Newbie saying Hi // learning about IWC

[webking185]

Hi Everyone,

I am a newbie in the NY USA and wanted to say Hi to everyone as I see we all share the same vision and that is to tell time.

I recently purchased a IWC Portuguese 3714 and I must say the rep that I have vs. the modded ones are night and day from what I see.

Can anyone tell me what is a Franken or Concepa or Panda?

I would like to mod mine as well with a gen dial, hands, movement, etc... Can anyone guide me or PM me to the right person to do this?

You guys are the best.

Thanks.
Henry

[diaby2afc]

Hello fellow New Yorker and IWC fan.

I'll do my best to answer your questions:

Can anyone tell me what is a Franken or Concepa or Panda?

Franken is a mixture of genuine and replica IWC parts. For instance, one that is currently on sale here: http://www.repgeek.com/showthread.php?t=239951

Concepta is a member from Sweden who used to be able to source parts and complete watch heads. Not sure if he's still active but he pops in and now and again. Some people had good transactions with him and other were not good at all. The earlier franken 3714's used to be exclusively sold by Concepta, hence the name. To be honest, I'm not sure why they're called Concepta 3714's since he doesn't work on them. Domi (the watchsmith that Concepta contracted for mods) 3714's is more appropriate. However, there's a new wave of modded cases that are much better (i.e. the watch being sold in the above link)

Panda is just the dial configuration of the IWC 3714. See images below



There have been some members who were able to source parts and sent them off to be assembled. Honestly, it's a costly and time-consuming procedure. It's better off to buy one off the sales especially since parts don't seem to be obtainable (not that I'm aware of anyway)