Topgun Case Breaks ?

[timemaster]

On the official IWC website people can post comments under the model.
If you go to Pilots and then select the Topgun (just the latest model) you can read that several buyers cracked the ceramic case. One complaints the repair cost are $4500.
IWC does not remove the comments so i think they are legit.
I was a little shocked to read the watch is that easy to damage.
How about the reps, anyone had the case cracked ?
You would say a gen owner would be really careful with such an expensive piece so the rep owners must have more problems with cases breaking.
If not you might draw the conclusion the rep has a stronger ceramic then the gen ?

 

[texski]

I haven't heard about the broken cases, but ceramic is brittle. In cutting tools, it will keep a sharper edge longer that steel or carbide, it it will shatter given a sharp impact. I can assure you that if the case broke, the movement needed to be examined anyways. An impact that was strong enough to break a ceramic case would likely break something inside.

Just because someone spends thousands of dollars for a watch doesn't mean that they have good sense. And knowing what I do about IWC and Chinese manufacturing, I would say that the IWC cases were abused. Rarely does China offer a product of higher quality than what it copies!

Mike

 

[QinetiQ]

You know, it would've been much easier if you just posted a link

 

[elmataplata]

Ive also seen pics of rolex cases dropped on ceramic floors that broke chunks off or left massive dings.
Common sense doesnt come with money

 

[ALE7575]

You know, it would've been much easier if you just posted a link

+1
Better links please
I never ear about big problems with broken ceramic cases
Of course you can break a ceramic case, but...

 

[Cynikal.Mindset]

• 
  
  phil 6 months, 1 week ago
  I just bought this watch last 6 months and this really awesome, but I’m veryx2 disappointed with this black high-tech ceramic, because it’s crack easily. It accidentally slip from my arm and drop on my glass table. Then case crack. I’m very disappointed….
• I agree that this is a beautiful watch. I bought one myself and as a pilot it works beautifully. I also had the unfortunate experience of dropping the watch onto a marble counter top. (from only 10cm) and the case cracked. The quote on repairing the case is $4300. If you are looking for a robust watch that can sustain the knocks of life I may suggest you consider something else!

here it is from the site...he dropped it on a glass table and the case cracked and not the table...weird

 

[lasher1]

I cracked my top gun rep playing golf. The day and date wont turn now. Also it wont wind. Don't know who to send it to?

 

[texski]

lasher1,
This thread is referring to cases that have cracked.
Your watch is not working because Asian movements are not made to withstand sharp impacts ... although I am sure we will hear of many people who have played golf in their reps and never had a problem.

To fix this, chances are very good that you will need to remove the movement, dial, and hands to get to the calendar platform. Not a DIY project.

Where are you located?

Mike

 

[jodama]

the Rep case isn't real [BLINK]CERAMIC[/BLINK] anyways guys.

 

[chisin]

the Rep case isn't real [BLINK]CERAMIC[/BLINK] anyways guys.

how so? If it ain't ceramic, what is it? it may not be ceramic of similar quality as the gen, but if it isnt ceramic at all, what is it?

 

[jodama]

how so? If it ain't ceramic, what is it? it may not be ceramic of similar quality as the gen, but if it isnt ceramic at all, what is it?

ceramic is scratch free material, which is harder than steel, some member including me have marks in the case from normal wearing, I tested it at a small spot at the back and you can scratch it easily with a screwdriver.

dealers says it is a ceramic case, but it surly isn't.

 

[chisin]

@jodama - once scratched, what is there on the surface? the line on the surface could be materials embedded in the surface from whatever was used to scratch it. Alternatively, the black surface material of the case was removed by the scratching.

To say that ceramic is scratch free is technically right - but it chips and, without glazing or other treatments, ceramic surface is also "porous" compared to a metallic one - a rough surface where miniscule matter may get stuck in. you could take a sharp rock and drag it across a flower pot, and you'll see a line.

Edit: And before a bona fide Material Science expert comes in and tells me I've just shot my mouth off...apologies, haha....but I do think the flower pot analogy is apt!

 

[Cynikal.Mindset]

the topgun case IS real ceramic but as you can see its matte in finish not a hard glazed finish like a coffee cup. The flower pot analogy is fitting in the explanation for "scratches" on the topgun case.

 

[Jkay]

When you rub a screwdriver on a ceramic case, the screwdriver leaves metal on the case. It is not scratched; you have scratched your screwdriver.

The same thing happens with dlc and PVd coatings.

 

[jodama]

why there aren't marks on years old gen Top Gun watches like on for e.g. this rep
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/iwc-top-gun-pricedrop-190-84296

 

[texski]

why there aren't marks on years old gen Top Gun watches like on for e.g. this rep
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/iwc-top-gun-pricedrop-190-84296

I see scuff marks on this one, but not scratches. The finish has been compromised, but not penetrated. This is consistent with ceramic. It may not be the highest quality ceramic, but I have no reason to doubt that it is. Also know that there are 2 factories making these.

jodama, could you post a picture of your watch where you scratched it?

 

[ALE7575]

When you rub a screwdriver on a ceramic case, the screwdriver leaves metal on the case. It is not scratched; you have scratched your screwdriver.

The same thing happens with dlc and PVd coatings.

+1
That's really what happens

 

[lasher1]

Hi Texski and thanks for responding. I am new to the forum and feeling my way around. I am in NJ and my top gun broke. I want to fix it but don't know who to send it to. Any help would be great.

 

[texski]

Welcome lasher1.
You might want to look in this section for our watchsmiths:
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/forumdisplay.php/watchmakers-and-horologists-204

In the US, we have:
Katt @ http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/forumdisplay.php/katts-watch-repair-188

Vac @ http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/forumdisplay.php/vaccum-watch-mods-60

G @ http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/forumdisplay.php/14060-16610i-watch-repair-203

I might be missing someone. Others feel free to make suggestions.
I know G has stopped taking new work for the next few months.

There are others throughout the world that work primarily on movements. Most on the list are very competent.

Good luck,
Mike

 

[jodama]

OK Thanks Guys, I checked it again and you are right.
I could even remove some marks with a clammy burnish.

This watch amazes me even more.

Thank You and sorry for my mistake.

@ lasher could you post a picture of your broken case, I think it would be quite interesting.