Pull the trigger on an IWC Big Pilot?
Quick back story. Up until now I’ve had a clear idea of what my next watch would be. I’m at a stage now where the next one needs minimal overlap to justify the purchase but enough of a pull to get me reaching for it over the others to ensure plenty of wrist time.
The obvious gap is a dress watch but I’ve come to realise I just don’t need one so that’s parked for now.
I’ve narrowed it down to a Big Pilot 43 or Datejust 41. Well…that’s this week. Next week it will probably change 🫣.
I’ve always admired the Big Pilot design and the 43mm looks good on. I can pick one up for around £6.5k preowned. I’m also keen to add a Datejust 41 and am on the list at a local AD, which I know means absolutely nothing.
My dilemma is a nice one. I have the funds to get a Big Pilot 43 now or hold out for a Datejust 41 at retail - knowing I might never get one (I’m not willing to pay over retail on this one).
I realise these two watches are completely different but that’s where my weird watch obsession has taken me.
Interested to hear opinions.
For context, here are my other watches:
Watch geek | Sports fan (football, baseball, NFL, F1, NBA, rugby, cricket, golf) | Fitness
Dude, you already got a couple of Rolexes! Obvi go for the Big Pilot now! You could get hit by a bus tomorrow. You're sitting at the Pearly Gates, St. Jerome or whatever is saying to you, "Any regrets?" And your answer is, "Yeah, as I slipped on that banana peel, and my head was going under that bus tire, all I could think about was that I should have picked up that Big Pilot, as opposed to waiting around, saving for that Datejust."
Don't let that happen!
Both would really add something different to your collection. But the Big Pilot would add a different brand too as @HotWatchChick69 / Omeganut says.
Both are beautifully simple (depending on the configuration) and their designs are iconic. I'd take either one and neither would be a bad choice. It's definitely a hard one to make.
But if you're asking, personally I'd take the BP (but in blue) and on leather definitely.
Go for Big Pilot 43mm in Blue!
Getting a DJ would make your collection bit Rolex heavy, if that is a good thing or not I can't say. One consideration is the bracelet or strap. Do you prefer brecelets? The jubilee is in my opinnion the best there is, if you like the look that is.
"I have the funds to get a Big Pilot 43 now or hold out for a Datejust 41 at retail". This gives me the feeling, that you would prefer the DJ. If that is the case, wait and get what you want.
I was going to say go for the IWC (mainly because I am lusting after one) but then I saw you already have Rolexes in your collection so it’s a double yes to the IWC from me. You can’t go wrong with those choices though!
I don’t see a question here. The question you have to ask yourself is do I like variety or same stuff in a different packaging?
Getting a DJ would make your collection bit Rolex heavy, if that is a good thing or not I can't say. One consideration is the bracelet or strap. Do you prefer brecelets? The jubilee is in my opinnion the best there is, if you like the look that is.
"I have the funds to get a Big Pilot 43 now or hold out for a Datejust 41 at retail". This gives me the feeling, that you would prefer the DJ. If that is the case, wait and get what you want.
I prefer bracelets. My 3861 is usually on a bracelet but I have it on a strap at the moment.
I completely agree on the jubilee. It’s part of the reason I want it as the Exp II and Sub are oysters. My wife has a Rolex on a jubilee so I know first hand how good it looks.
My preference is the Datejust if I’m being honest so your last point is spot on too.
I was going to say go for the IWC (mainly because I am lusting after one) but then I saw you already have Rolexes in your collection so it’s a double yes to the IWC from me. You can’t go wrong with those choices though!
@Half_Life summed it up well, variety vs more of the same 🤷♂️
My vote also goes to the IWC! Really sweet watch and much more interesting than the Rolex in my opinion
This bad girl made her way into my box a few weeks back and I think it lets you know my vote.
Having a high end flieger is really unique and stands up well next to the rest of the icons you’ve already amassed.
The DJ you can get for your 50th / 60th / whatever. You’ll enjoy the IWC immediately. And if you've got the wrist for the 43 I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Big Pilot all day long. IWC are kicking it this year!!!!
The Big Pilots a big watch. all dial. little of bezel. Im kinda tired of heaving around my raily 42.5mm. Its a clock on my 8 inch wrist. I personally would get a smaller pilots watch and it doubles as a dress watch.
The Big Pilots a big watch. all dial. little of bezel. Im kinda tired of heaving around my raily 42.5mm. Its a clock on my 8 inch wrist. I personally would get a smaller pilots watch and it doubles as a dress watch.
It’s a good point and the reason I considered the Pilot Mark in the past…