Comments on: Van der Gang Watches

By: Russell Hibbard

Russell Hibbard — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:43:54 +0000

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.

By: Elgar

Elgar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:06:49 +0000

The Frisians did have excelent watch/clock traditions - Eizinga, for instance - earlier than the Swiss. So, why not?

By: Ray Spencer

Ray Spencer — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:10:04 +0000

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

By: Gary

Gary — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:35:59 +0000

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.

By: M.

M. — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 08:12:55 +0000

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!

By: Ron

Ron — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 09:48:52 +0000

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 !

By: Eelco

Eelco — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 20:21:02 +0000

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.

By: Onno

Onno — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 16:05:45 +0000

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!

By: Tinus

Tinus — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 21:17:03 +0000

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

By: Hans

Hans — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 10:37:03 +0000

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.

By: wim ammerdorffer

wim ammerdorffer — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 20:19:50 +0000

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.

By: Stef

Stef — Fri, 03 Jun 2005 12:16:59 +0000

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.

By: Rogier Wissink

Rogier Wissink — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 16:46:13 +0000

I love it!! If you know anuone who owns one and wants to sell it. Mail me….

By: wim

wim — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 12:38:23 +0000

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.