ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

APhound · 23 July 2023, 11:53 PM

Hey guys,
I want to get a big pilot.
I don’t know anything about them, is there one that is ‘the best?’
I just want a basic one, don’t need the perpetual or anything. (Although I have had a perpetual Portuguese in the past and it was great)

About five years ago or so I tried on a black top gun edition and absolutely loved it and have never gotten it out of my head. Felt perfect on my wrist. Trying to find one now and a lot of them I’m seeing that match that say 48mm. I don’t remember it being huge. (I’ve had 47mm radiomirs that don’t wear too big)
Is the 43 the way to go? 46? 48?
Would appreciate feedback from owners on what size, what year, what to stay away from.
Thx in advance

PS. My usual dealer, although not local, has a Mojave and I asked him about it bc i thought it looked really cool and all he said about it was ya but it’s really big. It’s a 46. So throwing me off a little bit..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ILoveFerrari · 24 July 2023, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arbees319

Hey guys,
I want to get a big pilot.
I don’t know anything about them, is there one that is ‘the best?’
I just want a basic one, don’t need the perpetual or anything. (Although I have had a perpetual Portuguese in the past and it was great)

About five years ago or so I tried on a black top gun edition and absolutely loved it and have never gotten it out of my head. Felt perfect on my wrist. Trying to find one now and a lot of them I’m seeing that match that say 48mm. I don’t remember it being huge. (I’ve had 47mm radiomirs that don’t wear too big)
Is the 43 the way to go? 46? 48?
Would appreciate feedback from owners on what size, what year, what to stay away from.
Thx in advance

PS. My usual dealer, although not local, has a Mojave and I asked him about it bc i thought it looked really cool and all he said about it was ya but it’s really big. It’s a 46. So throwing me off a little bit..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I saw Eddie of Modern Swiss on Chrono24 has two new Big Pilots on sale, both limited editions. I think many people including myself on this board have dealt with Eddie, and found him consumate professional. Might wanna check it out.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

ChaseATX · 24 July 2023, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovegt

I saw Eddie of Modern Swiss on Chrono24 has two new Big Pilots on sale, both limited editions. I think many people including myself on this board have dealt with Eddie, and found him consumate professional. Might wanna check it out.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

+1 for Eddie.

I have the 43 and love it. The quick swap bracelet and straps keep it really interesting.

The Mojave and the 5002 would be the other two I’d go for.

46mm is pretty large so I recommend trying to look at one from another collector on your wrist first. If possible.

mobster600 · 24 July 2023, 12:57 PM

The classic OG Big Pilot is the 46mm. The modern 50010 has an upgraded 4hrz movement. The prior generation 5002, 5004 and 5009 have the older less accurate movement. BUT here is the plus you can get a 5004 for like $5,500. A 5009 ive seen for around $6k. So you can scratch the itch without spending alot and/or losing alot. If you can pull off a 46mm and plan on keeping it then go for the Mojave or any modern 50010 movement models. They are better. But if your kinda testing the waters and might sell it in a year, buy a 5004 or 5009 model see if you like it. Its an amazing watch. Its probably not a daily for most people. So have a daily or two and make this an addition to your collection. And as John Mayer said you will use this as a night stand clock when you go to bed LOL no joke its that big.

Good luck and definitely try it on a few times to make sure you know what its going to be like.

Guppydriver · 24 July 2023, 01:18 PM

Might not be the OG, but the 43 is fabulous and still feels very big on most wrists!

APhound · 24 July 2023, 11:16 PM

Really helpful guys thx!
I’m still all over the place. Want to try a 43. Problem is I’m so impulsive w watches I might not have time to do my homework before one shows up.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

-dustin · 25 July 2023, 01:27 AM

I wouldn't be able to handle a BP without a 9 on the dial, unless it was unique. And I kinda feel like the 43s aren't BPs...but I'm also able to pull off the 46, so there's that.

Top Gun, 5002, or new LPP would be my first choices.

Las Vegas, if I could find it.

Or, the LPP 500908, because of the numeral font.

APhound · 25 July 2023, 01:38 AM

Thanks Dustin. I’m totally comfortable w big watches. Normally wear an offshore/ sky dweller/ roc. Also panerais

Does anyone have one they want to sell?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ILoveFerrari · 25 July 2023, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -dustin

I wouldn't be able to handle a BP without a 9 on the dial, unless it was unique. And I kinda feel like the 43s aren't BPs...but I'm also able to pull off the 46, so there's that.

Top Gun, 5002, or new LPP would be my first choices.

Las Vegas, if I could find it.

Or, the LPP 500908, because of the numeral font.

Oh, I think one of Eddie's is a Las Vegas, and the other one is LPP monopusher.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

Gebbeth · 25 July 2023, 06:37 AM

My two cents is that if you have a wrist size of greater than 17cm in circumference, then the BP 46mm is the way to go. The 46mm is the OG and is the iconic model of IWC.

Of the 46mm models, the 5002 is the "collector" one in the sense that it's the first model of the BP 46mm series.

However, it is probably the worse when it comes to time keeping if this is your issue. The single barrel movements were never known to be accurate timepieces, so if this is going to annoy you, get the newer 5010 models with the twin barrels. Although still not going to be a Rolex in terms of timekeeping, I found it to be significantly better than the original 5002.

I opted for the Heritage in Ti as I like the retro, Spitfire-like look. It complements my Spitfire chrono nicely.

The Top Gun models were never my thing. The cross branding never did it for me. Also that big hunk of black ceramic was a bit too in-your-face for my liking.

If I could, my next IWC piece would be the Rodeo Drive, Perpetual.

My friend has the BP 43mm with blue dial on bracelet. Although beautiful, to me, there's nothing really special about it. I would probably downgrade and get the Mark XX instead.

-dustin · 25 July 2023, 06:54 AM

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=902622

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/i...esome.5408238/

APhound · 25 July 2023, 08:40 AM

Really appreciating everyone’s opinions/ experiences. Thank you

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

APhound · 29 July 2023, 11:41 AM

Just wanted to update.
I pulled The trigger on a big pilot today.
I went with the top gun. It’s the one I had my heart set on. It’s a whopping 48mm. Super anxious to get it on the wrist.

I hunted hard and made a great deal. (That’s half the fun anyway right?)
Will post pics when it arrives.
Thx for everyone’s input. It was fun learning.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

APhound · 29 July 2023, 11:57 AM

To hold you over..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

APhound · 1 August 2023, 08:11 AM

Watch arrived. Not a single flaw. Great transaction.

It’s a big watch!!!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

-dustin · 1 August 2023, 12:57 PM

Awesome choice

Moondoggy · 1 August 2023, 03:09 PM

Very clean. Congrats.

23 July 2023, 11:53 PM	#1
APhound "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA Posts: 1,729	Big Pilot help Hey guys, I want to get a big pilot. I don’t know anything about them, is there one that is ‘the best?’ I just want a basic one, don’t need the perpetual or anything. (Although I have had a perpetual Portuguese in the past and it was great) About five years ago or so I tried on a black top gun edition and absolutely loved it and have never gotten it out of my head. Felt perfect on my wrist. Trying to find one now and a lot of them I’m seeing that match that say 48mm. I don’t remember it being huge. (I’ve had 47mm radiomirs that don’t wear too big) Is the 43 the way to go? 46? 48? Would appreciate feedback from owners on what size, what year, what to stay away from. Thx in advance PS. My usual dealer, although not local, has a Mojave and I asked him about it bc i thought it looked really cool and all he said about it was ya but it’s really big. It’s a 46. So throwing me off a little bit.. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

25 July 2023, 01:38 AM	#8
APhound "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA Posts: 1,729	Big Pilot help Thanks Dustin. I’m totally comfortable w big watches. Normally wear an offshore/ sky dweller/ roc. Also panerais Does anyone have one they want to sell? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1 August 2023, 03:09 PM	#17
Moondoggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Berty Location: NI/Aust/USA Watch: and wait Posts: 3,127	Very clean. Congrats. __________________ Permanent social programs that finance and enable poor life choices usually keep the “intentions matter more than results” crowd in control. Never argue with a fool, as eventually it will be difficult to tell the difference.

24 July 2023, 12:57 PM	#4
mobster600 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: USA Watch: Yes Posts: 1,480	The classic OG Big Pilot is the 46mm. The modern 50010 has an upgraded 4hrz movement. The prior generation 5002, 5004 and 5009 have the older less accurate movement. BUT here is the plus you can get a 5004 for like $5,500. A 5009 ive seen for around $6k. So you can scratch the itch without spending alot and/or losing alot. If you can pull off a 46mm and plan on keeping it then go for the Mojave or any modern 50010 movement models. They are better. But if your kinda testing the waters and might sell it in a year, buy a 5004 or 5009 model see if you like it. Its an amazing watch. Its probably not a daily for most people. So have a daily or two and make this an addition to your collection. And as John Mayer said you will use this as a night stand clock when you go to bed LOL no joke its that big. Good luck and definitely try it on a few times to make sure you know what its going to be like.

24 July 2023, 01:18 PM	#5
Guppydriver 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Real Name: A-Aron Location: Utah Watch: 126710BLNR Posts: 1,767	Might not be the OG, but the 43 is fabulous and still feels very big on most wrists!

24 July 2023, 11:16 PM	#6
APhound "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA Posts: 1,729	Really helpful guys thx! I’m still all over the place. Want to try a 43. Problem is I’m so impulsive w watches I might not have time to do my homework before one shows up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

25 July 2023, 01:27 AM	#7
-dustin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Dustin Location: A, TX Posts: 1,586	I wouldn't be able to handle a BP without a 9 on the dial, unless it was unique. And I kinda feel like the 43s aren't BPs...but I'm also able to pull off the 46, so there's that. Top Gun, 5002, or new LPP would be my first choices. Las Vegas, if I could find it. Or, the LPP 500908, because of the numeral font.

25 July 2023, 06:37 AM	#10
Gebbeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Bay Area Posts: 771	My two cents is that if you have a wrist size of greater than 17cm in circumference, then the BP 46mm is the way to go. The 46mm is the OG and is the iconic model of IWC. Of the 46mm models, the 5002 is the "collector" one in the sense that it's the first model of the BP 46mm series. However, it is probably the worse when it comes to time keeping if this is your issue. The single barrel movements were never known to be accurate timepieces, so if this is going to annoy you, get the newer 5010 models with the twin barrels. Although still not going to be a Rolex in terms of timekeeping, I found it to be significantly better than the original 5002. I opted for the Heritage in Ti as I like the retro, Spitfire-like look. It complements my Spitfire chrono nicely. The Top Gun models were never my thing. The cross branding never did it for me. Also that big hunk of black ceramic was a bit too in-your-face for my liking. If I could, my next IWC piece would be the Rodeo Drive, Perpetual. My friend has the BP 43mm with blue dial on bracelet. Although beautiful, to me, there's nothing really special about it. I would probably downgrade and get the Mark XX instead.

25 July 2023, 06:54 AM	#11
-dustin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Dustin Location: A, TX Posts: 1,586	https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=902622 https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/i...esome.5408238/

25 July 2023, 08:40 AM	#12
APhound "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA Posts: 1,729	Really appreciating everyone’s opinions/ experiences. Thank you Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

29 July 2023, 11:41 AM	#13
APhound "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA Posts: 1,729	Just wanted to update. I pulled The trigger on a big pilot today. I went with the top gun. It’s the one I had my heart set on. It’s a whopping 48mm. Super anxious to get it on the wrist. I hunted hard and made a great deal. (That’s half the fun anyway right?) Will post pics when it arrives. Thx for everyone’s input. It was fun learning. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

29 July 2023, 11:57 AM	#14
APhound "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA Posts: 1,729	To hold you over.. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1 August 2023, 08:11 AM	#15
APhound "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA Posts: 1,729	Watch arrived. Not a single flaw. Great transaction. It’s a big watch!!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1 August 2023, 12:57 PM	#16
-dustin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Dustin Location: A, TX Posts: 1,586	Awesome choice

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)