5002 vs. 5004

I've wanted a Big Pilot for sometime now, but it's difficult to pull the trigger. What is everyones thoughts on the 5002 vs. the 5004. I'm a little more drawn to the 5004, but I'm interested in other thoughts on the subject.

I've owned them both and they are both great looking watches with a lot of presence on the wrist. The 5004 is a bit more "dressier" and has a more cleaner look in my opinion. The 5002, especially with the brown strap looks more sportive and casual on the wrist. So it might depend a little on how and where you want to wear the watch and what look you prefer. In the end you can't get wrong with either one. Good luck!

Agree with Norbert and like him I have had them both in the past and I chose to retain the 5002.
Absolutely nothing wrong with the 5004 in fact it has better movement design, but as a collector I have always favoured the ORIGINAL and first model of any watch series.

Whichever you buy I am sure you will be pleased with it.

The 5002, in my opinion, is more retro and has a "9". Earlier 5002 models had a slower beat Cal 5000 movement. I prefer the 5002 to the 5004. The dial of the 5004 is "blacker" than the 5002. Both are great watches.

[](smg.photobucket.com/user/RAVE54/media/IMG_8131copy.jpg.html)

[](smg.photobucket.com/user/RAVE54/media/IMG_9768copy.jpg.html)

In the end, it's an issue of personal taste. Taste is defined as your design preference (which one do you really love) and your preference for the history and tradition of a certain reference (e.g. IWCFORME's preference for ORIGINAL models). Whichever you chose will you will be a happy camper.

I happen to own the 5002. I have preference for the design and layout of the 5002 dial. I like the "9" as it gives a bit of balance to the PR subdial at 3 o'clock. I also have a bit of preference for the ORIGINAL model too. Mine is the slow beat early version.

But go with what strikes your fancy and the one you have instant lovability.

You'll find that this difficult decision is a common one. Unfortunately the forum's search functionality remains temporarily down otherwise you'll find many who have battled with the pros and cons.

Like others have already recommended, I would try and wear both and see which one sings to you the most and just 'feels' most like an extension of you.

Either way you won't lose... and chances are you'll get a virus so bad you'll end up with a 5002 AND a 5004 (like me, and others).

Anyways, here was my first one...

[](s1164.photobucket.com/user/teeveetee9/media/bigpilot50022.jpg.html)

Good luck and keep us posted,
Thang

I quite agree with you, Ivan. Like the 9. ;)

My feelings about this are, simplified, if one's motivation is being a collector, the first launch (5002) is the choice. However if one wants a better watch (looks and movement), then 5004 is the choice. I chose 5004 and see it as the "first edition big pilot with the fast beat movement (21,6K beats per hour)".

There is no other Pilot's watch design that could match the 5002 - great picture!

Love the 9.

Love the non 9 too.

I got against the grain.. I much prefer the 5004, although, I know most prefer the 5002 :)

I have had this debate myself as did many others on this forum...if the BP wasn't too big for my wrist I would get the 5002 for "9", metalized date window, and old school hands.

Good luck

(me too)