Thinking I might scratch the IWC itch

[southcarolina1801]

I’ve admired the looks of IWC for a while but and really warming up to the idea of pulling the trigger on one shortly.

Looking to buy new, and and am debating between the following models below. Any thoughts or things I should out for?

I’m new to the brand so any I put is appreciated!

Big Pilot: Either the 46mm or 43mm? I’ve tried on both and the 46mm is a beast and realistically is too big for my 6.5 inch wrists but am really torn. Of course it’s big and bold, that’s what a BIG Pilot is supposed to be right?

Pilot Chrono 41: Also tried this piece on and really like it as well. Does fit very well and seems like a great value for an in house column wheel chrono.

[tanask211]

I was also fond of IWC but unable to accommodate big pilot due to my wrist size. Eventually I took up the Mark Xviii from preowned dealer and has been happy with it. The design is less fanciful then its chronograph series.

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[GB-man]

I just picked up a BP43 black dial. Will report back my thoughts. First IWC for me as well. I could pull off the 46 but I’m really drawn to time only watches for the perfect dial symmetry.

[mpnunes]

Agree…it’s a brand that I’ve admired but never felt compelled by their current lineup until I saw this limited edition (link below). Really bummed I missed out but have been doing research on the new Chrono 41 blue dial and am really intrigued…

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/iwc-pil...tive-horology/

[jed11]

I was by my AD today and tried on the BP...again. Ugh, I want to pick this up but like you, it's not a slam dunk for me due to the size. I've got closer to a 7 inch wrist but I still find it to be on the big side. I won't even bother posting pics because I feel like wrist shots are never really indicative of how a watch wears. Anyway, it's a real toss up for me too.
And yeah, the chronos (new ones and older ones) and the BP43 (though it was not available to try on) will be a much better fit but...just something about the Big Pilot. Go big or go home right? Did I just talk myself into getting it? Ha.
Good luck!

[alarminglycharming]

Picked up the Pilot Chrono 41 this weekend. First IWC, and I'm loving it. The dial gorgeous and I put it on a Nato instead of the blue calf-skin. It wears so differently from my Rolexes, but I'm really digging it. The legibility and the day date make it really useful in addition to being gorgeous :)


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[eonflux]

OP:

If BP, go 46.

41 chrono would be a better fit

[Nathan_]

i really like the 44mm split seconds (IW371815)

or even the the date only (IW326901) floats my boat in the black ceramic case

[mchu004]

Have a wrist of 6.3-6.4in...tried the BP43 but still too big for me, IMO. The Chrono 41 was nice but too thick for my liking. My Mark XVIII is just about perfect, big as a pilot watch should be...but not TOO big.

[Krash]

Blue dial Mark XVIII is stunning.


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[denmanproject]

IWC is THE pilot watch IMO

BP is a great choice but it’s huge. I really wanted a different case material so went with the Top Gun, love it so far and wear it even more than I anticipated

[Paka]

If you're struggling between 46 mm vs 43 mm, go for the 46 mm. It is better looking and the name tells you that it is supposed to be big. I have 6,5 inch wrist and my daily is IWC Big Pilot 5002 (46,2 mm) and it's definitely NOT too big. Great watch and it just is WAY WAY cooler than the 43 mm version. The 7 day power reserve is unbelievable. The date in 6 o'clock is perfect and the power reserve indicator is extremely nice. Buy the 5002 or 5009 - you won't be disappointed.

[crod]

Originally Posted by southcarolina1801

I’ve admired the looks of IWC for a while but and really warming up to the idea of pulling the trigger on one shortly.

Looking to buy new, and and am debating between the following models below. Any thoughts or things I should out for?

I’m new to the brand so any I put is appreciated!

Big Pilot: Either the 46mm or 43mm? I’ve tried on both and the 46mm is a beast and realistically is too big for my 6.5 inch wrists but am really torn. Of course it’s big and bold, that’s what a BIG Pilot is supposed to be right?

Pilot Chrono 41: Also tried this piece on and really like it as well. Does fit very well and seems like a great value for an in house column wheel chrono.

I had the last version of the Pilot Chrono a couple of years ago and ended up selling it because of the big size. That said when the new version came out I saw and bought it 3 weeks ago and I loved it!!!!!

The new case is a much better size and fits great and I got the blue dial which is amazing, also the quick exchange strap system works great!!!

I think the quality vs cost of the watch is GREAT!!!!

[DoricSpiker]

I went Big Pilot 43. Black dial. Love it. The new 41mm Chronos are great too, I have my eye on the green dial there. Your wrist size suggests to me the 46mm is too big.

[dchang81]

big pilot 46 is too big but that's the point. unless you have an absolutely hulking wrist imho looks oversize on most people. it's mostly dial exaggerating the look too. awesome watch, i love the perpetual

[nickorette]

I have a 157mm wrist and am quite happy with the Pilot 36. The other pilots were much too big for my liking

[Paka]

Here's my IWC in my 16,5 cm wrist.

Okay, couldn't attach the pics. Well here's my original post to reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/com...5002_4_photos/

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Paka

Here's my IWC in my 16,5 cm wrist.

Okay, couldn't attach the pics. Well here's my original post to reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/com...5002_4_photos/

Love the look!

[walds11]

I am intrigued by the BP43. Let’s see some wrist shots.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by walds11

I am intrigued by the BP43. Let’s see some wrist shots.

7” wrist

[walds11]

Originally Posted by GB-man

7” wrist

Looks great! My wrist is just over 6.5”. I can pull off a Panerai Submersible 42mm (PAM 959). Any larger, then meh.

My PAM 959 is 13.3mm case thickness and 51.5mm lug-to-lug. The IWC BP43 is 13.6mm case thickness. What is the lug-to-lug measurement?

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by walds11

Looks great! My wrist is just over 6.5”. I can pull off a Panerai Submersible 42mm (PAM 959). Any larger, then meh.

My PAM 959 is 13.3mm case thickness and 51.5mm lug-to-lug. The IWC BP43 is 13.6mm case thickness. What is the lug-to-lug measurement?

I’ve heard 52mm and 52.5. I haven’t measured myself.

[walds11]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I’ve heard 52mm and 52.5. I haven’t measured myself.

I’ve heard 52.5mm and 53mm. I want to try it on before pulling the trigger through one of my grey market sources.

[ChaseATX]

Originally Posted by walds11

I am intrigued by the BP43. Let’s see some wrist shots.

I got you

[GB-man]

[scarlet knight]

I own an older pilot chrono and a Mark 18. I also have a 6.5 inch wrist and their bigger watches are too big for me. Even the 40mm Portuguese.



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[walds11]

^Nice! So, which hole are you at on the strap? My wrist is ~6.5” wrist. Per IWC customer service, I will need an XS size strap. These are the wrist size ranges:

XS 6.25-6.75”
Regular 7-7.75”

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by walds11

^Nice! So, which hole are you at on the strap? My wrist is ~6.5” wrist. Per IWC customer service, I will need an XS size strap. These are the wrist size ranges:

XS 6.25-6.75”
Regular 7-7.75”

Third from tightest of 7 holes.

[walds11]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Third from tightest of 7 holes.

Thanks man! I am close to pulling the trigger; just want to try one on first. I don’t fck with that quick draw watch buying like back in the day

And I’ll need to get an XS size strap.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by walds11

Thanks man! I am close to pulling the trigger; just want to try one on first. I don’t fck with that quick draw watch buying like back in the day

And I’ll need to get an XS size strap.

No problem. Smart man. I’ll need to delete my IG and TRF account to curb that habit.