IWC pilot watch

[erics]

I am toying with the idea to buy one of these:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/956521.htm

But am thinking 'Portuguese' at the same time.

My aim is to get a great classic from one of the main brands.

I have a breguet type XX from the 1950S
A Panerai Luminor.
A Tag Heuer Autavia.
A Rolex Explorer II. Would like to replace with a deepsea.

But now got the IWC itch. Don' t know this brand so well right now and really looking for a classic.

[ShadownINja]

I like your idea for a collection. I suppose the Speedmaster would have to be the Omega one.

Edited by ShadownINja on Tuesday 21st April 10:37

[AlexKP]

IWC is one of the fairly few major prestige brands I have never owned - I do very much like their DaVinci range though.

[thegobetween]

Both great IWC's, the BP being the definitive IWC in many ways but they are difficult to wear (I think they're almost 47mm dia) so unless your quite large you may not be able / wish to carry this off (too big for me which is a pain!).

The 7 day Porto is lovely but a little dressier than the BP. Highly recommended too by all that own. In-house movement in both if thats an issue. Also have a look at the vintage collection too, there are some very special watches in that range, in a choice of materials (steel, platinum and now rose gold). The VC Ingenier and Aquatimer's are both superb on the wrist.

[thegobetween]

ah sorry noted its not a Big Pilots but a CP so you'd probably be looking at a Portuguese Chrono too (think these two have the same movement - ETA based but superb).

I have a CP on a Top Gun strap and its fantastic, movement feels alive with the noise and feel. I love the look of the Porto but it didn't suit me! Nice dilemma and both IWC classics.

[erics]

So the CP can be considered a classic? On metal strap? or leather strap?
I must admit i am no big fan of the metal strap.

The BP thing, i do not get it. The watch is mega expensive and difficult to wear.

thegobetween said:

ah sorry noted its not a Big Pilots but a CP so you'd probably be looking at a Portuguese Chrono too (think these two have the same movement - ETA based but superb).

I have a CP on a Top Gun strap and its fantastic, movement feels alive with the noise and feel. I love the look of the Porto but it didn't suit me! Nice dilemma and both IWC classics.

[lowdrag]

I'm wearing my Sitfire Chrono as I type and just love it. I have the metal bracelet because my acid skin destroys any leather strap in 6 months which is expensive, not least if it breaks and the watch is lost.

I tried on the big Pilot at the shop and it made me laugh. I suppose I have small/medium wrists and it looked like a soup plate so be sure to try it on if you are thinking of buying. I frankly find it vastly overpriced for what it is too. Here's a photo of mine if it helps you decide. It is just the right size for me at 42mm

Edited by lowdrag on Wednesday 22 April 14:16

[sjr-997]

i have the same watch, with leather strap....its gorgeous ! (my everyday wear is an Omega Seamaster, Brosnan Bond type with blue detail) IWC is very cool.

[andy tims]

Pilot / Spitfire = Seriously classy watch.
Big Pilot = Over-priced fashion watch - very "look at me"

[pano amo]

I too have this watch with a black leather strap. I love it. I wear it daily which I suppose I shouldn't but a watch is for wearing and I like to look at it every day. A couple of marks on it as a result but hardly noticeable. Someone even asked me on the train about it a few weeks back. No probs with it and keeps time well. I spent an age trying to find the right watch, something sophisticated but not flash and I think I found it.

[thegobetween]

erics said:

So the CP can be considered a classic? On metal strap? or leather strap?
I must admit i am no big fan of the metal strap.

The BP thing, i do not get it. The watch is mega expensive and difficult to wear.

thegobetween said:

ah sorry noted its not a Big Pilots but a CP so you'd probably be looking at a Portuguese Chrono too (think these two have the same movement - ETA based but superb).

I have a CP on a Top Gun strap and its fantastic, movement feels alive with the noise and feel. I love the look of the Porto but it didn't suit me! Nice dilemma and both IWC classics.

I would say the CP is a classic, definitely a design classic. IWC do not have a long association / history with chronographs (believe their first was in the eighties / early nineties) but they are probably the definitive pilots watch and supplied various pilots / flying associations through time - including the Luftwaffe in WW2. BP is the original, and the size was due to the pocket watch IWC calibre it encased - just now the large diameter is very fashionable too. At least with this one the case doesn't house a tiny movement and lots of air!

My strap is from the Top Gun and is a technical looking 'woven' effect - really suits the watch. Not that keen on bracelets myself but IWC are damn good at making them so go for what you like - a sound choice either way!

[Johno]

Me 2. Worn every day, morning noon and night for the last year on a bracelet, occasionally swap it back on lether strap as well.

It's showing the marks of 24hr a day wear, but that's why I bought it, to wear it, it's been tough wearing and I've had no issues.

[Dr_Rick]

I too have a CP on leather, but also have a bracelet to go with. Bought January last year and worn day-in day-out. Excellent watch, never had any trouble with it keeping time and definitely looks the part.

Dr Rick

[MacGee]

just recently bought IWC's for me and the mrs....rose gold and brown straps. beautiful quality. She has ladies breitling and I have omega ocean planet. Need big dials as eyes getting worse. Love watches.

[erics]

am gonna try to put my hands on a decently priced second hand iwc cp. if not, i' ll wait for a trip abroad and get one from airport eg: £2350 instead of £2700.

[Slagathore]

http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/recent_arrivals.htm

Couple IWC Pilot's watches in the new arrivals there!

[Asterix]

I like these - shame they look a bit too big on me

Edited by Asterix on Tuesday 28th April 06:31

[thegobetween]

erics said:

am gonna try to put my hands on a decently priced second hand iwc cp. if not, i' ll wait for a trip abroad and get one from airport eg: £2350 instead of £2700.

I got mine for £2.5k and that was with a free strap upgrade so you can probably get a deal close enough to what your after - pm me if you'd like the AD's details, they are highly recommended.

[smurph306]