Do we have any wrist watch experts in the pit?

[Torian13]

Long story short. I came upon a watch a while back as a gift. It is an International Watch Company Pilot's watch. At least that is what it is labeled. On the back side it is labeled "United States Navy Fighter Weapons School". Dumb a$$ me put it in my watch case, deployed and forgot about it. Since my return I have compiled items that I don't really need in order to supplement my gun fund that is married men have to keep. I started researching the watch and apparently it, at least seems to be, an expensive accessory. How do I go about vetting if this thing is a replica or true model? Do we have any watch experts in the house? Specifically International watch experts? Lol. I can post pics if needed. Any help appreciated.

 

[Cartman]

I know just enough about watches to direct you here:

http://tzforums.timezone.com/index.php?t=threadt&frm_id=21

 

[EddieNFL]

Is it this one? http://www.watch-insider.com/report...states-navy-fighter-weapons-school-chronomat/

 

[sirhrmechanic]

IWC watches are all nice.... and some are pretty valuable. Real "Top Gun" pilot watches go for between 5 and 10K!

Best and safest bet is to take it to an IWC retail jewelry store and have them open it and look and authenticate it for you. Having box and papers helps.

That watch is playing in the big leagues of valuable watches... and of fakes. And the IWC Pilots watches were faked (sold as 'replicas') from China, etc.

But any IWC dealer (there is a dealer locator on their Web Site) can authenticate it for you.

Hope it's real. Seriously nice watch there.

BTW, there are some real bargains in 1990's "Plain face" IWC's out there. They aren't huge and don't have the currently trendy bling. But they are first rate and utterly understated elegance. As such, they sell for short dollars.

Do a lot of research. And if you get it authenticated, it will make the sale a lot easier. Also, I think you can send serial number to IWC and get a 'build sheet.'

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Torian13]

Thanks to both of you! I'll post the results here when I figure it out.

 

[RedRyder]

Go to the link below at the IWC forum and ask. Post pictures so you can get better responses.