IWC Big Pilot Top Gun Perpetual and Oversized Watches

[FrançoisCzapek]

I've never tried a sports watch beyond 40 mm before, and was very curious about the Big Pilot series. Specifically, I was wondering if the Big Pilot perpetuals at 48 mm could possibly work on my wrist, and I'm not a tall beefy guy. I can't find a lot of information on this line, beyond the general discussions of IWC pilot watch history.

Any advice generally on trying bigger watches and seeing if they work for you (and not being in a hurry to pull the trigger)? And specifically on IWC Big Pilot perpetuals?

[FrançoisCzapek]

Also, is there a premium on ceratanium models? Like, if you were thinking of getting a Top Gun Big Pilot at some point in the future, would you hold out for a ceratanium version?

[hcivic91]

A couple of things.
1) There is no substitute for trying watches on. I bought the JLC Polaris Perpetual last year and did so only after trying it on. At 42mm I did not think it would work on my wrist but it took literally 1-second to see it fit perfect and it became a no brainer, just that quickly.
2) On materials, I’m generally ambivalent unless they bring something novel, like color. Just being lighter or more scratch proof is of little value to me.

[Guppydriver]

48??

Yikes..

That's pretty big. Anything over 45mm would require a wrist closer to 8 inches than 7.

[FrançoisCzapek]

Well they scaled back to 46mm. They don't look as insanely big when tried on but you'd have to wear one for a day to really tell how you feel.

[njlam]

IWC watches are too big for me.

I have a 44mm Panerai GMT that looks enormous on my 7" wrist. Some of their 47mm models are extremely attractive, but on the wrist are unrealistic.

I like the aesthetic of the 43mm IWC Pilot model, especially the uniquely shaped crown, but probably would never buy one due to size.

[scarlet knight]

I have a 40 mm IWC Ingenieur. Fine on my 6.5 inch wrist.

[Jay (Eire)]

I owned a BP many many years ago. Before taking the plunge I bought and wore a NAV B Uhr from Steinhart. It was 47mm and cheaper than a OEM strap. After a few months with that I was pretty confident the BP would work for me.

[dchang81]

I love the BP especially the perpetual but at their size I can't do it. My wrist is 6.75", it's like wearing a pie plate attached to my wrist. I guess that's kinda the point but it's a bit too much for me, and I've had a DSSD and offshore