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Old 6 February 2018, 02:03 AM   #1
NickHayden
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IWC Big Pilot or Other for Next Purchase

I am new to this Forum, so I apologize if this is in the wrong place.

I am looking to spend around $8500 on a new/used watch.

My Current Collection Consist of:
-Panerai Luminor Marina
-Rolex Submariner
-Cartier Pasha Sea Timer
-Breitling for Bentley
-Jaeger-Lecoultre Master
-Longines

I have been interested in the IWC Big Pilot as of late. I like the variety and differentiation between each time piece. Are there recommendations for another time piece that may have been overlooked? Is $8500 a fair price for a Big Pilot?
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Old 6 February 2018, 03:31 AM   #2
jpwv
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NickHayden View Post
I am new to this Forum, so I apologize if this is in the wrong place.

I am looking to spend around $8500 on a new/used watch.

My Current Collection Consist of:
-Panerai Luminor Marina
-Rolex Submariner
-Cartier Pasha Sea Timer
-Breitling for Bentley
-Jaeger-Lecoultre Master
-Longines

I have been interested in the IWC Big Pilot as of late. I like the variety and differentiation between each time piece. Are there recommendations for another time piece that may have been overlooked? Is $8500 a fair price for a Big Pilot?
I have been contemplating a Big Pilot for a few months now. Depending on if you want new or used, you can find one for $8,500. The best price I have found new is approximately $9,700.

Regarding an alternate time piece, I have begrudgingly realized that once you want a Big Pilot there are no other alternative time pieces that will do. Although there are other cool pilot watches out there. The IWC Chronograph is cool as well as Archimede 42 B, Alpina and Hamilton.
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Old 6 February 2018, 05:45 AM   #3
NickHayden
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I agree, The Big Pilot keeps catching my eye. I have looked at AP, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin and Hubolt. There is something with this watch that just keeps me coming back.
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Old 6 February 2018, 06:09 AM   #4
denvercenturion
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Based on budget and collection I could recommend an Omega DSOTM model, easily find them in the classifieds right in line with your budget.

Alternatively, you could add an Omega Speedy + a Zenith Pilot for the same price as an IWC Big Pilot.

Just throwing it out there for you to consider. I personally think the Big Pilot is an excellent choice and a fun watch.
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Old 6 February 2018, 06:22 AM   #5
jpwv
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Based on budget and collection I could recommend an Omega DSOTM model, easily find them in the classifieds right in line with your budget.

Alternatively, you could add an Omega Speedy + a Zenith Pilot for the same price as an IWC Big Pilot.

Just throwing it out there for you to consider. I personally think the Big Pilot is an excellent choice and a fun watch.
I meant to mention the Zenith Pilot as well. Not exactly for me, but I do think it looks cool.
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Old 6 February 2018, 08:37 AM   #6
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I just recently bought the Big Pilot 500901, full set, and in great condition. I find it large (as it should be) but still less ”in your face” than the SD43 which I owned for 6 months. Resone for selling - sometimes a big Rolex on my wrist where a bit to much for my customers. I have worned it for a weekend now. I was a bit hesitant when buying and I can still return it untill tomorrow. But I dont think I will, its a great addition to my collection which consists of whatches 38, 39, 40 & 42mm. They each have their own style! However I just realized they all have something in common. Black dials & ”flight” connection. (Well I dont know about my Excelsior Park, but it shure look like the Speedmasters grandad)
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Old 18 February 2018, 08:53 AM   #7
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I’ve had my eye on The Big Pilot too. Not sure if I can pull it off. Do you think it’s too much for my wrist?


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Old 18 February 2018, 03:33 PM   #8
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Make sure you try it on first. It's a massive watch.
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Old 19 February 2018, 05:27 AM   #9
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Make sure you try it on first. It's a massive watch.
I did try it on and posted the picture. Too big?
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Old 19 February 2018, 05:46 PM   #10
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[QUOTE=datejustrms;8294468]I did try it on and posted the picture. Too big?[/QUOTE


Sorry, missed that. Yes, it looks big.
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Old 20 February 2018, 06:14 AM   #11
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The Big Pilot is a really nice piece. I’m wearing mine right now lol. It’s big but that’s the essence of it. I put it upright on the strap next to my bed and wake up to have the time. It’s very visible and versatile. And if your a movement fan, it’s an IWC in-house movement. I think you could find a pre-owned BP here.
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Old 20 February 2018, 07:30 AM   #12
eltonbalch
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I did try it on and posted the picture. Too big?
The depth of field from a camera in a close up (particularly a phone) makes it look bigger than it actually is. Try it on with a mirror to see what it looks like to others.
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Old 20 February 2018, 07:35 AM   #13
datejustrms
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It’s a sweet watch. I’m planning to try it on one more time. I may look for a clean preowned one. The Big Pilot has a big price tag.
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Old 21 February 2018, 03:44 AM   #14
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I’ve had my eye on The Big Pilot too. Not sure if I can pull it off. Do you think it’s too much for my wrist?


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It is hard to tell at that closeness. I would get one from a few feet away instead of close up. Close up really only shows the watch and you cannot get any proportions etc.
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Old 21 February 2018, 04:31 AM   #15
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Not for me, could get a VCO for a bit more.
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Old 21 February 2018, 05:25 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by datejustrms View Post
I’ve had my eye on The Big Pilot too. Not sure if I can pull it off. Do you think it’s too much for my wrist?
Impossible to tell from that pic. My BP looked similar in wrist shots however it didn't wear as big as the pics would suggest and didn't overhang my wrist at all. It fit but in the end it was still too big as my tastes changed. Still love the watch though.

Agree with the comment above... Try a mirror shot or have someone take a pic of you wearing it from a distance of 3 or 4 feet away.
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Old 21 February 2018, 06:39 AM   #17
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I did try it on and posted the picture. Too big?
You need to take the picture not so close, impossible to say like this
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Old 21 February 2018, 07:26 AM   #18
jpwv
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Icon6

Quote:
Originally Posted by datejustrms View Post
I’ve had my eye on The Big Pilot too. Not sure if I can pull it off. Do you think it’s too much for my wrist?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My wrist is 7 inches. Photo taken a few feet away. Still a little too close though.
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File Type: jpg BP LPP 1.jpg (261.6 KB, 249 views)
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Old 21 February 2018, 07:30 AM   #19
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It is hard to tell at that closeness. I would get one from a few feet away instead of close up. Close up really only shows the watch and you cannot get any proportions etc.
I wish I had thought about that when I was at the AD. It's over an hour to get there.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tyler1980 View Post
Impossible to tell from that pic. My BP looked similar in wrist shots however it didn't wear as big as the pics would suggest and didn't overhang my wrist at all. It fit but in the end it was still too big as my tastes changed. Still love the watch though.

Agree with the comment above... Try a mirror shot or have someone take a pic of you wearing it from a distance of 3 or 4 feet away.
I'll have to try it on again. Long ride to the nearest AD

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You need to take the picture not so close, impossible to say like this
I know now. Live and learn.
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Old 21 February 2018, 07:32 AM   #20
datejustrms
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Salesman called and said they could take 25% off. I don't think these move too fast.
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Old 21 February 2018, 07:35 AM   #21
datejustrms
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My wrist is 7 inches. Photo taken a few feet away. Still a little too close though.
Much better picture than I got. My wrist is 6.75 inches, pretty flat. I wear a 42mm Explorer II and it isn't too big.
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Old 21 February 2018, 07:54 AM   #22
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Salesman called and said they could take 25% off. I don't think these move too fast.
I've been quoted at 25% as well. I am hoping to get to 30%, but not sure how likely that is.
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Old 21 February 2018, 07:56 AM   #23
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Much better picture than I got. My wrist is 6.75 inches, pretty flat. I wear a 42mm Explorer II and it isn't too big.
I think you are safe.
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Old 21 February 2018, 08:19 AM   #24
datejustrms
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I've been quoted at 25% as well. I am hoping to get to 30%, but not sure how likely that is.
I mentioned 30% and he wasn't going there.

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I think you are safe.
I think so. When I buy a watch, I do my homework and have no doubts when I pull the trigger. With this one I'm on the fence.
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Old 21 February 2018, 08:24 AM   #25
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I mentioned 30% and he wasn't going there.



I think so. When I buy a watch, I do my homework and have no doubts when I pull the trigger. With this one I'm on the fence.
Send me a pm when you get a chance. I tried to send you one, but the option is not available for some reason on your profile.
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Old 21 February 2018, 11:56 PM   #26
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My wrist is 7 inches. Photo taken a few feet away. Still a little too close though.
It looks OK there, BP should fill your wrist, but lugs should not overhang them. If yours was like that you're fine.
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