What you think about new IWC Big Pilot Top Gun ceramic

[zlin08033]

Seventy-two years after its maiden flight and a decade after its relaunch, the Big Pilots Watch has catapulted itself into the age of the supersonic jet. The Big Pilots Watch TOP GUN combines the classic functionality of professional, traditional pilots watches with state-of-the-art technology, high-tech materials and modern design elements. Unlike its predecessors, the Reference 5019 has a 48-millimetre case made of scratch-resistant zirconium oxide and the hallmark titanium crown. Both are materials typically used in the TOP GUN line, as is the extremely hard-wearing strap. Tradition reinterpreted. The watch retains the simple, uncluttered dial design with striking black-and-white contrasts, a power reserve display at 3 oclock and a date window at 6 oclock. The most conspicuous addition to the tried-and-tested, instrument-inspired face is the small, signal-red aircraft silhouette that serves as a counterpoise on the seconds hand and has established itself as one of the distinctive features of the TOP GUN line. The IWC-manufactured 51111 calibre featuring IWCs pawl-winding system builds up a 7-day power reserve after just 1,960 revolutions of the rotor or after being fully wound by hand. It is IWCs largest automatic movement and is assembled from no fewer than 311 individual parts.

Reference: IW501901
Case material: ceramic / titanium
Bracelet/Strap: black soft strap
Features: Mechanical movement, Pellaton automatic winding, 7-day power reserve when fully wound, Date display, Power reserve display, Glucydur® beryllium alloy balance with high-precision adjustment cam on balance arms, Breguet spring, Screw-in crown, Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides, Secured against displacement by drop in air pressure, Water-resistant 6 bar, Case height 15 mm, Diameter 48 mm *IWC Schaffhausen is not the owner of the Glucydur® trademark.
Dial color: black
Movement: Pellaton automatic winding
Calibre: 51111
Jewels: 42

[James M]

I really like it but then I've always been a fan of the big pilot.

[Widows Son]

That little red airplane would drive me nuts!!!!!

[GradyPhilpott]

IWC has lost its way as far as I'm concerned.

They used to be sheer elegance. Now, they're just a collection of gimmickry.

[77T]

Not really a fan - and maybe too trendy for long-term collection.

[TSW]

Originally Posted by gradyphilpott

iwc has lost its way as far as i'm concerned.

They used to be sheer elegance. Now, they're just a collection of gimmickry.

x2

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

IWC has lost its way as far as I'm concerned.

They used to be sheer elegance. Now, they're just a collection of gimmickry.

X3

I mean in person pretty nice for a ceramic piece indeed, just not an iwc I'd ever buy

[Monte Cristo]

does nothing for me. sorry don't like it one bit.

[bayerische]

I like it!

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

That little red airplane would drive me nuts!!!!!

x 2

Watch looks great but that little red fly . . .

HAGOne

[andyboy39]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

IWC has lost its way as far as I'm concerned.

They used to be sheer elegance. Now, they're just a collection of gimmickry.

x4

A shame, I really thought highly in the past of IWC time pieces too :(

[kilyung]

I like this better.

[craniotes]

Gotta go with Mike, this one's more my speed:


Still, that ceramic BP is killer in person, though unlike other black-cased watches, it wears big (yes, I know they call it a "Big" Pilot for a reason, but at 48mm, you do need the right sized wrist to pull it off).

And to everyone who claims that IWC has "lost their way", if the ceramic Big Pilots don't work for you guess what? They still make the classic (ref. 5009). Also, the Portugese and Da Vinci lines are nothing if not classic, though I'll grant that the revised Aquatimer line isn't to everyone's taste (personally, I prefer the previous generation with the internal bezels). Still, "gimmickry"? Really? Well, if gimmickry is defined as using state of the art production techniques and high-tech materials to update your iconic line of timepieces that house tried and tested in-house 7-day automatic movements, then yes, I guess they're guilty as charged.

Anyway, nuthin' wrong with pushing the limits every now then, and in IWC's case, it happens to working since the Top Gun and Miramar lines are selling like gangbusters.

Regards,
Adam

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by craniotes

Gotta go with Mike, this one's more my speed:


Still, that ceramic BP is killer in person, though unlike other black-cased watches, it wears big (yes, I know they call it a "Big" Pilot for a reason, but at 48mm, you do need the right sized wrist to pull it off).

And to everyone who claims that IWC has "lost their way", if the ceramic Big Pilots don't work for you guess what? They still make the classic (ref. 5009). Also, the Portugese and Da Vinci lines are nothing if not classic, though I'll grant that the revised Aquatimer line isn't to everyone's taste (personally, I prefer the previous generation with the internal bezels). Still, "gimmickry"? Really? Well, if gimmickry is defined as using state of the art production techniques and high-tech materials to update your iconic line of timepieces that house tried and tested in-house 7-day automatic movements, then yes, I guess they're guilty as charged.

Anyway, nuthin' wrong with pushing the limits every now then, and in IWC's case, it happens to working since the Top Gun and Miramar lines are selling like gangbusters.

Regards,
Adam

Good point Adam !!!

Btw I tried on that big pilot perpetual and was drooling, however my lust for a forged carbon ap got in the way and acquired one instead :/ still want that iwc

[wantonebad]

The crown looks like a magnet for catching unwanted snags, no thanks!

[wokafu]

overall OK for me...but i think the power reserve indicator is a lil distracting..

[B. Doggy]

I'm not personally a real big fan of ceramic.

[Oraple]

I like the look of the pilot chronograph version, i agree that it might be a little gimmicky and not as timeless in the long run

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

IWC has lost its way as far as I'm concerned.

They used to be sheer elegance. Now, they're just a collection of gimmickry.

Indeed. The red "fighter jet" on the hand...

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

That little red airplane would drive me nuts!!!!!

Agreed. It just looks tacky!

The alternative offered up by Mike looks sooooo much better.

[eric23]

I really like them but I feel they are way over priced.

I tried on there new green, I really like it;

[zion_rasta]

Nahhhh Pass.

I rather put a Nato strap on my GMT IIc...

[patrike]

Looks nice, but would probably never buy it.

[superbry]

+1 to Adam's post. Like that perpetual very much.

Heard the BP Ceramic looks and feels cheap bec of the finish, not sure though.

Adam post more of your IWC Ceramics! :P BP and dopplechrono 3799! They both look awesome!

[kilyung]

Cheap look and feel? Not in the least!

[HDHNTER]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

That little red airplane would drive me nuts!!!!!

+1 not a fan

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by superbry

+1 to Adam's post. Like that perpetual very much.

Heard the BP Ceramic looks and feels cheap bec of the finish, not sure though.

Adam post more of your IWC Ceramics! :P BP and dopplechrono 3799! They both look awesome!

Here you go:







Cheap looking? I don't think so, but then taste is a very subjective thing; one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Regards,
Adam

[cross]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

IWC has lost its way as far as I'm concerned.

They used to be sheer elegance. Now, they're just a collection of gimmickry.

x8 ...I lost count :)

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

IWC has lost its way as far as I'm concerned.

They used to be sheer elegance. Now, they're just a collection of gimmickry.

Originally Posted by cross

x2!

The Pilot line may not be to everyone's taste but I think one can't discount the entire brand based on one line. A company that can produce the gorgeous 5449 Minute Repeater is still very classy IMO.

[Palmasea]

Originally Posted by cross

x8 ...I lost count :)

Imho, the new 48mm BP's are too big for most and gimmicki.

There is a reason why 46mm's BP's such as the 5002's have such good resell value. Because IWC got the dimensions, fit and design right for this pilot...and along with Panerai, were the favorite 'big' watches from say 1995-2005.

With the new models, seems like they are just doing the 'grow the watch' to 'charge more' shuffle! Its as if IWC is now playing catch up to Hublot, Corum, Breitling...to see who sells a bigger watch...bad company to be in!

I highly recommend the SS exupery BP 46mm, my favorite BP.
The RG perpetual with the old planes is stunning...but its pricey and you have to like such a large rose gold watch.