IWC Pilot's Watch Hands-On Part 3: Big Pilot 43
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- In this 3rd and final installment, we take a good look at the (fairly) Big Pilot 43. Maybe the most exciting with so much to love in this one but with ONE BIG FLAW!!
+ I got some info about future models and the future of the Pilot collection.
TIMESTAMPS BELOW:
00:48 Case
04:44 Dials
07:29 Bracelet & straps
12:30 Movement
19:24 Verdict
20:33 Future models
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Great Video. Glad that you mentioned about anti-clockwise winding. Not many video mention this important information.
That surprised me, I'm sure there are others but that's a first for me!
Really enjoyed this IWC trilogy of videos and hearing you talk through your thought process.
It’s so difficult to choose because each offers something the other two don’t. As the sales person said, if you’re going to own just one IWC then there’s no more iconic watch in their range than the Big Pilot, I love the lack of date but it is by it’s very nature (and name) a big watch.
I like the size of the Spitfire but the lack of a bracelet option as standard, the white date wheel and the faux patina on the hands and cardinal markers doesn’t do it for me.
Therefore, by Goldie Locks and the Three Bears logic the Mark XVIII gets my vote as the size, black date wheel, bracelet option and white hands and numerals mean it’s not too hot, or too cold but just right 🥣 Or as close to it as we’re going to get anyway 😂
Hahaha, you may be right, not too cold, not too hot, it may just be a matter of adding a little extra spice (i.e. the 32110 movement ) in the Mark XVIII and this may be it!
I love the Blue Dial of this 43mm Big Pilot's but my only criticism is the exposed case back ... there is no really cohesive ethos in the design. A big Pilot's watch must have an iron case back to protect the movement from magnetic fields.
I love these Big Pilot's 43mm 💙
PS: The Top Gun version of this 43mm big Pilot's are coming with ckose case back 👌🏼
This watch is great for driving. Especially if you have several cars and forget where the clock is located in the different cars. A short glance at your wrist and you have the time. You don't even have to change your grip on the steering wheel.
Indeed, and depending what car(s) you have in the garage, The Vacheron Constantin Historique American 1921 would be the ultimate driving watch!
With regards to the polished bracelet links and them not matching with the black dial model I would simply use a medium or fine rubber emery block and satin finish the shine out of the links especially if you don't intend to get the blue dial version and change it over from one to the other.. even if you did I don't think it would make to much difference apart from devaluing the bracelet a little bit.
Well I’m beyond underwhelmed by IWC’s offerings from Watches & Wonders tbh! New colours for existing models… seriously??!!
Regarding your info on the Mark XVIII / Mark series being completely discontinued, you may be correct there. I’ve been waiting, hoping for a Mark XIX with in-house movement but alas that doesn’t look likely at all now. I reached out to IWC directly and asked them why the Mark XVIII on bracelet was not available to buy directly from the site and their response was as follows…
Dear Mr. H,
Thank you for contacting us and for your interest in our creations IWC Schaffhausen.
According to your request for the Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII, I regret to inform you that it has been discontinued.
I remain at your disposal for any further information about other creations and I look forward to hearing from you.
>>
There’s only a couple of variants of the Mark XVIII (on straps) actually available for purchase on the IWC site, I suspect once they’ve all gone then the Mark series will just disappear. A real shame indeed, but if there was any meaningful update / or a new Mark then it would have absolutely been announced at W&W… instead of just showing us their latest picks from the Dulux colour chart!🤣
I’m going to pick up a Mark XVIII on bracelet from a dealer while they’re still available, but I do feel like I’m settling a bit if I’m honest.
Really, wow, that is the closest to an official confirmation that the Mark XVIII will indeed be discontinued! It does make sense and it is possible that they're keeping some excitement for later this year. Brands don't unveil everything at W&W and hopefully new ceramic colors are not all they have to offer this year... A new Mark series would be big news for IWC especially in steel (not everyone likes ceramic or can afford ceratanium) so maybe they did not wan to drown this with all the other W&W releases...
The IWC big pilot 43 is one of the best releases this year titanium version would be even better that's good news. IWC trilogy has been good.
Yes, now let's start dreaming about a titanium bracelet version!...
Great video! I appreciate how you discuss the pre-purchase issues we fans always wonder about!
Haha you must have been a tough customer for the IWC sales reps😂 Great review!👍
I'm sure I'm annoying to all watch sales people lol.
how do you justify a watch with no complications costing close to $10,000?
Very nice review dare I say definitisve review of this watch. I was considering this IWC however I like date on my watches for me it's a shame there is none here, Also what's up withe these games IWC plays with bracelets seems very lackluster
Thanks for the praise! We watch people are never satisfied, are we.... when there is a date, I don't want it, and when there isn't, others do!
@@TOKKANTE haha yeah that's our curse
On holiday. In and out of water. Rubber is top class, especially in the heat. Left the leather at home and bracelet in the evening in a restaurant. This watch is a serious piece of equipment.
It is indeed, huh. Ended up getting the Spitfire but the BP43 was a serious contender.
Lug to lug does this wear bigger than the mark xviii? I owned a mark xviii and the wing span was pushing the limits of my wrist
Yes a little bit, and because it's also thicker, it will wear as a bigger watch. The Spitfire on the other hand, even though it also has a 50mm lug-to-lug like the Mark XVIII, wears smaller (to me).
To my view point these watches are overly large and thick. I'd rather go for 36-39mm and 8-10mm thickness. I own the 55mm 1941 IWC B.Uhr 52 S.C which is impossible to wear, it's way to large but it's a collector piece.
I think you're supposed to wear that one on your ankle!
Yes, people wore it over the sheepskin jacket. We must remember that these airplanes had no internal heaters hence temperatures inside would have been extremely cold hence the flying combinations and sheepskin jackets, scarves, gloves, etc…
Richard Habring made the Doppelchronograph for IWC which is indeed based on the ETA/Valjoux 7750. Wrt to the pilot watches these should be either amagnetic using amagnetic materials or encased in a Faraday cage = soft iron cage. The amagnetic hairspring and balance were developped through a joint industry study financed by Omega (Swatch Group), Patek Philippe and Rolex. I have not heard that Ullyse Nardin was part of it.
Yes Ulysse Nardin was a actually the first watchmaker to ever use a silicon hairspring in the Freak in 2001. Strange as it is such a small player compared to the others but there you have it!
That is interesting to know. I wonder when Patek-Rolex-Omega started their joint industry study regarding this… perhaps post Ulysse Nardin…
Sounds like this 43mm Big Pilot will be a hit for IWC.
Now, if only Blancpain comes out with a smaller, non limited version of the Fifty Fathom.
So I've seen Tim Mosso of WatchBox mention in a recent episode that this is actually in the works! 40-41mm would be ideal.
Thank you for that update. I agree. 40-41 mm is ideal. I hope to see you do a hands on review of it when it comes out.
I was curious about how the bracelet will look on the black dial. I’m set to get mine this Friday.
Did you order the black dial with the separate bracelet?
thank you - I am looking for IWC Pilot UTC 39 mm Ref# IW325102 replacement hour and minute hands - any idea where I can find these?
I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video.
I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.
Thanks again for making such a great video! I look forward to watching more of your content in the future.
PS: I outsourced this feedback to AI.
Good comment in the end if you can only have one, it has to be the Big Pilot 43. Thank you also for pointing out that 43 has the same blue sunburst dial as Le Petit Prince. Hey but Mark XX is out now.
Good video, and have watched it a few times now. I am stuck with your question of “inhouse” or not 😊 I think many components, architectures, and internal solutions are, today, based on patents that have expired. I have seen an old pocket watch that “claims quality” by referencing how they use Breguet style movement. Anyhow, to your point, they say it clearly on that pocket watch.
Oh wow, you must be the only person who's watched it more than once! The "in-house" topic is such a land mine indeed.... what exactly qualifies as "in-house" depends on how you (and the brands) define it, and clearly many brands like to gloss over the definition.... I was just reading about Yema (the French brand) and their YEMA1000/2000 "in-house" calibres which they say are designed, developed and assembled in France, but clearly their don't say they are manufactured in France. It turns out they are manufactured in China, delivered in parts and assembled in France. Is that in--house?? To me, no. At least IWC uses ValFleurier (I talked about ValFleurier more in the Spitfire video) and they are part of Richemont, so it's technically a "group in-house" manufacturer. Just don't ever sell the brand IWC because as a brand on their own, they wouldn't have the in-house manufacturing capabilities. If they just renamed their calibres, I'd feel it's perfectly legit, but brands can't even do that anymore...I just read an old review of the IWC automatic Top Gun ceramic from Monochrome in which the writer was also pinpointing how IWC calls the 32110 an "IWC-manufactured calibre" and not "manufacture" .... small detail but one which he focuses on regarding the ETA2892 base.
@@TOKKANTE So true as you write it. Two sad sides here. One is that the 2892-A2 is a great movement in itself, but not often considered so in reviews. I have a Longines with a high grade 2892. It ticks accurately for what seems forever :) So for me it can be a quality factor when deciding on a watch. I also have a 2824 that just lasts without issues or service. So “not in-house” does not automatically mean low quality, nor low price - as they, too, come at different quality levels. I think in-house or not is becoming less of a factor for me. However, as you point out, as our interest and knowledge of movements grow we want more information and precise descriptions 😀
Thank you for doing this review for the small wristers who are trying to see if this new version is doable
It's still doable if you like big watches, but not as a daily wearer for me at least!
16:52 - This is a fantastic video. I’m thinking about getting this watch, and I’ve watched this video four times. Here’s a question: is there a chance that an IWC 43 made this year could be upgraded in three or four years to be anti-magnetic?
Oh thanks for the comment and watching it 4 times!! Yes, I think it will be once the silicon hairspring tech is available to all brands after 2023. I don't know for sure whether Richemont would jump on the silicon tech right away but given that other parts of the movements are already amagnetic, it would make sense for them to, and I bet they will even only for the marketing aspect of offering silicon hairsprings. Now, should you wait? Well, the hairspring could always be replaced later during service so I think it can be upgraded later (Glashutte Original upgraded some watches during service with silicon hairspring) but the question is, do you want a non anti-magnetic pilot watch NOW while waiting? If you're ok with it, then I'd say do it.
@@TOKKANTE THANKS 🙏🍻
Great revieuw including the movement talk!! Like that the most.
Me too and apparently quite a few other people did too! So I can nerd about the movements again next time lol.
Really nice thorough and thoughtful reviews. What are your thoughts on the new 41mm pilot chronographs?
Thank you! I find them too thick really.... I know they're really popular and probably what most people think of (besides the Big Pilot) when they think IWC Pilot watch, but the move to the in-house movements really did not help the thickness and to me personally, that's a bit of a deal breaker for a daily wear watch at least. But they do look amazing, especially the Spitfire Bronze!
@@TOKKANTE I’ve got that 41mm spitfire bronze and it’s a nice watch but I agree it feels too thick above 15mm. I think the open caseback allowed it to shrink a tiny bit but it’s still thicker than the 43mm BIG pilot! The blue on the dial is the 41 chronograph looks amazing but they haven’t given it the lume it deserves (similar to the mark xviii lume). I’m looking forward to seeing more of your videos 😊
I find it strange that this watch and the current ingeneur is not anti-magnetic! I also find it equally strange the Portuguese is not more water resistant.
Yeah, they're forgetting the original purpose or "raison d'etre" of those watches and it's now just luxury over tool. There is a Big Pilot 43 Spitfire Titanium with a closed caseback, I assume that one may be antimagnetic.
@@TOKKANTE Sadly true, as an Engineer I was so looking forward to get the Ingeneur only to be shocked that it does not come with a soft iron cage, so instead went with the Mark 18, which I am very happy with. I hope IWC gets its act together and bring back its true "tool watch mojo" ! Great in depth reviews btw!
Great series. Loved the detail and thank you for the work that went into producing these. 👏🙏
Thanks for watching! I just thought other people must be going through the same considerations as I do, so I might as well share the process!
Earned yourself a subscriber, wonderful review
Thanks for the sub!
I saw the Big Pilot 43 in blue and black dial configurations, yesterday. I could not decide between them. Too bad one cannot always "have it all" :) They are certainly on my list, and most likely the next watch(es) I will get. Thanks again for this video series!!
Same as me, we want something from the blue, something from the black, but can't have them both in one single watch! Did you see a new version already came out? The BP43 Spitfire in bronze with a green dial. New versions are coming out quickly.
@@TOKKANTE Yes, after you posted here I scrolled deeper into the collection and found it. Very nice, but not my style (unfortunately). If I was I collector and not just a wearer of watches it would climb up. It is cool and intriguing, though 😀
@@knutvonheim3838 They are going to milk this to no end anyway with titanium, ceramic, ceratanium versions... just a matter of waiting for the version that speaks to you!
@@TOKKANTE Ansolutely! And it will be fun to browse internet and visit ADs to check the models out 😀
Now there's a Big Pilot 43 Spitfire. You have no excuses!
Haha yes, the sale guy had told me there was a titanium version coming out but he had not mentioned it being a Type B Flieger version; now that doesn't make much sense under the Spitfire collection, does it? That's kind of weird, especially given IWC never made any Type B Fliegers before. It looks good I have to admit, but it is all kinds of wrong though.
@@TOKKANTE I think they may have done a type b dial after ww2, but not issued to the Germans. It doesn’t really line up with the heritage, but it’s still a cool watch for what it is. I’m not sure I can get on board with a type b myself.
@@m4jqp I also find Type A cleaner. Oh now I'll have to google that!
13:43 - Good to know. Question: is the Valjoux 7750 a good movement? Assuming I’m not a purist, are they at least borrowing a solid foundation?
Yes, the 7750 is the world's most popular and most widely used chronograph movement! It's a workhorse that is tried and tested and has been used by brands from entry level to luxury. Breitling's new Datora (see my video on it) for example is also based on the 7750. Some have issues with that movement being used in USD10K+ watches when you can find it in sub-1K watches, but that doesn't mean it's not a good movement.
Nothing wrong with the 7750
You're absolutely right about that, that's why it's the most widely used chrono movement in the world, but when another brand uses the same base plate design and then calls that "in-house" that's the issue!
Thanks Ben...This new Pilots is very nice, but miss that power reserve and date at 6 haha...I want everything ha. That Blue would be my choice, with a bracelet, that taper makes a difference to me. Agree with you that taking someone's else's design and make it yours because you change a little part here and there. Again buying the brand and design.
It's an easy fix.. you just need to hit the gym and get bigger wrists!
Nothing wrong with the 7750
You're absolutely right about that, that's why it's the most widely used chrono movement in the world, but when another brand uses the same base plate design and then calls that "in-house" that's the issue!
Great info in the video series thank you
Wow！ Very informative and detailed review!
I’m also looking for the black dial but I was also wanted to match it with the bracelet, but did not notice the point that you mentioned in the video “bracelet does not match with the watch (black dial)”
I’m just wondering if you have the picture of black dial with bracelet for me to reference it?
Thank you and very good job done!
I guess if you don't mind the polished inner links, then that's ok but it seems a bit of a design clash. I don't have a photo of that combo because the bracelet is not available to buy separately YET, so the boutique did not have one to put on the black dial. They said it will be available soon but not yet, so the only way to check out the bracelet is on the blue dial.
Excellent Review
Thank you and thanks for watching it!
Thanks for these series of videos! I learned quite a bit about IWC haha
Thanks for watching them all! I think viewers are sick of it by now, I've talked about IWC for over an hour I bet...
Go for the Big pilot 43 and later, if you want, you can get the Spitfire. This is the only safe option to avoid any regrets later. Look forward to seeing you with your own IWC on your wrist. Cheers!
Winter is coming, maybe I can just hide the BP43 under a sweater and pretend it's not that big!
That’s funny. Pilot watches are supposed to be big specially if they are named “Big Pilot”. I haven’t it tried one yet, but at 43mm it’s only slightly bigger than a Speedmaster.
@@1pashar Oh but it does wear bigger than a Speedmaster because it still has 52.8 lug-to-lug dimensions vs maybe 48 for a Speedy. So it has a lot more presence on the wrist.
The bracelet swap system makes the bracelet not as snug against the case as a traditional bracelet might be (might be an issue if you’re a little rough with your watches like I am).
In the boutique, the bracelet was a very tight fit to the case, did not move at all, although I did not get to wear the watch long enough to do a "one week on the wrist" which would allow me to really check that out. I think you'd have to be PRETTY ROUGH to damage it though (I'm guessing your wrist would be in a bad shape too!)
@@TOKKANTE I’ve had mine for 5 months and I see a gap between the bracelet and the case that wasn’t there when I bought it.
@@bbrebozo6417 uh oh... now that would concern me after only 5 months... did you ask IWC about this?
Such a great iconic pilot watch. I believe would go well in any collection.
Yes, I do want it and if I had all the money in the world, I'd add one right now (and change it later for a titanium version with a silicon hairspring once they add it!) but I have to make difficult choices instead...
Thank you for sharing your impressions and information about the hair spring!
It might be info that not many people care about, but in this case it's relevant as to why this watch is not antimagnetic and why they can't just have a silicon hairspring in it.
@@TOKKANTE it was a smart.move by them. I personally gave up on the blancpain bathyscaphe because of its silicon hair spring. From a certain price point above they should not use silicon since it was developed to lower prices. What happens to the watch one che watch industries move on from.silicon? Will they be able to fix it 15 years from now? No silicon hair spring Is one of the main reason this is a contendant for me at this price point...
@@user-do8ef4np7q Silicon hairsprings cannot be fixed, they can only be replaced... which is an argument why some, like yourself, feel that traditional watchmaking should not use silicon hairsprings because everything should be repairable for potentially hundreds of years (Philippe Dufour also thinks so). But in this case, you'd better hurry if you're interested in the BP43 because come 2023, I bet Richemont will also switch to silicon, if only for the marketing argument that will come with it!
@@TOKKANTE Daniels too was against the use of silicon. I'm not sure they'll be making the switch. Richemont behaved well with panerai and never used silicon. Anyway the watch is fine but its not my first choice.
Nice work, keep it up
Agree, the bracelet should be all brushed. Even still, the leather strap (or perhaps canvas) is probably the only way I'd wear this watch.
You know, after wearing my Spitfire on the leather strap and finding it so comfortable, I'm coming around to thinking maybe I don't need a bracelet on every single watch!!
Designed by IWC for Luftwaffe?!!!!!
Well, not this particular one but back then, yes.
@@TOKKANTE can you make a video to tell me and the people, how IWC designed this watch?
@@TheDerisavi The original 1940 design was actually specified by the German military, and all 5 brands had to manufacture the exact same design at their request, so IWC did not specifically design it on their own. It's what is called "mil-spec" or military specifications. Same thing when IWC designed the Mark XI as a "mil-spec" request from the British RAF and 12 brands in total manufactured those watches (called "the dirty dozen" very collectible now) or when Breguet manufactured the Type XX at the request of the French military.
@@TOKKANTE thank you for tour time and effort, actually IWC produced few watches (100) for Luftwaffe the other four brands were the main suppliers, but IWC is taking the advantage of this design and most people think that this is the original IWCs design!
By the way even at this new case diameter they didn't do a new thing! Check the Laco ULM, which IMO is more original than this IWCs new big pilot.
Thank you again.
@@TheDerisavi Actually, they produced 1,200 from what I read with calibre 55 inside (if I recall correctly). 1,000 of those were for the Luftwaffe and 200 were used as desk clock for the British Royal Navy. But of course I wasn't there so I can't confirm it!
The best rewiew of this watch I’ve seen. Thanks!
Wow thanks for the high praise! It's just that I'm very critical usually but I try to substantiate my views with facts.
I have seen the ceo of iwc replying to comments on Instagram that iwc will update the mark series with Calibre 32. On different times I’ve seen him saying that iwc will produce fully brushed bracelet.
I hope this is true. I really hope they are not discontinuing the mark series. That would be a huge mistake on their part.
Yeah I also hope that's true, although IWC really needs to "clean up" their pilot collections... Maybe they'll just keep the same Mark XVIII name with an updated calibre?! So officially, no Mark XIX... Also, the fully brushed bracelet design seems like such an easy commercial decision, just make it and it'll sell!
@@TOKKANTE I feel the current mark xviii design cues are too similar to the new big pilot. If they release a new mark, it should be more faithful to the heritage of the mark series. This will help to better distinguish it from top gun, big pilot etc
@@shope83 Agree, but I think the Mark series is made for the general public, not for the watch collector, so they have to make it as much of an everyday watch as possible. I'm sure it's one of their best sellers because it's such an easy entry point into the world of IWC for non-connoisseurs.
Thanks for the great video! It's the most informative one I've seen about the new Big Pilot 43 so far.
Can you expand on the silicon hairspring patent? I've read online that it expired in 2021 and was getting my hopes up that more companies would start to use them. Thanks again.
I've heard 2023 about the patent expiration year; it's actually Alexander from Watch Advisor who personally told me this, but if you have solid sources you may be right. Once the patents expire, then other manufacturers will be able to offer that tech as well and I think LVMH and Richemont will, at least in their "entry-level" offerings even if just for the marketing aspect (not so sure about Vacheron, Lange, etc which are more traditional.). It would make sense for the Big Pilot, then we could have both an open caseback AND an amagnetic movement!
@@TOKKANTE Alexander is great! And a trusted source. Thanks for letting me know!