I wondered if I might keep this, however when I picked it up from the IWC boutique the sales guy insisted that I wear it as I left the shop “for safety” and I immediately got anxious that I wasn’t getting my Fitbit steps So it’s going.
This is an IWC Mark XII ref IW3241, steel on a steel mesh bracelet, 36mm diameter case, automatic. A JLC ébauche IIRC.
Comes with a shitheap of paperwork including the original receipt from its sale in Hong Kong in 1998, a service receipt from WOS in 2006, and the IWC paperwork from its service a couple of days ago (cost £640).
Also
the original buffalo strap with IWC tang buckle - I never rated these
two spare links - danger! You can’t change this yourself unless you are a fairly handy nerd with the appropriate tools - two screwdrivers and a vice
the original box - danger! This is totally trashed. It looks like it’s been in contact with water at some point and is flaking badly. Only included for completeness.
I tried a similar IWC at Dom’s a few years ago and the bracelet was superb, better than a Rolex.
But you have had your heart set on an Explorer for a long time, not sure how you would feel if you bought this and got ‘the call’ a week later.
Been a few used Exploders showing-up on watch forums at below retail in the last few months, so if you’re a) not in a hurry and b) don’t mind used, you may even find you can afford both a few months from now…
I’ve not seen any used 124270 below retail and I’m set on a new one, as you would be if you can get a new one.
Probably a grand too much (for me, not the valuation). I was looking at a weekend watch for under 3k but wanted something “different”. I may still relent and acquiesce… but unlikely as they are very similar.
So it’s going.
