Horrendous service and build quality. Never buy from IWC
Horrendous service and product quality. Never buy from IWC!
I have owned an IWC Ingenieur IW322503 since 2014. After six months the crown fell off the watch, and to my amazement I found this is simply glued on!
The watch was returned to Selfridges and subsequently repaired, however, in September last year the crown fell off again. I immediately took the watch back to IWC in Bond Street, who were apparently aware of the issue with this particular model, and agreed to send the watch for repair.
A month later, to my astonishment, I receive an invoice for £1,330 to repair not only the crown, but the oscillating weight, which has apparently been damaged due to moisture. Bearing in mind this watch has only been worn a handful of times, is in pristine condition, and never been near water, I was obviously amazed to hear this feedback, especially since the watch was in perfect working order when I handed it to IWC.
I instantly replied querying what has caused this issue to be told, after a few weeks of back and forth, that the watch is not water resistant due to an ineffective seal and moisture has got inside through the damaged crown.
Despite confirming that the crown has been a factor in the damage of the watch, IWC ignored my concerns with the quality of their product and instead continue try and pass this cost to me. They even brushed passed the fact that they have acknowledged this issue. Instead referring to meaningless jargon to try and deter their customer. To me, given IWC are aware of the issue with the crown, and have highlighted this in writing, the liability for repair obviously lies with them.
Fed up with getting nowhere, I asked IWC to simply repair the damaged crown and return the watch to me. Given the crown is just stuck on you wouldn't expect this to be an issue. However, IWC are holding me to ransom. They advised that due to the moisture damage to the rotor (a new issue), the complete service is mandatory, the crown can not be changed on its own. To me this is complete rubbish! They just want money for nothing and are trying to find every way possible to get something.
I have dealt with a number of watch manufacturers over the years including Rolex, Patek and AP and I have never experienced service like this. Yes, my watch is outside of warranty, however clearly IWC are aware that the build quality of this particular watch is not up to standard. Every third party I have referred this issue to (all working in the industry) agree that the liability lies with IWC. They all state that IWC are trying to get round the fact that it is their fault.
When paying c.£8,400 for a watch you would expect water resistant seals, as well as other parts of the watch to last, especially if the watch is kept in excellent condition, and in a safe place. I have a Casio watch from 30 years ago which still works and remains water resistant for Christ sake !
Their latest email talks about the fact that apparently moving in short periods of time between hot and cold environments (like aircon) can cause the gasket to expand and contract. They also refer to their website which states that if you swim or wash with your watch that you should check water resistance regularly. Whilst my own watch has never been worn in such a manner, why would a manufacturer make a watch that, in my mind, isn't sufficient for purpose. Ridiculous!
I will continue to push back until IWC accept the fact that the build quality of their watch is insufficient, and the fault indeed lies with them. Never will I buy another IWC watch, and I will ensure that my experience to date is passed on via various channels so that other investors are made aware.
It also surprised me that IWC do not seem to have a complaints department. I wonder why.....
IWC are the most unprofessional and unhelpful watch company I have dealt with to date, and have basically conned me out of money with a substandard product.
If anyone has endured an experience like me with IWC I encourage them to voice their concerns.
20 January 2023
Unprompted review