My IWC, My Pilot's Chronograph...(a short anecdote)

Hi everyone,
I'm twenty-one this year, and although one would most probably celebrate the idea of being fully legal; I will remember this year as the year i fulfilled my yearning since young to own a quality timepiece. June 4th, 2010 was the day I acquired my work of horological art; June 4th, 2010 was the day I acquired my IWC Classic Pilot's Chronograph.
Ever since I was a young boy I was in awe at the very sight of a quality watch. I grew up with friends who were far more well off than me. In the midst of their teenage years they sported their very own AP's, Panerais', Roger Dubuis' and Hublots' to name a few given to them by their fathers. So much so that a 'more ostentatious equals better' mentality was infused into my understanding of what makes a timepiece a timepiece.
It was only when I entered the military for my national service (compulsory for Singaporeans) I was able to cultivate my perception of appreciating horology. So it hit me, my friends may own such timepieces but none of them really understood or appreciated what sat comfortably on their wrists. They didn't understand the marvel of an automatic-winding watch to a manual one, the complexity of perpetual calendar complication to an annual, or simply the idea of a man-made object running simply on the most basic laws of psychics to keep accurate and reliable time. Up to that very point is when I truly understood and appreciated timepieces.
During my first year in the army I saved my own salary and was now able to consider a watch of my very own. If it wasn't for my late-blooming realization of what makes a watch a watch; I would probably be considering a watch that leaned more to its' name rather than craftsmanship and innovation. When my eyes stumbled on the Pilot's Chronograph I knew this wasn't just the watch i had have; but when I read about the history of IWC i knew this was the first watch i had to have.
Four months ahead of time I still get excited every time I glance at my IWC. I'm not sure if it is the timeless classical look of the black dial and propeller like hands, the crisp detail of the white numerals, or the subtle yet brilliant red small-seconds hand moving ever so fluently.
Every time I glance at my IWC not only does it remind me of what time it is but the sole reason I appreciate watches in the first place.
Yours truly, a proud IWC owner,
Nicholas Lee

Welcome Nicholas and congratulations! Not only have you found a true classic watch, but you also found the best IWC Forum in the world!

Thanks for sharing your great story and wear your watch in good health.

Kind regards,

Clemens

Congratulations on acquiring your dream IWC and luxury watch. Thanks for sharing your story with the Forum. Welcome here and post pictures when you have the time to do so.

Bill

Hi Nicholas and congratulations!

I have just bought the very same watch a week ago and agree with you about its likability. Its as if the watch changes appearance as you look at it from different angels. I've been going nuts with some pics and you can see what I mean. The watch becomes more 3D and alive depending on how the light hits it.

Enjoy.

vicioussid

Hi Nicholas

congratulations and thanks for a great story!
My story is quite similar - it took me two years to decide on my first IWC and some 16 months later I added a second one. Both are Portuguese (Chronograph and now Yacht Club Chronograph) Just a warning - IWC watches can get addictive. :)

Xaver

A great way to start collecting IWC watches. I wish I had been motivated at age 21 to acquire a fine timepiece like this. Alas, I was celebrating a twenty dollar Timex purchase.
Welcome to the forum.

You made a good choice, Nicholas! Welcome to the IWC Forum...and I look forward to furhter posts and pictures.

Hi Nicolas,

First off, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your watch!

There is, as you may know, an active collectors' community in S'pore. I was there about 4 years ago on behalf of IWC and met many of them. I started corresponding with Su Jia Xian (SJX) when he was 14 years' old -now he's in his late 20s, a professional watch journalist and a real expert. I likewise first met Jeffrey Sim when he was a young man -he was getting married and was invited to SIHH. I stay in touch with many of teem, sometimes via Facebook.

If you want, e-mail me and I'll put you in touch with these guys and others. They're real watch experts, have a lot of watch dinners and get invited to many company-sponsored events.

Nicholas,
Welcome to the forum and congrats on your first IWC.
The 371701 is a great watch and I'm sure you'll enjoy wearing it for many years to come.

Cheers,
Evan

Thank you all for the most fervent welcoming to a fantastic forum. I will most definitely capture some photos of my watch and post them asap. @Xaver, i agree! it seems that after this purchase i can't seem to wait to make a new addition to the family.@Michael that would be great! My email is nicholas.nathan.lee@gmail.com. I am always game to discuss watches.
To everyone else, thanks again for such a warm welcoming and i hope to read and discuss all things IWC with you all in the near future.

Sincerely,
Nicholas Lee

Hi Nicholas ,
Congrulations !!!
Great watch Great news...
One more pilot’s choronographer to IWC family.

Nicholas, see Dreams do come true - especially for those who are patient and diligent enough to stay focused on the long term picture. Now, let me and the other forum members assure you - that is exactly what you have achieved here. The start of life long dreams. That is a great watch with classic lines to it - and it will be with you for a lifetime. Others will follow - and the dreams will grow but for now simply enjoy and have sweet dreams that in the morning you can wake up and wear that watch with full knoweledge of the history, precision, accuracy etc. which you have learnt to so admire.

Enjoy - Enjoy....

Nicholas,

congrats!! - a wonderful IWC to start your collection,

because this won't be the last IWC to follow .-)

Believe me!

Please show us some pictures and enjoy your pilots(dream)watch!

Many congratulations on your acquisition: a real classic! Thanks for the sharing the story with us.

Regards,

Bob

Good day Gents , Can somebody tell me if the spitfire double crono is an in house movement?

Nicholas -

Congratulations - and thank you for the poetic, and well-written account of your watch interests. I really enjoyed reading this - and look forward to ongoing posts from you on the forum here. I share many of the same views and you communicated this passion and understanding so well.

Richard

A wonderful story.about a classic watch.