BP 5002 question

Hello all,
I am crurently eying a BP 5002 from 2002 from a reputable dealer, located overseas. I have not see the piece for real yet.
What is making me very suprised is that the window date, located at 6 o'clock, has a golden lining. It is the first time I see such a thing on this model.
Can somebody enlighten me?
The watch is supposedly from 2002, non-transitional with the original fish crown.
Do anybody know if early series of the 5000 caliber are less prone to beating fast, as it is an often reported issue with this movement?

Thank you for your answers.
Best.
Fabrice

Hi Fabrice, I've seen the 'golden' window before in some early 5002s it is something that can happen over time - it just needs a servicing to restore. Good luck and make sure you are careful and 'buy the seller'. Regards, Thang

Hello Fabrice,

I have tried to find a photo of my early 5002 and see if the 'golden lining'...........................

It doesn't seem to be the case on my BP.

I never had any issues with the timekeeping on my watch. For the age of the watch it is beating consistently at -11 sec/day ("consistently" being the important word) and I am happy with this until it's time for a service call!!!!

I must echo Thang's words and wish you luck and "buy the seller"!!!

Thanks a lot for your answers!
Does anyone know if the golden lining is the mark of a very early serie of the 5002? Do you think it makes the watch somehow more valuable?
Nad, it is quite surprising that your BP is running slow. I thought all caliber 5000 were running fast, up to +10 sec/day?
In my case, accuracy is the last thing preventing from pulling the trigger, as I am used to Panerai-type accuracy.... I am afraid I will have a hard time living with a watch gaining (or losing!) 10 sec/day!
I may have to ask the seller to run an accuracy test for me....
Cheers
F

No, the window date is not what came on early series. This one might have discolored with age, and it is not more valuable.

To the naked eye my slow beat 5002, one of the earlier ones, does not a golden date frame. It appears more like a SS frame. In close up shots, however, it looks golden, but I think that is a function of the lighting and maybe some discoloration over time.

It is not golden as seen here,

But it does look that way close up. You can see the pitting in the frame which can refract the light and change the apparent color to the eye.

hi fabrice, i've heard further from a friend who had the yellowing of the window. he wrote: "If it's a 5002 then It's because of the crown - sealants no longer working allowing moisture discoloration as vapour enters-- he will need to send it in for servicing: change his fish crown and get the dial replaced or maybe the window frame plated."

hope that's helpful.

regards,
thang

Now that would be a useful feature to know and use if only it was a feature like date chrono or PR. But I suspect that it's a byproduct of the failed seal.

I wonder how long replacement 5002 dials will be available for.

From about one year after the release of BP the window frame of every 5002 received in the UK workshops has had this 'golden' or matt hue to it. Although the factory have not confirmed it,nor probably never been asked,we reckon the window is silver or silver-plated(rather than rhodium in the 500402). Silver readily tarnishes to a matt, sometimes golden,finish.
This has nothing to do with the water-resistance of the watch or quality of manufacture but is a natural ageing. It is routine in our workshops to remove the tarnish during service,restoring the original shine(a 5 second operation) but I have noted that watches returned to Schaffhausen for repair don't have the tarnish removed as part of their service. They may prefer the client requests this.
Leo

Interesting info. My 5002, pictured above, began its life in the UK in 2002.

Argh. This is a bit of a problem here for I don't know who I should trust on this matter: Teeveetee or Leosweeneypod?
Is this a factory thing that has nothing to do with the water seal, or is it indeed an issue linked to the fish crown?
In the second case, I would have to service the watch upon its reception, making a deal that looked sweet (ask price is 6500 euros) not so sweet anymore...
What do yo guys think? Should I spend a bit more for an already serviced, with the "Probus Scafusia" crown BP that I am offered in HK(where I live), or should I take the risk on the original fish crown/ golden window one (located in Roma!)?
Here are links to pictures of the 'golden one':

www.brandizzi.com/zoom.php?id=7681&name=IWC_Fliegeruhr_Big_Pilot_Ref_5002
www.brandizzi.com/zoom.php?id=7681_2_
www.brandizzi.com/zoom.php?id=7681_3_

Thanks for your answers.
Cheers
F

While teeveetee is a good guy, Leosweenypod is the head of IWC repair in the UK. On this type of question you need to trust him.

I agree with Michael.Forum members are here to help. And whilst you are democratically entitled to ask around,the forum is here for those with interests in all things IWC.Both Leosweeneypod and Teeveetee are knowledgable about all things Big Pilot.
Regards.
Kenneth.

Dear Fabrice.If you would like to send me your email address or your mobile number,if you are in HK,then we could chat about the 5002. My honest opinion is to stay away from the 5002 in Italy.
Regards.
Kenneth.

Hi Kenneth
PM sent.
Thanks a lot.
F