IWC Big Pilot 43mm

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logan2z
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IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by logan2z » Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:58 am

IWC just announced a new 43mm Big Pilot with no power reserve indicator or date window, and a quick change strap system. Available in black or blue dial. $8400 on strap, $9350 on bracelet.

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By far the best looking BP, IMHO, and actually wearable.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by Terpits » Wed Apr 07, 2021 1:03 am

Love it. Hope lug to lug is less than 50mm.
:rimshot:

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by jimyritz » Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:17 am

Terpits wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 1:03 am
Love it. Hope lug to lug is less than 50mm.
=======================
^This, but if I had to guess the L to L is going to be 51 to 52...

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by Panerai7 » Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:44 am

Finally wearable Big Pilot. 46 combined with a buzz saw crown was unbearable

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by JP Chestnut » Wed Apr 07, 2021 6:26 am

The BP has always looked nice. Now there’s one that isn’t clown sized.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by hoppyjr » Wed Apr 07, 2021 9:54 am

I’d wear this one.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by Jeep99dad » Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm

I actually love it and I’d love the blue one bracelet. I like the lack of complications and clean look. But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
Merde Alors! Et Vive Les Francais! :)

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by AtomicTom » Thu Apr 08, 2021 9:58 am

IWC seems to be in great form as usual Andrew ! :salute: 8-)

Can’t thank you enough for the news, along with look !!!

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by logan2z » Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am

Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by JP Chestnut » Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am

logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by logan2z » Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am

JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.
I'll bet you could easily get 20% if not more.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by JP Chestnut » Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:54 am

logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.
I'll bet you could easily get 20% if not more.
Watches are ridiculously priced in general these days, but after discounting this isn't any more outrageous than anything else. Of course, I'm not sure an in-house movement as a value add with IWC, given that they haven't had flawless performance.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by logan2z » Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:36 am

JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:54 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.
I'll bet you could easily get 20% if not more.
Of course, I'm not sure an in-house movement as a value add with IWC, given that they haven't had flawless performance.
True, I just brought up the in-house movement because one generally pays more for it than a Sellita. So the price difference between the Mk. XVIII and the BP is theoretically justified. Whether going in-house on an IWC is a good idea, though, appears debatable.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by Jeep99dad » Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:38 am

logan2z wrote:
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:54 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.
I'll bet you could easily get 20% if not more.
Of course, I'm not sure an in-house movement as a value add with IWC, given that they haven't had flawless performance.
True, I just brought up the in-house movement because one generally pays more for it than a Sellita. So the price difference between the Mk. XVIII and the BP is theoretically justified. Whether going in-house on an IWC is a good idea, though, appears debatable.
The new small pilots use the in house mvt not sellita and are way cheaper
Merde Alors! Et Vive Les Francais! :)

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by logan2z » Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:47 am

Jeep99dad wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:38 am
logan2z wrote:
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:54 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.
I'll bet you could easily get 20% if not more.
Of course, I'm not sure an in-house movement as a value add with IWC, given that they haven't had flawless performance.
True, I just brought up the in-house movement because one generally pays more for it than a Sellita. So the price difference between the Mk. XVIII and the BP is theoretically justified. Whether going in-house on an IWC is a good idea, though, appears debatable.
The new small pilots use the in house mvt not sellita and are way cheaper
Yes, but they're not the BIG Pilot :)

It's not just about the cost of materials, movement cost, etc. The BP is viewed as the pinnacle of pilot's watches in the IWC collection, so people are generally willing to pay a premium for it. It also bears a closer resemblance to the historic B-Uhrs, and that has significance to some buyers as well.

More desirable = more expensive, regardless of the actual cost to produce.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by Jeep99dad » Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:16 pm

logan2z wrote:
Jeep99dad wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:38 am
logan2z wrote:
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:54 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.
I'll bet you could easily get 20% if not more.
Of course, I'm not sure an in-house movement as a value add with IWC, given that they haven't had flawless performance.
True, I just brought up the in-house movement because one generally pays more for it than a Sellita. So the price difference between the Mk. XVIII and the BP is theoretically justified. Whether going in-house on an IWC is a good idea, though, appears debatable.
The new small pilots use the in house mvt not sellita and are way cheaper
Yes, but they're not the BIG Pilot :)

It's not just about the cost of materials, movement cost, etc. The BP is viewed as the pinnacle of pilot's watches in the IWC collection, so people are generally willing to pay a premium for it. It also bears a closer resemblance to the historic B-Uhrs, and that has significance to some buyers as well.

More desirable = more expensive, regardless of the actual cost to produce.
But In truth this is not really a big pilot anymore Image
Merde Alors! Et Vive Les Francais! :)

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logan2z
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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by logan2z » Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:21 pm

Jeep99dad wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:16 pm
logan2z wrote:
Jeep99dad wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:38 am
logan2z wrote:
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:54 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.
I'll bet you could easily get 20% if not more.
Of course, I'm not sure an in-house movement as a value add with IWC, given that they haven't had flawless performance.
True, I just brought up the in-house movement because one generally pays more for it than a Sellita. So the price difference between the Mk. XVIII and the BP is theoretically justified. Whether going in-house on an IWC is a good idea, though, appears debatable.
The new small pilots use the in house mvt not sellita and are way cheaper
Yes, but they're not the BIG Pilot :)

It's not just about the cost of materials, movement cost, etc. The BP is viewed as the pinnacle of pilot's watches in the IWC collection, so people are generally willing to pay a premium for it. It also bears a closer resemblance to the historic B-Uhrs, and that has significance to some buyers as well.

More desirable = more expensive, regardless of the actual cost to produce.
But In truth this is not really a big pilot anymore Image
It's all relative ;)

The 46mm BP wasn't big compared to the original 55mm B-Uhr. The 43mm BP is big compared to most of IWC''s other pilot watches. In any case, it is in the spirit/style of the original B-Uhr (more so than even the 46mm model) and so is arguably more desirable than a smaller pilot watch with a date and a standard crown.

I would personally choose the 43mm BP over any of the other three-hand pilot watches in IWC's collection. I prefer the more historically correct vibe and the nicer movement - that you can actually see through the caseback. I think the premium is worth it.

To my mind, this is in a different league than the Mk. XVII and Spitfires:

Image

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by JP Chestnut » Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:40 pm

RAF > B-Uhr

Imagine talking watches with someone and being plainly clear about what's going on: "yeah I love this watch, it's so historically correct to the watches that Nazis wore while bombing civilians!"

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logan2z
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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by logan2z » Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:49 pm

JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:40 pm
RAF > B-Uhr

Imagine talking watches with someone and being plainly clear about what's going on: "yeah I love this watch, it's so historically correct to the watches that Nazis wore while bombing civilians!"
Well, yeah, that's certainly something to consider.

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Re: IWC Big Pilot 43mm

Post by Jeep99dad » Thu Apr 08, 2021 7:27 pm

logan2z wrote:
Jeep99dad wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:16 pm
logan2z wrote:
Jeep99dad wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:38 am
logan2z wrote:
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:54 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:35 am
JP Chestnut wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:32 am
logan2z wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:16 am
Jeep99dad wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:18 pm
But it’s just too expensive for what is a larger MKXVIII, no??
I don't think so. For one thing, the Mk. XVIII uses a base Sellita movement, the BP uses an in-house movement with Pellaton winding. The BP is also closer to the original B-Uhr design with a no-date dial and the original oversized crown. So, if you're looking for something closer to the original B-Uhr design with an in-house movement, then I don't think the Mk. XVIII is a substitute.

At $8K, the 43mm BP seems like a deal compared to the harder-to-wear and less authentic 46mm at $13K.
Is IWC still a "25% off MSRP" brand? If so, $6K new seems pretty reasonable. If not, buying slightly used is the answer.
I'll bet you could easily get 20% if not more.
Of course, I'm not sure an in-house movement as a value add with IWC, given that they haven't had flawless performance.
True, I just brought up the in-house movement because one generally pays more for it than a Sellita. So the price difference between the Mk. XVIII and the BP is theoretically justified. Whether going in-house on an IWC is a good idea, though, appears debatable.
The new small pilots use the in house mvt not sellita and are way cheaper
Yes, but they're not the BIG Pilot :)

It's not just about the cost of materials, movement cost, etc. The BP is viewed as the pinnacle of pilot's watches in the IWC collection, so people are generally willing to pay a premium for it. It also bears a closer resemblance to the historic B-Uhrs, and that has significance to some buyers as well.

More desirable = more expensive, regardless of the actual cost to produce.
But In truth this is not really a big pilot anymore Image
It's all relative ;)

The 46mm BP wasn't big compared to the original 55mm B-Uhr. The 43mm BP is big compared to most of IWC''s other pilot watches. In any case, it is in the spirit/style of the original B-Uhr (more so than even the 46mm model) and so is arguably more desirable than a smaller pilot watch with a date and a standard crown.

I would personally choose the 43mm BP over any of the other three-hand pilot watches in IWC's collection. I prefer the more historically correct vibe and the nicer movement - that you can actually see through the caseback. I think the premium is worth it.

To my mind, this is in a different league than the Mk. XVII and Spitfires:

Image
In truth, and all joking aside, I like the blue one a lot and may replace my Spitfire with it as I don’t want it back from IWC until they figure out the issue, which they’ll likely won’t or won’t disclose.
I also am a fan of the ceramic top gun and have never had a ceramic.
I’m just a bit put off but their auto mvt.
Merde Alors! Et Vive Les Francais! :)

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