See this link to the news section of this site: News on heritage Pilot's watches
I think these watches look fantastic! Titanium cases, wonderful handwound movements. The size of the watches are due to history, and a Big Pilot must be big! The 55 mm version must be seen as a curiosity, I guess, I wouldn't see an opportunity to wear this watch under normal circumstances. These watches make me curious for the rest, to be seen soon!
Kind regards,
Paul
I agree Paul that these two models are a lovely tribute to the original watch.
The interpretation to the modern day scenario is completely valid.
I have tried them both and the 48 mm is very comfortable and would merge into normal circumstances without too much issues.
The 55 mm is certainly a special item for special occasions. For example flying in the JU-52. I expect this will be rather popular for collectors.
I am not quite sure if I would buy a 55 mm watch just for the occasion to fly the JU-52 with the other IWC collectors: maybe I could hire one? That makes me think of hiring a smoking for your own marriage, about as seldom: I wore a dark suit that could be used afterwards for other less ceremonious occasions.
Kind regards,
Paul
At first glance I thought they looked great, but as I look closer I find more nits to pick.
I like the overall look, and the use of titanium is a plus. I have always preferred subdials at 6 to the (Power Reserve) subdial at 3 of the BP's we are accustomed to. Thus, these new ones really caught my attention. But I would sure miss watching that big honkin' center second hand sweeping the dial of the BP! I also wonder if the subdial is a bit small compared to the scale of the watch, but would have to see one in the metal before I could be sure of that.
No way I would wear a 55mm watch. Even 48mm would really be pushing the upper limit for me, and again, I would have to actually see one and wear one to know for sure.
I love the way IWC always honors its history and how the DNA is always so clearly visible. Even if there were no name on the watch, there would be no question of its origin!
So I love the concept, not quite as sure of the execution, and will very much look forward to seeing the new pieces in the metal when they arrive on this side of the pond.
Can't wait to get a 48mm one.
As usual, Dick is spot-on. The blued hands are beautiful, the superluminova color a positive iteration on the Collector's Forum Pilot. Titanium is inspired, and I love the back-side power reserve.
But a sub-second dial? A bold, central seconds hand is essential to legibility in a bouncing cockpit. Isn't it also essential to a pilot watch's DNA? I get the modern sensibility, but is this like strapping a jet engine on your JU-52?
Alas, you guys who know me know I'm going to buy one anyway...
I just wish it came in 46mm - 48mm is just not comfortable for me. That said, I'm still very tempted...
I think the two Heritage watches are great. As for the sub-second dial you will remember the first IWC pilot watch "Spezialuhr für Flieger" from 1936 also had that.
JK
Where is the "SC"? A small second makes no sence this way.
Very sharp-looking watch from this perspective. Agree with everyone's comments so far. As usual, final judging cannot be made until I see it in the flesh.
However, just as others pointed out - when I see it on my wrist, I will need to decide on the size of the small-seconds subdial. Perhaps in person it will seem more prominant than in the press photos. Obviously, this is a "small movement" in a huge case - which I think puts the date and subdial too-far from the edge of the dial as I see it in these photos.
I like the colors, textures, case and strap - and the power-reserve on the back - neato.
I think the issue here is fitting the 8 days manual wind movement in the big pilot, which makes the center second hand technically not possible. I may be wrong.
I have to ask why a B-Uhr tribute has the sub-second layout of a Mark 9?
Gents, you are spot on. IWC got everything right with these ones, but then they stumbled on the final step - both these watches MUST have a centre seconds hand! The subdial at 6 simply does not fit or do these pieces justice, sorry.
PS! And it of course ruins the true link as heritage pieces to the magnificient B-uhr.
Maybe we can hope for some special editions with centre seconds?
IWC seems hell-bent on interpreting the heritage of its Pilot and Ingenieur families, for the most part, on the superficial and superfluous aspects in detriment of their essential characteristics.
A revival of the WWII BP with seconds at 6 makes IMHO no sense whatsoever, irrespective of all the other nice features.
I agree that center seconds would have been nice. I assume that the decision to go with sub-seconds at 6 was based on economy and convenience, as it enabled usage of existing cal. 98300 and 59215 movements from HW Portugiesers.
For center seconds, a new caliber would have been needed. Either by creating a center seconds version of the above mentioned HW calibers, or by creating a modified version of the BP cal. 51111 (remove the PR-indication, or move it to the back side).
Both watches will sell. As with the Annual Calendar, the wrong base movement is being used which results in compromises in the positioning of the seconds hand or, in the case of the Annual Calendar, the positions of the week day and month wheels. As limited editions, the short runs do not justify the costly redesign of an existing movement. The Annual Calendar is a different issue and should be readdressed with the 8 day movement which may allow a conventional display (maybe the 8 day movement does not have the required torque to drive the module).
The Heritage watches are very seductive and it is worth making the effort to track them down. For me, the compromises would affect my enjoyment of the watch.
I think IWC has improved the Pilots line with the latest refresh. Single date windows, the use of a soft iron inner cage where it will fit, cases sizes and the return of the 9 are all positives. I can't say I like all that I've seen but I am not the target market. Smaller cases and polished surfaces will appeal to the target audience and, ultimately, that's what matters.
Hi Ralph,
Of course they will sell. Many watch buyers have no knowledge of IWC's heritage, and could care less. That is IWC's job.
(Is it not true that many Porsche owners have no idea the engine is in the back?). ;-)
Selling them all is important for IWC, but that is not all that should matter. These pilot watches would also sell, if they respected the fundamental characteristics of the B-Uhr or the Mark 11.
I owned the original 1940 B-Uhr Ref 431 and always asked myself: "Will there ever be a recreation of the B-Uhr with 55 diameter? I hoped. But what has been presented shortly remembers me rather to a cheap fake than a 52 T.S.C. Yes, i guess i am a bit disappointed...