IWC - Pilots Chronograph 41mm Discount
Discussion
Hi all,
After having saved a fair amount during lockdown and deciding I'd treat myself to a mid-luxury watch, I've all but decided that I quite like the idea of the new IWC Pilot's Chrono. I've relatively small wrists so a Big Pilot is out of the question and whilst I've yet to try one on (Watches of Switzerland, closest store to me, didn't have any in stock to show), the blue face/black strap is otherwise a go-er for me.
Now I'm not one to pretend I know much about watches and their movements etc. I believe the newer chrono has a fully in-house movement, which I'm led to believe is a positive? Any comments here would be much appreciated.
Furthermore, I guess the next question is what kind of discount to expect/request/hope for when it comes to purchasing these? It would be a cash purchase, unless similar to buying a car and going on some sort of finance and paying it off before any penalty would bring about more? I've had a google and whilst 2-3 years ago there were numbers of c. 20% being floated around, not sure what to expect in today's market? Am I better off going abroad (or waiting until I do so) to purchase either via Duty Free or abroad (likely to the Far East)?
Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!
After having saved a fair amount during lockdown and deciding I'd treat myself to a mid-luxury watch, I've all but decided that I quite like the idea of the new IWC Pilot's Chrono. I've relatively small wrists so a Big Pilot is out of the question and whilst I've yet to try one on (Watches of Switzerland, closest store to me, didn't have any in stock to show), the blue face/black strap is otherwise a go-er for me.
Now I'm not one to pretend I know much about watches and their movements etc. I believe the newer chrono has a fully in-house movement, which I'm led to believe is a positive? Any comments here would be much appreciated.
Furthermore, I guess the next question is what kind of discount to expect/request/hope for when it comes to purchasing these? It would be a cash purchase, unless similar to buying a car and going on some sort of finance and paying it off before any penalty would bring about more? I've had a google and whilst 2-3 years ago there were numbers of c. 20% being floated around, not sure what to expect in today's market? Am I better off going abroad (or waiting until I do so) to purchase either via Duty Free or abroad (likely to the Far East)?
Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!
In house movements are very much in fashion at the moment.
I would say the primary downside of them is that you will most likely have to go to IWC for servicing, where as more widely available movements are likely to be serviceable by independents which is going to be cheaper and quicker.
I would say the primary downside of them is that you will most likely have to go to IWC for servicing, where as more widely available movements are likely to be serviceable by independents which is going to be cheaper and quicker.
In relation to discounts, how available is the watch? It's a genuine question as i'm not familiar with it, if it's one you can go on to the website of any AD and order for fast delivery then likely you can easily get 10% maybe more if lucky.
If there is a waiting period or list then don't be surprised if they say take it or leave it at RRP is my experience with other luxury brand watches for example I bought a Seamaster 300 professional a few months ago and got 10% just by asking nicely, i've been to the same AD and put my name down for a Tudor Chronograph with the same sales person as nice as he is has already said there will be no discounts as they have a waiting list if I don't want it but as a previous customer I will likely get one offered sooner.
If there is a waiting period or list then don't be surprised if they say take it or leave it at RRP is my experience with other luxury brand watches for example I bought a Seamaster 300 professional a few months ago and got 10% just by asking nicely, i've been to the same AD and put my name down for a Tudor Chronograph with the same sales person as nice as he is has already said there will be no discounts as they have a waiting list if I don't want it but as a previous customer I will likely get one offered sooner.
On a related theme, but not the same brand, I was offered between 1.3 and 3 % discount on an A Lange & Sohne that I'm interested in. I'm sure that I recall big discounts were available on these not so long ago, or perhaps it was just internet myth, anyway, I decided not to go ahead and will wait and see what happens over the next year or so. It seems that the market for all physical assets/objects are doing well at the moment, perhaps not just Rolex prices that are in a bubble.
I'd be interested to hear how you get on - the IWC looks like a nice watch.
I'd be interested to hear how you get on - the IWC looks like a nice watch.
I'm an IWC Pilot Chrono owner and it's nice to see them returning to the more tool watch / classic designs of the mid 2000s (mine dates from 2005) after IWC chased the big watch (case size increased to 43mm a few year ago) and the awful altimeter-style date window.
The key issue with the chronos is the residuals so you definitely want to buy at a discount. I'd suggest trying Dom Hackett on here (or google) or Iconic Watches who may be able to source something.
The key issue with the chronos is the residuals so you definitely want to buy at a discount. I'd suggest trying Dom Hackett on here (or google) or Iconic Watches who may be able to source something.
Hi all, afraid that despite my many months on here I'm still awful at multi-quoting!
I'll try to answer points where I can (maybe with a few added questions!)
In relation to discounts, how available is the watch? - I'm not too sure as to the availability as of yet. In all honesty, I always feel awful when window shopping and wasting anyone's time so haven't yet asked the question. Given this is quite a big purchase for me, I've no doubt I'll still be mulling it over for the next few weeks.
The key issue with the chronos is the residuals so you definitely want to buy at a discount. I'd suggest trying Dom Hackett on here (or google) or Iconic Watches who may be able to source something. - Thank you for the suggestions, I'll reach out to them. I'm not massively fussed about residuals as such given this is my first "big" purchase and it's something I would therefore want to keep. Nonetheless, can always appreciate an asset which doesn't depreciate TOO much!
I own both Pilot Chrono and Big Pilot. If I recall I got 5% on my Chrono from an independent, many years ago. The Big Pilot was list price from IWC AD. Both superb watches. Only weakness on Chrono is the leather strap wears quite quickly if it is a daily. - Thanks a lot for this, knowing c. 5% may be achievable certainly helps. I guess going for a smaller, independent type AD might be a better option. Ah, I'm really keen on the leather strap but certainly good to know. Given I'm working from home for the majority of my week at the moment, can't imagine it'll be getting any sunshine any time soon!
Many thanks to everyone in here for their responses, by the way. Being a relative newbie to the world of watches, glad I've not asked anything too stupid! If and when I purchase, promise to upload pictures!
I'll try to answer points where I can (maybe with a few added questions!)
In relation to discounts, how available is the watch? - I'm not too sure as to the availability as of yet. In all honesty, I always feel awful when window shopping and wasting anyone's time so haven't yet asked the question. Given this is quite a big purchase for me, I've no doubt I'll still be mulling it over for the next few weeks.
The key issue with the chronos is the residuals so you definitely want to buy at a discount. I'd suggest trying Dom Hackett on here (or google) or Iconic Watches who may be able to source something. - Thank you for the suggestions, I'll reach out to them. I'm not massively fussed about residuals as such given this is my first "big" purchase and it's something I would therefore want to keep. Nonetheless, can always appreciate an asset which doesn't depreciate TOO much!
I own both Pilot Chrono and Big Pilot. If I recall I got 5% on my Chrono from an independent, many years ago. The Big Pilot was list price from IWC AD. Both superb watches. Only weakness on Chrono is the leather strap wears quite quickly if it is a daily. - Thanks a lot for this, knowing c. 5% may be achievable certainly helps. I guess going for a smaller, independent type AD might be a better option. Ah, I'm really keen on the leather strap but certainly good to know. Given I'm working from home for the majority of my week at the moment, can't imagine it'll be getting any sunshine any time soon!
Many thanks to everyone in here for their responses, by the way. Being a relative newbie to the world of watches, glad I've not asked anything too stupid! If and when I purchase, promise to upload pictures!
Have you considered a used one? You can usually save a lot of money for a watch in perfect or almost perfect condition as many times people buy expensive watches and then get precious about them so never wear them.
Another tip is to buy on the bracelet and fit a leather strap if you want to. You usually pay a bit of a premium for a bracelet, but nothing like the cost of buying them after the fact. I imagine a bracelet from IWC is anywhere from £600 upwards.
Another tip is to buy on the bracelet and fit a leather strap if you want to. You usually pay a bit of a premium for a bracelet, but nothing like the cost of buying them after the fact. I imagine a bracelet from IWC is anywhere from £600 upwards.
Loved my IWC Pilot Chronograph Le Petit Prince 377714 but recently sold it on as my Omega Speedmaster was getting more wrist time. They are fabulous watches but at 43mm, it was a big watch.
When I purchased it 3 years ago, I got it for £2,600 in Hong Kong (VAT Free + a further 25% off as my sister works for an AD). Sold it on to Watchfinder for more than I paid for.
I'm interested in the 41mm Pilot Chrono Spitfire in Bronze - travelling back to HK with quarantine is a ball ache at the moment so I may check to see what kind of discounts I could achieve in the UK - I suspect it will be nowhere near as good so may wait until I get back to HK if I were to purchase it. Tried it on recently and the 41mm case is so much more wearable.
When I purchased it 3 years ago, I got it for £2,600 in Hong Kong (VAT Free + a further 25% off as my sister works for an AD). Sold it on to Watchfinder for more than I paid for.
I'm interested in the 41mm Pilot Chrono Spitfire in Bronze - travelling back to HK with quarantine is a ball ache at the moment so I may check to see what kind of discounts I could achieve in the UK - I suspect it will be nowhere near as good so may wait until I get back to HK if I were to purchase it. Tried it on recently and the 41mm case is so much more wearable.
Speak to Jitesh @ New Cavendish Jewellers (https://www.newcavendishjewellers.com/) It’s a bricks and mortar store in London and authorised IWC seller. If there’s any discount to be had, he will pass it on. Tell him Fas sent you and he will take care of you. Am personally a super happy customer of his
gregs656 said:
Have you considered a used one? You can usually save a lot of money for a watch in perfect or almost perfect condition as many times people buy expensive watches and then get precious about them so never wear them.
Another tip is to buy on the bracelet and fit a leather strap if you want to. You usually pay a bit of a premium for a bracelet, but nothing like the cost of buying them after the fact. I imagine a bracelet from IWC is anywhere from £600 upwards.
I certainly would not have turned my nose up at used, at all. Unfortunately, however, the 41mm Chrono is quite new and I don't believe I've seen any used ones as of yet. Also, given this is my (prospective) first "big" purchase, kiiind of want to go through the whole experience (if there's one to be had).Another tip is to buy on the bracelet and fit a leather strap if you want to. You usually pay a bit of a premium for a bracelet, but nothing like the cost of buying them after the fact. I imagine a bracelet from IWC is anywhere from £600 upwards.
Great point re the bracelet and a separate leather strap - though in all honesty I've never really liked bracelets on IWC's so not sure if that would actually get any wear time.
DizzyN said:
I certainly would not have turned my nose up at used, at all. Unfortunately, however, the 41mm Chrono is quite new and I don't believe I've seen any used ones as of yet. Also, given this is my (prospective) first "big" purchase, kiiind of want to go through the whole experience (if there's one to be had).
Great point re the bracelet and a separate leather strap - though in all honesty I've never really liked bracelets on IWC's so not sure if that would actually get any wear time.
The one to have is the Big Pilot strap, I am sure I have seen them on Chrono’s. Much thicker and more durable in my opinion. Genuine straps are not cheap. Check out the price of a deployment clasp!!Great point re the bracelet and a separate leather strap - though in all honesty I've never really liked bracelets on IWC's so not sure if that would actually get any wear time.
G
i have a range of straps for mine as I found a supplier on eBay that offers OEM-style IWC straps and buckles for a fraction of the price of the IWC items.
I have a brown croc Big Pilot style strap with deployant and it is thicker than the Pilot Chrono straps which typically are buckle style.
I'll try and find some time to upload some pics
I have a brown croc Big Pilot style strap with deployant and it is thicker than the Pilot Chrono straps which typically are buckle style.
I'll try and find some time to upload some pics
I’ve managed to get a few pictures into imgur of my 3717-02 Spitfire Chrono
Firstly, here’s the standard IWD croc strap which looks a bit weedy for a 42mm case despite being 21mm tapering to 18mm at the buckle. I think it’s more due to the thinness.
Contrast it with the 20mm wide but thick Toshi strap fitted to my Fortis B42 next to it:
Here it is on my favourite strap. This is the style that came with the 3718-04 Spitfire Doppelchrono and has a buckle fitted:
This is a black croc-style that would normally come with the classic Pilot Chrono 3717-01 black dial watch, again with the buckle:
Here it has a Big Pilot style deployant strap and clasp fitted. This is a 22mm strap narrowed down to 21mm using a rotary bench sander!
Here we have a 21mm dark blue with blue stitching Portuguese style-strap with buckle:
And finally a riveted Big Pilot-style strap, again 22mm but adapted to fit:
All of these (with the exception of the riveted strap which is from BOB Straps) are from an eBay shop called TimePieceRepublic.
Firstly, here’s the standard IWD croc strap which looks a bit weedy for a 42mm case despite being 21mm tapering to 18mm at the buckle. I think it’s more due to the thinness.
Contrast it with the 20mm wide but thick Toshi strap fitted to my Fortis B42 next to it:
Here it is on my favourite strap. This is the style that came with the 3718-04 Spitfire Doppelchrono and has a buckle fitted:
This is a black croc-style that would normally come with the classic Pilot Chrono 3717-01 black dial watch, again with the buckle:
Here it has a Big Pilot style deployant strap and clasp fitted. This is a 22mm strap narrowed down to 21mm using a rotary bench sander!
Here we have a 21mm dark blue with blue stitching Portuguese style-strap with buckle:
And finally a riveted Big Pilot-style strap, again 22mm but adapted to fit:
All of these (with the exception of the riveted strap which is from BOB Straps) are from an eBay shop called TimePieceRepublic.
Edited by Spice_Weasel on Friday 27th August 15:39
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