Perception of IWC Pilot?

[Tjb1010]

How well do you guys perceive the IWC Pilot Range in terms of the top watch brands? Is the quality as admirable as those in a similar price bracket? Are they as well regarded and recognised, by people knowledgeable about watches, as the likes of omega and the rolex DJ?

[Lorne]

Always liked them, particularly like the chonographs, and excellent quality that's on a par with anything else. If you get one then try and get the bracelet with it because it's about £1000 if bought seperately.

[vixen1700]

Tjb1010 said:

Are they as well regarded and recognised, by people knowledgeable about watches, as the likes of omega and the rolex DJ?

Are they a watch you like or are you more concerned what others think?

[Tjb1010]

vixen1700 said:

Tjb1010 said:

Are they as well regarded and recognised, by people knowledgeable about watches, as the likes of omega and the rolex DJ?

Are they a watch you like or are you more concerned what others think?

Sorry if this reply doesn’t work well this has been my first post.
I like the aesthetic however I don’t know much about them, I’m less concerned about what others think than most. I suppose I was hoping to learn more about the quality of the watch in contrast to the Datejust 36 and the omega seamaster 300. I’m attempting to learn a little about the watches from the 2-5k mark to enter the luxury watch market.
I’d also be interested in availability, how well they hold their value and any other aspects that people believe are important.

[nikaiyo2]

Tjb1010 said:

Sorry if this reply doesn’t work well this has been my first post.
I like the aesthetic however I don’t know much about them, I’m less concerned about what others think than most. I suppose I was hoping to learn more about the quality of the watch in contrast to the Datejust 36 and the omega seamaster 300. I’m attempting to learn a little about the watches from the 2-5k mark to enter the luxury watch market.
I’d also be interested in availability, how well they hold their value and any other aspects that people believe are important.

I honestly don’t think there is a great functional difference between an Omega, Rolex, IWC (and many other brands) at similar price points. If anything I would say Omega are producing the best mass produced luxury watches at the moment.

Personally if I wanted an IWC pilots watch I would get one of the older ones with the ETA movements, so I was not having to send it back to IWC for service. I had a Big Pilot, nice watch but nothing that special.

Also have you looked at the round Bell & Ross pilot watches? They have some very IWC offerings and similar quality of cases/ finishing.

The Matt dial and anti reflective combo from IWC seems better than anyone.

[anonymous-user]

Branding is very subjective. IWC watches are a great quality long established brand, If you want to relate to cars IWC are like BMW or AUDI, they’re not highest end but well regarded.

IWC make great looking pilots watches and residuals are similar to omega. Rolex are the only watches appreciating much in value. Its easy enough to check used values on chrono24 of any model you’re looking at though.

If I was looking at a pilots watch in that bracket, I’d be looking at IWC maybe sinn (although they’re a newer company so perhaps lack some of the history) I think they’ve actually had the same designers at some points though.

I can’t see why you’d ever regret buying an IWC pilots watch myself. I work in an airline and IWC watches are definitely a watch genuinely linked to aviation and seen as being high quality.

[Tjb1010]

nikaiyo2 said:

Tjb1010 said:

Sorry if this reply doesn’t work well this has been my first post.
I like the aesthetic however I don’t know much about them, I’m less concerned about what others think than most. I suppose I was hoping to learn more about the quality of the watch in contrast to the Datejust 36 and the omega seamaster 300. I’m attempting to learn a little about the watches from the 2-5k mark to enter the luxury watch market.
I’d also be interested in availability, how well they hold their value and any other aspects that people believe are important.

I honestly don’t think there is a great functional difference between an Omega, Rolex, IWC (and many other brands) at similar price points. If anything I would say Omega are producing the best mass produced luxury watches at the moment.

Personally if I wanted an IWC pilots watch I would get one of the older ones with the ETA movements, so I was not having to send it back to IWC for service. I had a Big Pilot, nice watch but nothing that special.

Also have you looked at the round Bell & Ross pilot watches? They have some very IWC offerings and similar quality of cases/ finishing.

The Matt dial and anti reflective combo from IWC seems better than anyone.

Thank you for the info, I think this purchase would need to be a special watch to me. I understand for many on this forum a “special” watch needs to be something like a Daytona or Patek or AP. But to me a rolex dj, omega or iwc would be special at £5k ish or under. The worry with the seamaster would be the size as I have quite small wrists and it could be bulky. As for the rolex a 36mm steel DJ is close to perfect however the price is higher and I’m not sure how easily attainable one would be. Then as you’ve mentioned the Pilot may not be as special, but I quite like that it flies under the radar for those not as interested in watches.
One thing to mention is I’d like to buy new from an AD, to me I’d like the first big watch to include the experience of buying.

[anonymous-user]

Which IWC models did you have your eye on?

[Tjb1010]

El stovey said:

Branding is very subjective. IWC watches are a great quality long established brand, If you want to relate to cars IWC are like BMW or AUDI, they’re not highest end but well regarded.

IWC make great looking pilots watches and residuals are similar to omega. Rolex are the only watches appreciating much in value. Its easy enough to check used values on chrono24 of any model you’re looking at though.

If I was looking at a pilots watch in that bracket, I’d be looking at IWC maybe sinn (although they’re a newer company so perhaps lack some of the history) I think they’ve actually had the same designers at some points though.

I can’t see why you’d ever regret buying an IWC pilots watch myself. I work in an airline and IWC watches are definitely a watch genuinely linked to aviation and seen as being high quality.

Thank you for the reply, the IWC was in particular the watch that caught my eye. The Mark XViii, I believe thats the one, with the black dial and large numbers.
I’m not set on a pilots watch, just a special first. The rolex and IWC appeared the best fit on my small wrists however I think the omega could squeeze.
The only regret if I were to buy the IWC may be if I wished to trade in later and suffered on the residuals which I wouldn’t do with the rolex. Perhaps I should be patient and save for the rolex, however, this is an itch that is demanding to be scratched so I’m not sure I have the patience

[Tjb1010]

El stovey said:

Which IWC models did you have your eye on?

I believe the Mark XViii
The plain black face, with large numbers round the edge. I’d buy with the bracelet then switch it to leather as according to the kind advice above the bracelet bought separately would set me back a bit.
I love the leather and think it really suits the watch but it would be nice to have two options.

[Tjb1010]

Sorry all, I realise this is quickly turning into a comparison post.

[nikaiyo2]

Tjb1010 said:

Thank you for the info, I think this purchase would need to be a special watch to me. I understand for many on this forum a “special” watch needs to be something like a Daytona or Patek or AP. But to me a rolex dj, omega or iwc would be special at £5k ish or under. The worry with the seamaster would be the size as I have quite small wrists and it could be bulky. As for the rolex a 36mm steel DJ is close to perfect however the price is higher and I’m not sure how easily attainable one would be. Then as you’ve mentioned the Pilot may not be as special, but I quite like that it flies under the radar for those not as interested in watches.
One thing to mention is I’d like to buy new from an AD, to me I’d like the first big watch to include the experience of buying.

I think “special” was the wrong word, more I never bonded with it.

Not sure if you are close to London, but Watches of Switzerland on regent street have great selection and are really pleased to let you try loads of stuff on.

[Barchettaman]

Tjb1010 said:

I believe the Mark XViii

Unless you’re desperate for an IWC I would be having a close look at the offerings from Laco.

Similar B-Uhr history at a quarter of the price.

IWC generally don’t hold their value as well as some other luxury brands.

[Gio G]

I own a Big Pilot, which the wife very kindly gifted me for my 40th (grail watch for me) and I also have a Pilot Chrono, which I have already handed down to my son.. Both watches feel very special to me when I put them on.. Superb quality and personally think they look great..

My original chrono was purchased at the time when IWC was not very mainstream and decided to invest in the brand.. These days you see Hamilton and Bottas have a Pilot emblazoned on their driving suit sleeves and more retailers selling them, however I do not see many about on peoples wrists. I personally think the Big Pilot and other pilot watches are iconic. In terms of perception, not sure I really care, majority still do not know what the IWC brand is and that does not bother me one bit...



G

[PMacanGTS]

I have a Pilot Mark XVIII (White face) and a Top Gun Miramar Pilot XVIII. When it comes to form and function, they are very similar to Porsche in their ethos, which is what I love about them.

[romeodelta]

A couple of things you’ve said reminded me of this video. Watch to the end.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LnxSTlp-6N0

[Tjb1010]

nikaiyo2 said:

Tjb1010 said:

Thank you for the info, I think this purchase would need to be a special watch to me. I understand for many on this forum a “special” watch needs to be something like a Daytona or Patek or AP. But to me a rolex dj, omega or iwc would be special at £5k ish or under. The worry with the seamaster would be the size as I have quite small wrists and it could be bulky. As for the rolex a 36mm steel DJ is close to perfect however the price is higher and I’m not sure how easily attainable one would be. Then as you’ve mentioned the Pilot may not be as special, but I quite like that it flies under the radar for those not as interested in watches.
One thing to mention is I’d like to buy new from an AD, to me I’d like the first big watch to include the experience of buying.

I think “special” was the wrong word, more I never bonded with it.

Not sure if you are close to London, but Watches of Switzerland on regent street have great selection and are really pleased to let you try loads of stuff on.

Okay thank you, over the weekend I went to harrods watchroom as I was sure there would be and IWC on and was able to try on the Pilot, I then was able to go to the Brompton road watches of Switzerland where I tried on a seamaster 300 on a bracelet and a 36mm datejust on an oyster. Both seemed very helpful, however, I believe the best thing is to build a relationship with an AD with greater range? Therefore I’d probably be best buying with watches of Switzerland as they have a greater range which would be more useful to use the relationship id plan to build later in the future?

[Tjb1010]

Barchettaman said:

Tjb1010 said:

I believe the Mark XViii

Unless you’re desperate for an IWC I would be having a close look at the offerings from Laco.

Similar B-Uhr history at a quarter of the price.

IWC generally don’t hold their value as well as some other luxury brands.

Thank you, the IWC caught my eye quite strongly and I immediately took a shine to the Mark XViii, I think I’d keep it in my trio of omega, rolex or iwc especially for my first watch. Though maybe not rational it would just make it feel more special to me.

[anonymous-user]

I think what people are saying is everyone is different and buy what you like and want to wear.

If you’re asking if it’s a big mistake buying an IWC I doubt anyone would think it is though.

I like watches is Switzerland, they’ve got loads of watches and a wide range of brands and seem very helpful even when you make it clear you’re just browsing.

[Tjb1010]

Gio G said:

I own a Big Pilot, which the wife very kindly gifted me for my 40th (grail watch for me) and I also have a Pilot Chrono, which I have already handed down to my son.. Both watches feel very special to me when I put them on.. Superb quality and personally think they look great..

My original chrono was purchased at the time when IWC was not very mainstream and decided to invest in the brand.. These days you see Hamilton and Bottas have a Pilot emblazoned on their driving suit sleeves and more retailers selling them, however I do not see many about on peoples wrists. I personally think the Big Pilot and other pilot watches are iconic. In terms of perception, not sure I really care, majority still do not know what the IWC brand is and that does not bother me one bit...



G

Wow Gio, what a beautiful watch. Do you also have a bracelet for it? I was set on the leather band, didn’t even think to try on a steel bracelet which I regret now after hearing how it would save money to go bracelet then leather. I agree I also love the look of the IWC Pilot Range and thats what first drew me in.
I suppose thats the other side to it, that IWC can lead to wearing something less recognised yet more rare to see and just as iconic.