Vintage Collection Pilot vs Portuguese

Hello !
I own an IWC Vintage Collection Pilot in White Gold. I am considering the Vintage Collection Portuguese - I have noticed that they have the same size (44mm) but from some online photos it looks like the Portuguese wears a bit bigger. I would appreciate some photos of both or the Portuguese and some comments on the wearability of this piece.
Thanks in advance
Christian

I own both the steel VC Pilot's watch and the VC Portuguese. They are both 44 mm. The Pilot's watch is 12 mm thick, the Portuguese 10 mm. They are both quite light. Because of the narrow bezel the Portuguese looks bigger, but it isn't. Both wear very comfortable, both look great on the wrist. If you still can get a Portuguese and you like it, buy it. Good luck!

Kind regards,
Paul

Dear Paul,
many thanks for the nice photos and your advice. Appreciated your kind help!
best regards
Christian

They are so different! The Port is thinner and "dressier." The Pilot is thicker and although it looks smaller due to the thick bezel, it is a big watch and the lume is outstanding. The Port, of course, has no lume.

Best,
Larry

I'd typically will go for the dressier one between the 2 (which is clearly the Portuguese) but for some reason, my vote goes to the VC Pilot here. The extra 'fun-factor' just works for me. I had a chance to lay eyes on the original Pilot watch (which the Vintage collection was based on) and I must say they new version does capture its spirit (though a lot larger).

I'd go for the current collection of Hand-Wound Portuguese (IW545407)if I wanted a black dial 98-calibre. The index and fonts on the VC are just a tad too 'thick' for my taste. Just my 2 cents.

Sunflower,

If I may ask, what size is your wrist, I have a 17 CM wrist and I don't know if it will be too big to wear the Pilot, I really do like the design of that watch. Have ordered the Portofino Laureus Chronograph but having second thoughts after looking at this particular Pilot's watch

Kind regards,

Calvin

My wrist size is the same as yours, 17 cm. On wrist shots the watches tend to look bigger than they are. Both watches look quite natural on my wrist, they sit very well on the wrist too, no wobbling, no moving to the outer edge. This, due to them being light and relatively thin. I can only recommend them, great watches in all respects.

Kind regards,
Paul

Thank you Paul,

I wish you hadn't said that we have the same wrist size (secretly hoping you do), now I'm having a conundrum. Can you tell me more about this watch? Does it operate like a normal Pilot's watch with anti-magnetic features or is it like a Vintage Ingenieur with an open case back?

Kind regards,

Calvin

and if I may contribute to the same wrist issue with another VC-
my wrist size is 16-17 cm and the AT VC sits on it not bad at all...

best,
yitzhak

I never cared much for the VC Pilot, which I always thought looked a little "klunky". I preferred the more refined look of the VC Portuguese. I thought it was extremely comfortable and could be worn in either dressy or sporty environments.

Yes, I am speaking in past tense. I don't own it any more, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it and don't miss it.

I actually considered the 5454 Portuguese hand-wound. It is very light and comfortable, however, it sits rather big on my wrist. Not to a point where it is ridiculous though. Maybe I should just stick with the IWC Portofino and go with my gut-initial-intended purchase. This is the problem for having to wait for the watch for another 2 weeks. This always happens, I start going astray from my initial decision and started over-thinking which resulted in sleep deprivation.

Kind regards,

Calvin

Nice photos. That VC Portuguese is a very cool watch.