Messages: 404 Location: Hungary
Registered: June 2009
Inge 3227/3228 - a comparison
Wed, 05 December 2012 07:31
This is a comparison of the IWC Ingenieur 3227 and 3228, as promised a week ago when I first shared its arrival with you. It should be interesting especially given the imminent release of the Ingenieur 3239. I will have to start with a bias warning. I've purchased the 3228 because the 3227 just felt too big on my 19cm (7.5") wrist. With that out of the way, let's start with the tangible and measurable.
A side-by-side front shot:
There is not much to say about the differences between the two cases, the picture says it all. Except for one thing: one would assume (at least I did) that with a 22mm difference in diameter, the bracelets would be of different size. Well, they are not. Same size, they are actually interchangeable, as are the links. The only difference is in the finish: although my pictures don' show this very well, on the 3228 the center links are polished, as opposed to brushed on the 3227. Otherwise the brushed/polished surfaces of both cases and bracelets are almost identical, except that the brushing on the 3227 is more industrial (or more rough, if you prefer). This, however, may not have been IWC's doing as I'm not the original owner of either watch and the difference could be the result of some later retouching.
Head-to-head (case thickness):
Again, not much to add. The crown action - as expected - is pretty much identical.
Despite the many similarities, these are two different watches. The 3227 is a large and heavy watch with a substantial bracelet, whereas the 3228 is more like a heavy metal bracelet with a dial on top. I'm exaggerating, of course, but not by much. I'm still in the honeymoon period with the 3228, but long term, I guess I'll be wearing the 3227 when I want people to notice my watch - which is not that often - and the 3228 when I need cheering up - which is more often nowadays.
The most visible difference, of course, is in the dials. Unlike the classic dial of the 3227, its smaller brother with its white dial, gold markers and hands is much better suited for formal wear, while not too elegant to clash with casual clothing. It may be a case of cognitive dissonance, but so far the gold part doesn't bother me at all. Although, in all honesty, I would have preferred rhodium. And that is the reason why I would be among the first to buy the 3239 as soon as it becomes available. And definitely the white dial one with rhodium-plated hands. For those who had the patience to read through this, here is a parting shot as a thank you for your attention:
IWC: Inge 3227-01, 3227-02, 3228, AT 3548-01; Omega: PO 8500, SMP GMT, Polaris Ti/Au, Seamaster de Ville 1967
- Denes