Zurich is magical at this time of year.

One of many highlights is the Christmas market at Bellevue - you can alternate between various types of Gluhwein, then a Bratwurst, then another Gluhwein, and possibly another Bratwurst.

All the Christmas lights have the same colour temperature :-)

For me, this the perfect size for a watch to wear every day: the Titanium case is robust, it is not too heavy, and the watch is slim enough that you forget you are wearing it.

A 5-day power reserve, same as for regular Mk XX is an added bonus.

The original strap was a little to short for me, so I am using an XL leather strap for now, which I think looks fine.

I am disproportionately excited about this.

Next week seems so far away!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .

Dear Mr V

I can happily confirm to you the delivery of your Pilot`s Watch "Patrouille Suisse" to our Boutique in Zurich.

Kindly let me know when you are planning to pick it up.

Until then, wishing you a good rest of the week and safe travels to Switzerland

Best regards

Flavia S
Sales Associate
─
Richemont Suisse SA
Branch of Richemont International S.A.

Ouch ouch ouch.

I cannot estimate the cost of re-coating, but it is likely to be an unhappily large number (i.e. not hundreds).

A stainless steel case is easy to scratch, but easy to polish out.

I would guess that a large scratch on a sand-blasted titanium case would also require extensive re-finishing?

I take it back, I will sell this.

My Pilots Watch Mk XV does have sentimental value, but I wasn't really wearing it often after the last service.

So it will go, partially because I saw this.

It's not easy to get hold of, as I will fly to Zurich to collect it, but that's no hardship as even the train station in Zurich around Christmas is very beautiful.

Sometimes you just see something that is "right" - it has the correct aesthetic, it achieves a good balance between something that is a tool watch, something a little special and a design that shows that someone has expended both thought and effort over it.

I was working in Switzerland, and I was fed up of watches that "did not last", so I started looking around.

First I wanted a TAG, but I did not actually buy one - I desired one, then I did not desire one.

Then I wanted an Omega. ... same process, I came and went without buying one.

One day I was wondering around Zurich, and stumbled into Bucherer, where I discovered IWC and the Pilots Watches.

The history of the brand and the engineering of the watches is what tipped the balance, and the rest is history.

My first purchase was an IWC Pilots Watch XV which I still have.

This is not at all normal, it sounds as if a Service Repair will be required.

Regards,

Dave V.

It will vary for each movement, but I find that wearing a Big Pilot for a few hours each evening (mostly not very active, eating dinner and watching a film) is enough to keep it going.

This is just my personal opinion, but I think the more "technical" Chrono fits in rather better on a wrist already adorned by art.

Both are lovely watches, though, and either would be a great choice.

Big Pilot Racing Works

This is not the watch I wear every day, but it is my favourite.

Kind Regards,

David.

My transition from February 29th across to March 1st was similarly flawless

That looks identical to mine, although I have the bracelet strap.

It's probably not a watch I will ever sell, as it brings back memories of the time I was working for SwissAir in Zurich, 2000/2001.