36 mm pilot watch IWC, LACO or ARCHIMEDE ?
Hi everybody,
I am planning my future watch and would like your opinion 😉
I recently sold my IWC mk XVI
It was a gorgeous watch but was a little too big for my taste.
36 mm is just the perfect size for my wrist and when it come to simple 3 hander.
As much as I plan to wear it also on leather and nato, I’d like to buy a pilot with a bracelet and preferably with no date.
Here are 3 watches that I am considering right now. IWC might be the better finish, but by how much and does it justifiy the price compared to the other 2? Laco pro seems very good for the price , but so does Archimede. Does any of you own one of those watches? Which one would you choose?
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None of the above. I've always lusted after the sterile Stowa brass fleiger in 36mm, which would be my choice here.
I’ve got a real soft spot for Laco and have a number of them in different variations. I really rate them and think they offer great value for money.
Having said that, I’m going the opposite way to you and have an IWC on my horizon. I’m looking and an IWC Pilot Chrono or Petit Prince. I think their on a whole other level.
I’ve got a real soft spot for Laco and have a number of them in different variations. I really rate them and think they offer great value for money.
Having said that, I’m going the opposite way to you and have an IWC on my horizon. I’m looking and an IWC Pilot Chrono or Petit Prince. I think their on a whole other level.
Well this is exactly what I fear: being frustrated with a Laco, having experienced IWC. On the other hand, a Laco would fill in the gap as a beater/casual watch in my collection ( I own a explorer) whereas an IWC is an expensive luxury piece
Decisions, decisions
What I like about Laco is I never feel afraid that I might damage them. They have a bit of a no nonsense vibe about them. I’m sure I won’t feel the same way about an IWC once I have one. Obviously a much larger investment.
If you are looking to fill a void then look no further. Laco still has great brand history as one of the ‘original five’, so they do tick a lot of boxes.
if money isnt the issue sure i would choose and iwc. but laco isnt bad either, you can wear them without worrying. for archimede, i dont have any experience on it
If you liked the IWC Pilot XVI, then I think you would really like the Pilot 36. Super clean/symmetrical dial, great size, great bracelet, and excellent finishing. It’s my favorite watch. (Though definitely buy pre-owned, as the msrp is a bit high).
As to whether this is all worth the significant premium over the Laco and Archimede, that’s a very subjective question. For me, yes, but for many, probably not.
How big is your wrist, btw? I've been pondering whether to get some flieger for a while myself, but most people say you should get the biggest you can fit on your wrist (there's even a video by Laco about this) and I'm not sure I can really do 40mm with such non-ergonomic lugs.
When it comes to concrete models I've always liked IWC Pilot the most for their finish, but their prices seem pretty wild for what you're getting. The Stowa Klassic is nicely brushed and the thinnest of the bunch. Laco's Flieger Pro seems to be sandblasted, which I'm not super fond of, and a bit thicker than the Stowa. On the other hand - it has very good water resistance and a bracelet option which is always nice. No easy decisions and those watches are pretty hard to try in person as few ADs carry them.
I have an older Archimede 42 and it's a great piece, can only think that this one would be great too.
What I like about Laco is I never feel afraid that I might damage them. They have a bit of a no nonsense vibe about them. I’m sure I won’t feel the same way about an IWC once I have one. Obviously a much larger investment.
If you are looking to fill a void then look no further. Laco still has great brand history as one of the ‘original five’, so they do tick a lot of boxes.
If you have to hold a watch without living life freely, then the watch may wear you. The Laco is wonderful - to me, IWC is where I would take for personal choice, I drool over them in the metal
I'd say for the money the Laco is the way to go, but it would be a tuff choice. Resale is going to be better on the IWC if tats even a concern....
How big is your wrist, btw? I've been pondering whether to get some flieger for a while myself, but most people say you should get the biggest you can fit on your wrist (there's even a video by Laco about this) and I'm not sure I can really do 40mm with such non-ergonomic lugs.
When it comes to concrete models I've always liked IWC Pilot the most for their finish, but their prices seem pretty wild for what you're getting. The Stowa Klassic is nicely brushed and the thinnest of the bunch. Laco's Flieger Pro seems to be sandblasted, which I'm not super fond of, and a bit thicker than the Stowa. On the other hand - it has very good water resistance and a bracelet option which is always nice. No easy decisions and those watches are pretty hard to try in person as few ADs carry them.
my wrist is 17cm. I sold an MK XVI a month ago. Wonderfull watch, fitted perfectly for my wrist.... but to my taste it was just a tad too big. I got used to the 36mm explorer so much that I don't want to go bigger anymore for watches without bezels.
I know the IWC would be the better watch ( mine was spectacular) but I need to figure out if I want/need one more luxury watch or a tool watch that I would use / wear for different occasions than with the explorer.
Try https://www.vaerwatches.com/products/s3-calendar-field-watch?variant=39982386970758
Try checking out Aristo. They're a pretty good quality option, without the hefty price tag. 😁
Archimede, totally love this piece.