Messages: 261 Location: Missouri
Registered: January 2013
FedEx made me a happy guy / 5004 Delivery!
Thu, 14 March 2013 15:01
So this just arrived in the mail.
When I first started looking at Big Pilots I thought there was no way I could ever get a watch that big. And so I got the IWC Portuguese Chrono at 41mm which wears quite large due to small bezel. Once I realized that was ok, I went step bigger with JLC AMVOX 2 at 44mm. And so I eventually convinced myself that I could make the Big Pilot work. I do think I've probably gone to the very limit of what's acceptable given my wrist size (a smidge under 7") though. I'm sure to some this watch is too big for anyone with smaller than 8" wrist. But with fashion trends as they are, I don't think this watch stands out as way oversized given the other sizes of watches available on the market (I'm looking at you Mr. Diesel/Nixon/Burberry watch guys). Not to say those watches are properly sized at all... but I think it means a Big Pilot doesn't stand out as looking ridiculous on someone with smaller wrists.
So what are my thoughts after about 2 hours of ownership? It's a phenomenal watch. So crisp. I thought the crown would dig into my arm but it's apparently rounded just enough to where there's no scratching/digging or uncomfortable feelings at all. The watch feels substantial. It has weight to it but perhaps not as heavy as I would have imagined. The clasp is easier to engage/disengage than my IWC Port Chrono. The seconds do have a steady march to them. Given slower beats/minute it's not quite a smooth sweep as as you'd see with faster beat movements like the Valjoux 7750. And the winding is like butter. Whereas the Port Chrono is a bit tough to turn, this takes little effort at all.
So there you have it. Thanks FedEx guy. And thanks for reading.
IWC Portuguese Chrono (3714), IWC Spitfire (3717) IWC Doppelchronograph (3713), IWC Big Pilot (5004), PAM 048, Christopher Ward C-10, JLC AMVOX 2, Omega AT 2502.80, Breitling Abyss 42, Sinn U1W
- jonnyt5050