IWC AR coating - is it very delicate?

[shahuk]

Hi All -

I looked at a pre-owned IWC Top Gun chronograph today when I went to pick up another watch. I loved it, it was in great shape, only a year old and still under IWC warranty (originally purchased from AD). Only thing was the AR coating on the crystal had multiple (10-15+) long fine lines. Granted they could only be seen if looked at closely under the light, but they were there and would not wipe off with a microfiber.

Am wondering if anyone knows if this is normal with IWC watches? If so, I might go back and pick it up! But, if it’s not normal and sign the watch has been treated roughly, it’s a pass..

Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

[asiparks]

AR on the outside of the sapphire is susceptible to getting scratched- do a search on here and you will find many people complaining about scratches, chips or delamination in the coating.
That said, see my post #6 in the thread below. I've had no issues.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=567190

Scratches in the AR don't signal abuse, might well have been a one time, accidental graze against something. If you really like the watch, shop around, there might be other examples in better condition or at a better price...

[flilow06]

I used to own an older pilot and I remember it was pretty common for people to intentionally remove the outer AR coating. Not only does it scratch easily, but it imparts a rather strong blue hue which IMO is distracting and washes out the dial. I'd agree with the previous poster, not a good indicator of wear. If you did purchase it, a cape cod cloth and 10-15 minutes of your time would probably remove the coating and its marks.. and you still have an inner AR coating.

[DCheeta]

I think outer AR coating can scratch like that on any brand, it’s not specific to IWC. Like flilow06 suggested, you can remove it if you wish.