguably just as solid.

 

[Reaps]

Buy IWC watch

Wear it and love it

When the movement craps out on you buy a ETA2892 or equivalent on ebay and swap it in

 

[sorginator]

Buy IWC watch

Wear it and love it

When the movement craps out on you buy a ETA2892 or equivalent on ebay and swap it in

Bingo!

 

[rolladyce]

Great advice, thank you everyone. I've just ordered from Hont: A2892 version. Exciting!

 

[sorginator]

Great advice, thank you everyone. I've just ordered from Hont: A2892 version. Exciting!

Enjoy it my friend! Make sure to snap a couple pics and post a review, non-roles reps don't get a lot of love here.

 

[Enthusiast101]

Great advice, thank you everyone. I've just ordered from Hont: A2892 version. Exciting!

I have that blue and it catches the light incredibly well

Absolutely love it! One day I'll grab one.. Just need to figure out which watch needs to go on the chopping block first!

 

[Enthusiast101]

Buy IWC watch

Wear it and love it

When the movement craps out on you buy a ETA2892 or equivalent on ebay and swap it in

Guessing the swap is a striaght plug and play?

 

[Enthusiast101]

Great advice, thank you everyone. I've just ordered from Hont: A2892 version. Exciting!

Amazing, do post some pics and vids!

 

[Enthusiast101]

Enjoy it my friend! Make sure to snap a couple pics and post a review, non-roles reps don't get a lot of love here.

Agreed!

 

[Geonor]

Guessing the swap is a striaght plug and play?

Yeah the movement is straight plug and play. You may have to swap over the date wheel to get the correct font though. Bit sure if it uses the default font or not. You could swap over the rotor to get IWC branding on it as well but it doesn't really matter since it's a closed case back.