Van der Gang Watches
Besides watches made by fellow Dutch citizen Christiaan van der Klaauw, we now also have watches from another Dutch company called Van der Gang Watches. Their main model looks (to me) a lot like the IWC Portugieser Chronograph, I could be insulting them by writing this, but even the price is about the same. 
If I had to design a watch for my brand new company, I wouldn’t design a watch that comes so close to a true classic by another brand and sell it within the same pricelevel. I would go IWC Portugieser for that kind of money within a blink of the eye.
Anyway, pay them a visit by clicking here, maybe you’ll think otherwise. If so, let me know by leaving a comment here.
November 11th, 2004 at 13:38
I think the same, too much lookalike to IWC. Nice is that he has made a limited nr. of watches but if that must be so expensive. Nobody knows van der Gang so what’s exclusive if you are not known.
April 23rd, 2005 at 17:46
I love it!! If you know anuone who owns one and wants to sell it. Mail me….
June 3rd, 2005 at 14:16
I Bought one of the watches, and I’m sure It is a special one. And much better looking and finished than the IWC, really. Compare the two watches and you will see the enormous difference in advance of the Van der Gang. Also I recommend a visit to the factory in Dokkum.
July 6th, 2005 at 22:19
Comparing the photo’s of these 2 watches I think the v.d.Gang is much more beautiful but indeed for such an unknown brand too expensive. That’s why I didnot bought one untill now.
December 26th, 2005 at 12:37
Nowadays people go to China and buy IWC look-a-likes for $ 30. Why spent a fortune on a watch that has more copies than originals. I prefer a Van der Gang that has not yet been copied and probably is not worthwile copying.
March 7th, 2006 at 22:17
I think the van der gang watch is stupid. Who will spend 5900 euro on a much too large watch, just to own a van der gang watch??, what the hell is van der gang anyway??, what you are paying for are the hours of van der gang’s staff and the much too big profit…. a proper watch is swiss made
March 18th, 2006 at 17:05
I like the Gang watch, and think it much more sophisticated than the IWC, I’d like to own one!
Also I don’t believe that a “swiss” is the only good one. There many brands on the marked that produce very impressive watches and a true watch lover would recognize that!
June 17th, 2006 at 21:21
Just put one on your wrist and take it outside. The watch is just staggering, more so than the IWC. By the way, you do not have to go to Dokkum to do this. You can do this in Amsterdam as well at QP watches.
July 25th, 2006 at 10:48
Stef, I could not agree more with you. This watch is stunning. If you got the time pay a visit to Dokkum. And to Tinus; do your homework. This watch is based on swiss calibur and improved by Van der Gang. I admire this watch !
September 7th, 2006 at 09:12
Most comments just go to show that forming an opinion purely based on a photograph is impossible. A friend of mine bought one and I was taken away by it. Consequently I also ordered one shortly after visiting the factory. The van der Gang is really a better product than the IWC. The production method is mind blowing and it became clear to me right away this watch is made by people who put lots of love and dedication into their watches. Also, try to make a scratch with a sharp object on the casing of a IWC and you’ll succeed, on a van der Gang you won’t!
June 21st, 2007 at 14:35
I own one, and it is simply stunning. The attention to detail and the quality of workmanship is amazing. As far as whether it is worth the asking price. . . well, that is a personal decision. But I have seen much more expensive watches that aren’t half as nice or as well made. Plus, I don’t know anyone else who owns one.
May 10th, 2008 at 00:10
just to say I am blown away by the looks from the brochure and the apparent quality, and yeah I don’t know anyone with one, Wish I had seen them when I was in Holland recently
July 17th, 2008 at 02:06
The Frisians did have excelent watch/clock traditions - Eizinga, for instance - earlier than the Swiss. So, why not?
July 24th, 2008 at 21:43
My wife bought me a custom engraved (on the movement!)
Van Der Gang for our 25th anniversary. Since I also own an IWC I can say that superficial comparisons are just that. The Van Der Gang is constructed to a higher standard in nearly every way. There’s no need for the word “watches” on the face, perhaps future models will use an identifying ligature or perhaps leave it blank. I would prefer it be more subtle.
Otherwise, I love it… it’s been bulletproof reliable, keeps time as accurately as my vintage Heuers and ChronoSuisse, and has presence reflecting more than just size. On smaller wrists it might look silly, but looks right on someone 6′2″/220#.
The company is also well aware of it’s “new” status and the level of service reflects that. My band was damaged and a replacement was sent promptly at no charge. Try that with a Rolex… I have, and they don’t. Daytonas are grossly overpriced: the cache is the brand. This is a better watch IMHO.
I’ll order another model, I like the watch that much. As to pricing, one gets what one pays for.