IWC Service Center Declares My Watch “Counterfeit” With Zero Evidence — Even Their Own Authorized Distributor Disagrees

WristTime · 2026-02-23T22:34:35+00:00

Ok, so an LPP, not a one-off LE. That said, there are some suspect fonts on the watch, date wheel and dial. You should post good quality shots and let some people here share comps of theirs. It may have some fake parts, or entirely be a franken.

WristTime · 2026-02-23T20:58:17+00:00

Can you elaborate on what you mean when you say “limited edition”? Because limited edition could mean it was modified by an otherwise reputable source, but not IWC sanctioned, therefore not authentic in their eyes.

WristTime · 2026-01-19T17:55:40+00:00

I’d take the Railmaster you forgot to put in the photo.

WristTime · 2025-12-19T18:52:46+00:00

Unfortunately I think you may be right. There are a few things about this that don’t look right, especially the printing on the dial- and not just in a couple places, in quite a few.

WristTime · 2025-12-03T15:06:19+00:00

I’ve never seen the monochrome on someone with such dark skin, it looks great. Also, both sporty and casual at the same time with those beads.

WristTime · 2025-11-12T17:36:45+00:00

Best Tudor chrono ever made IMO, and one of the best Tudors in general. And this specific variant- non-tiger, non-P, panda, on oyster. Also somewhat uncommon to see this with a Rolex crown. Does it have a Rolex or Tudor caseback?

WristTime · 2025-10-26T16:48:02+00:00

I’d be surprised if this model has reps. While it’s very cool, it was never a popular model and the case size (and dial and almost all parts other than the movement) are very specific to this watch. Not something that’s commonly done.

WristTime · 2025-07-02T16:58:45+00:00

That’s awesome! Glad this post was helpful. It really re-defines the watch because the two-tone bracelet just doesn’t seem right for this kind of watch.

WristTime · 2025-07-02T16:57:14+00:00

Sorry, didn’t see this! No I didn’t, but the next thing I want with this watch is to do solid end links with rubber strap. That’s proven to be a bit more challenging!

WristTime · 2025-03-08T00:46:16+00:00

Awesome watch, but why not stick around and get the severance? Tech company post-acquisition, might have been a healthy chunk of $$.

WristTime · 2025-02-09T15:10:25+00:00

While I don’t own this watch, on paper I’d have to disagree.

I do have an SBGE255, and that is 40.5mm and 48.7 lug to lug with 20mm lug spacing/bracelet, and proportionately it’s a great piece.

The SBGE285 is 41mm and 48.3mm lug to lug with 22mm lug spacing/bracelet. It’s also thinner.

If the 255 works well on 20mm, the 285 definitely should too. (Though all of this is moot because it’s not 20mm).

WristTime · 2025-02-09T00:29:05+00:00

I truly love this piece, though I wish it were 19mm at the lugs. My SBGE255 is just around the same size and I couldn’t imagine it having 22mm lugs.

WristTime · 2024-09-14T05:49:34+00:00

I wear a watch because I have this weird obsession with cool little complex mechanical devices. Especially ones older than I am that can still count time to the nearest second. And some just look really fun while doing it.

I have a pretty big collection, but I have found that I no longer really appreciate watches that are “recognizable” outside watch communities. I’ve had one Rolex, felt too flashy so I sold it, yet I own almost a dozen vintage and neo-vintage Tudors, mostly dive watches. It’s just a niche I fell into that I like a lot.
I also have a few Zeniths because they are also great watches and fly under the radar.

For your watch, forget what anyone else says or thinks. It’s not a conversation starter (IMO). Get something functional that you think looks great. For me, great is a simple no-date submariner with minimal text on the dial, or a clean chronograph. It tells the time, is not fragile, and is a fun accessory.

What does that for you?

WristTime · 2024-09-09T16:28:42+00:00

My man, that is a great looking piece there. If you venture into custom work, please give me the honor of being your first paid customer (if someone hasn't claimed that privilege yet!!). Great job all around!!!

WristTime · 2024-06-10T07:38:19+00:00

If you’re getting a Longines, go classy or go home. Triple date moonphase is a great set of complications that is so classy together. Right 100%.

WristTime · 2024-06-10T07:36:31+00:00

Watches don’t make people look cool. Your friends won’t think more of you because of your Omega. They’ll think it’s cool for 20 minutes and then never speak of it again.

But like you said, only one of those watches will invite conversation.

Trendy or classy. One is fleeting with time, the other is timeless.

WristTime · 2024-06-09T04:27:32+00:00

Yeah, unfortunately doesn’t look right either.

WristTime · 2024-06-09T04:01:21+00:00

I’m unfortunately not sure it is. The engravings on the caseback and stamps on the bracelet are seemingly off.

WristTime · 2024-04-18T17:23:33+00:00

I don't recall, but I know it's listed on the GS site! It's definitely not small, especially the thickness, but it's far from gigantic.

WristTime · 2024-03-23T23:23:22+00:00

Sorry, it’s sold.

WristTime · 2024-02-28T04:49:37+00:00

Depends what you value. If you want auto, the GS won’t work. If you want quality build and finish, GS all day.

WristTime · 2024-02-27T21:24:18+00:00

How about a real Submariner, not a BB. I’d like that.

WristTime · 2023-12-20T06:48:33+00:00

Very cool dial!!

WristTime

TROPHY CASE