Good evening all, I am new to this forum. I have been reading this forum for a long time though.
Could I ask for a bit of feedback? Last week, I tried on the Pilot 36 at the AD. I was quite surprised by the lightness of the watch. The salesperson told me the Pilot 36 was quite fragile and wouldn't be able to handle a lot. Do any of you own the Pilot 36 and what are your experiences with it?
Thank you & best regards.
Hello and welcome! I think the salesperson just wanted to sell you something more expensive but rest assured that the pilot 36 is plenty tough. It is anti-magnetic, water resistant to 6 bar and has a very reliable, durable and accurate movement. It is almost identical to the Mark XVIII, just smaller and a little lighter. If you like the way it looks and fits, go for it!
My thoughts exactly
Welcome BDK,
I totally agree with all the feedback given so far. It appears you might be considering the 36mm because, like my wrist size, it is on the slimmer side. If this is the case, may I ask what size is your wrist ? Your post is timely to me as I just added a 36mm piece to my collection. While it is by another manufacturer, I have found that my comfort for smaller diameter watches has been growing over the last couple of years. As many brands have been introducing reduced size models in their offerings, this year's SIHH and BASELWORLD trade shows continues the trend. Sweet spot for watch sizes seem to be finding a 40-42mm range but also many pieces are also moving into the 36-38mm arena. The reason I bring this up is that, I for one, forgot how balanced and comfortable a smaller diameter wears even if a smaller wrist is not at issue. Those who have normal to larger wrists are too finding the 40-42mm has enough presence with the added bonus of balance and comfort. Looking back not that long ago, the IWC's that were offered in the 38-41mm sizing were IMO some of the best. I applaud all the brands for recognizing that there is truly a real pent up demand for popular models to be offered with a reduction in size. What I also find appealing with the reduced size models is that it provides a better visionary balance of the watch and strap/ bracelet. Again, IMHO I like seeing a bit more of the strap or bracelet across the wrist instead of so much dial presence and the loss of that which secures it on the wrist. The total design of a watch not only includes a beautifully laid out dial and case, but pairing the right strap/ bracelet to complete the overall package. Manufactures go to great lengths to get it all right so that's why I feel the reduced sizing now promotes the overall look in a positive way.
Should your choice be to "pull the trigger" on the Pilot 36, rest assured you will be investing in a high quality watch which as mentioned in the comments has all the ingredients that has put IWC as a historic leader in aviator style timepieces.
Forum members may have additional thoughts on the 36 and/or current size reduction offerings.
Let us know how it goes...and of course any photos would be welcomed.
Cheers,
Andy
Gentlemen,
Thank you so much for your valuable input. Eversince I saw the Pilot 36 in 2016 I have been mesmerized. I tried on several other watches over time but I can't forget the IWC. I tried on both a leather strap and a bracelet version. I think the Pilot 36 would be a great addition to my grandfathers Longines Flagship and my trusted Reverso (34 mm).
@Ben & @Mark thank you for the confirmation.
@Andy, my wrist size is 17 cm. I tried on bigger pieces, but they look clumsy. I know that many women go for the oversized look but it doesn't suit me. My work attire is mostly business and business casual so a watch too large looks out of proportion. As you mentioned, the watch looks more balanced when you see both the dial and the strap/bracelet.
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.
Best regards,
Bindu
Good Morning all,
I have just purchased a Pilot Top Gun through an auction site and I need to do some visual checks to see if it is genuine.
The watch was a low price, which could mean it is not real or the charity did not know what it was selling, I can send it off for a certificate of authenticity i believe, but just wanted to know if there was anything that stands out straight away for someone to say its fake!.
As you can probably tell I'm new to this, the number on the back plate is 3353804 if this means anything and it is described with a quartz movement.
Any help on this would be great! Thanks in advance.
I am not an expert, but I think there is no Top Gun out there with a quartz movement!!
Thanks for the info, anything else that could stand out? when I emailed the seller they really didnt know anything either.
Thanks again.