Decisions....decisions.....

Hi all,

I've not posted before as I am yet to be an official IWC collector.

That being said, having been a fan of IWC for years and I'll be pulling the trigger in the next few months. I would really appreciate your collective advice on my first IWC purchase.

I have a Longines Conquest(18K bought in 2000) and a Rolex Sub (116610LN) which I love. The conquest for special/formal occasions and the Sub for everyday.

Like many, I prefer tool watches and while I only have a loose connection to the Navy (my grandfather) in reality I simply prefer their aesthetic. I don't look to buy watches to sell, only to keep.

I've been debating, largely with myself, which IWC I should go for for about a year now. The following are on the short list (having researched each watch) and any advice would be much appreciated!

Big Pilot (ref IW500912)
Big Pilot Le Petit Prince Edt (ref IW500916)
Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph (ref IW390502)

Thanks in advance,
Rich

Well, its really down to what purpose you're wanting to wear them for, isn't it? Ok, I've been confused myself many times regarding what works best for me, so I'll give my opinions on the shortlist :

Big Pilots : Are just there to grab everyone's attention, it is a "watch-me-watch" and that's its greatest advantage. As for dressed up occasions, people do wear it but its grossly unsuitable for that purpose in my view. As a watch under a sweater or casual jacket - its simply stunning specially at night.

Portugieser Yacht Club Chrono : Can be used as much under or over a coat cuff as it can be near the coast. Its surely more versatile than the Pilots as it can survive in casual and formal occasions.

If you're a fan of tool-watches you can also add IWC Ingenieurs into your consideration, some models are stunning to look at specially with the petit-tapisserie dials of the Genta design. Can be as much a dress watch as it can be a tool-watch.

None of the IWC range are bad looking, they're just differently made for different tastes.. my recommendation is to buy after thnking carefully which model is best suitable for you and best looking in YOUR eyes. Pick that eyes closed and you won't regret.

If this is your starting IWC then I'd recommend a Portuguese Chrono with in-house movement (89361?), why not buy the best the first time itself.

Thanks for your comments. I couldn't agree more that any watch should be bought for the wearer, not others.

6 months ago I was also looking at Bremont as I am drawn to an aviation inspired watch for my next purchase. The U2 and MB ranges are particularly good in my view. However, despite a fantastic set up Bremont have, they are still cutting their teeth a little.

IWC offer the best calibre of aviation watches on the market today (and have done for a number of years) hence why the Big Pilots are on the short list. I was looking at the Top Gun Spitfire Chrono (3890) for a while but as the Top Gun PC (5029) is my ultimate goal, I have decided to not go down that route initially.

The Portugieser Chrono is a beauty, there is no doubt. Thank again for your comments & advice.

Hi Rich,

First of all welcome to the Forum!

All 3 watches you've mentioned are great (as well as other IWC pieces).

Closest you can get sizewise to Longines Conquest (35 mm) and Sub (40 mm) is Portuguese Chrono. But I would go for BP especially in Le Petite Prince Edition. It is pretty much what IWC is all about... However, it is very big and thick (especially compared to Longines). And before getting one I would try it on the wrist first.

I would also add to your wish list Portuguese automatic or hand wound one. Both are not exactly tool watches, however in SS with blued hands work well with T-shirt and jeans on day to day basis (better than Rolex or Longines IMHO).

Cheers
JK

Hi JK,
Thanks for your advice. Also helpful!
Cheers,
R

If you're fixed on Pilot watches then the decision is rather simple in my view :

Want a big watch - Big Pilots OR IW388004 Titanium

Want a small watch - Mark XVII or Mark XVIII with either Black+Black combo of dial and strap or blue and brown. I'd prefer this since I cannot pull off a watch size bigger than 40 or 42 at best. Anything more will simply seem too large.

Try them out and pull the trigger on your favorite!

I would agree with JK - if you're comfortable wearing a 46mm watch you can't go wrong with the Big Pilot Petit Prince. That blue dial is a real head turner.

Other than that, the Portuguese chrono is a classic Pilots IWC at a slightly smaller size.

I would add to the mix the Ceramic Double Chrono Top Gun Edition.

Happy hunting!
Doug

Thanks DougLondon & again LePetitPrince.

Both more helpful comments - much appreciated.

I swung by the IWC London boutique yesterday and tried them all on. Plus the Big Pilot London Boutique edition, which I believe is the last one available to purchase new.

Its not the first time I have tried a range of IWC watches on and once again they didn't disappointment.

I think I've made up my mind too. Just need to pull together the final £ and I'll be good to go.

Thanks again for your advice.

R

Thats a great decision, the London edition is a limited series.. smoked grey dial with sunburst finishing. Much more formal than what its supposed to be and I like that.