IWC Top Gun 389101

[R4dcu]

I’ve had this watch 2 weeks now and I can honestly say it’s fantastic, running a little fast but getting better with use.

I went in to buy a Rolex and this was the clear standout for me, obviously Rolex availability forced my hand slightly but I genuinely believe that this is a better watch for me.

Few posey shots from the first few days of ownership. The crystal on this thing is astonishing from every angle!



Last week I had a call from the AD to invite me to a watchmaking workshop where I’ll spend the day with them and an IWC watchmaker breaking down a movement and running through everything that makes these watches so amazing. Obviously I bit their hand off and couldn’t be more exciting, I’ll be sure to put some pics and an overview up for anyone who is curious.

Yesterday I went into the shop as my white rubber from the Lake Tahoe was delivered, what better excuse to get to play with more watches and have some hospitality while I was there. These guys really do know their product, I think I was there well over an hour just for a strap change

Here’s how it is looking now…




I love the fact that for anyone who doesn’t know this is just a ‘cool looking watch’, it gets looks but it doesn’t get stared at like a Rolex has the power to do.

I tried so many other watches on yesterday and I have one on order with an expected delivery before Christmas, can you guess which it is

 

[eBoy]

Before Christmas?

If you're Axl Rose, it may be the Sub.

If you're John Doe, it can only be the Tudor.

Good decision on the IWC. You can (almost) never go wrong with an IWC or Omega!

 

[R4dcu]

Somehow I have a no date sub arriving by Christmas…

I won’t lie tho, that left hand Tudor is very nice!!

Thanks, the IWC is immense and this rubber is brilliant.

 

[eBoy]

Somehow I have a no date sub arriving by Christmas…

Retail?

Wow... Unthinkable just as little as one year ago.

I think it's time to visit an AD. Btw, I just saw today that one of the biggest gray dealers in Germany (usually not the cheapest) now has mint, virtually NOS 2021 No-Date Subs for like €11k. Also unimaginable in 2022.

Looks like the Rolex bubble is finally deflating!

 

[R4dcu]

Yeah at retail… I think there is just a change of approach for this AD at least, it’s always enjoyable going in for a chat and drink while they put the latest arrivals out on the table.

Watches of Switzerland group are still very much bellends I refuse to deal with they outright mugged my mate off when enquiring after already buying a Rolex from them.

Really? Grey market is shrinking back a bit now, you can get SD43 under retail among others.

 

[MoonWatch3861]

such a sweet case on this thing

 

[R4dcu]

such a sweet case on this thing

I’d love to do a side by side with the rep to really show the quality of this thing.

 

[MetalTR]

Amazing watch man

 

[mrsullivan]

Congrats, those IWC are stunners and way worth owning in gen. Enjoy it !

 

[leo6929]

Hey beautiful watch mate!

Suddenly I got my hopes up because I thought that it was a rep... just a peek at the pics and I lost hope, lol.

I asked Andrew a couple of months ago if I could get one from JF and his response was that this is no longer made...If anyone has different information regarding this, any factory considered, would appreciate it.

 

[R4dcu]

Thanks all, it really is a great piece…

Trusty has a few listed, I think zf do one that looks good. The day date function is pretty complex and the very subtle difference in level would be interesting to see on the rep, I’ll see if I can capture it in a pic.

Happy to help with QC comparisons to anyone who is looking.

 

[DiggerOfWatches]

The IWC is a lovely watch mate

Mine looks the same, well not really. But I have a soft spot for IWC

 

[SteveMcQueen1930]

Very nice gen! My custom 389101 says hello and applauds

 

[R4dcu]

The IWC is a lovely watch mate

Mine looks the same, well not really. But I have a soft spot for IWC

I had a zf one of these and loved it, big IWC fanboy

 

[R4dcu]

Very nice gen! My custom 389101 says hello and applauds

Looks great!

 

[LongyUK]

Somehow I have a no date sub arriving by Christmas…

Don't get me wrong - I wish you every success with this. But its either:

1. An unbelievable bit of luck.
2. They absolutely robbed you on your IWC (you didn't pay full price did you?)
3. Its an outright sales lie. Depending on where you are there will be a wait of a year to two years on a ND SUB.

Im always the sceptic but I'll believe it when I see it.

But seriously I do hope you pull this off!

 

[R4dcu]

Don't get me wrong - I wish you every success with this. But its either:

1. An unbelievable bit of luck.
2. They absolutely robbed you on your IWC (you didn't pay full price did you?)
3. Its an outright sales lie. Depending on where you are there will be a wait of a year to two years on a ND SUB.

Im always the sceptic but I'll believe it when I see it.

But seriously I do hope you pull this off!

It is a bit hard to believe, especially having seen how my mates AD treats him and most others.

My AD can spot dreamers and fanboys a mile off, they value enthusiasts and want to make sure people love what they buy and not just out to accept any old watch as they can sell it if they don’t like it. Rolex do check grey market sales and do penalise dealers with large amounts of prices hitting the grey market.

It’s in train and on the way, will be here by Christmas as confirmed by them recently, I said no pressure for before summer and they said themselves it will be Christmas.

What I paid for the IWC isn’t the point, they’re inviting me to IWC events and trying to source me what I want after spending time with them discussing all options, I had a table full of divers discussing the pro’s of them all before I even selected the no date specifically but I could demonstrate why I want a no date over the date and all the others.

 

[LongyUK]

Hi @R4dcu,

Your AD sounds great. I really do value a dealer that looks for people passionate about watches rather than getting people to buy other items first.

I have to disagree about the IWC purchase. You have to remember they are dealers, often work on commission, and no matter how much they love watches they are there to make money. That being said by buying a watch that loses circa 20 / 25% of its value as soon as you put it on you have clearly shown you are not a grey market flipper so that will give them comfort for the sub.

As I say, I really do hope they come up with the goods for you! Those two alone would be a great set!

 

[R4dcu]

They are but we have to remember that there is the price of the watch and then there is tax on the purchase, it’s only luck that some watches go for above rrp on the grey market…

IWC has pretty strong prices used compared to some, you only have to watch channels like watch trader who paid less than half what a almost new Omega seamaster green was worth rrp, don’t even start me on the piss poor prices they offer for Tudor.

We’re spoilt with reps because you can’t lose much money on nearly all models but only recently I’ve seen there are other costs to factor in as I have had one seized and one stolen so there are hazards in this hobby too.

It was important to me to buy something I loved and truth is with everything I had on the table on the day (some serious pieces), this IWC was by far the best proposition for me. It is only when I was back in having my strap fitted that I was talking about wanting a diver for my holiday and then after a table full of them again we both came to the conclusion the sub ticked all of my boxes.

These dealers aren’t just some average sales staff, unless you’re talking Goldsmiths 🫢 at my AD they are all passionate about the brands and know them inside out. They realise watches are important pieces and can signify milestones in lives and want to help guide you to make the best purchase for you.

That said I am stalking the grey market for my ideal Tudor LHD as that is definitely not a rrp watch, but it’s a fuckin cracked with a huge sale sticker on the grey market

 

[LongyUK]

Completely agree with you @R4dcu

I managed to get a Batman after building a real relationship rather than a purchase history!

I only buy watches I want and I usually REALLY want them - that's obviously clear to my AD. I also wasn't knocking the IWC purchase; I'd pay a few quid more to get one from my dealer and know its 'mine' and new. Enjoy it mate.

Be sure to share some pics of the Sub when it arrives!