Buying something online can be a tricky decision. Ideally you want to see as many pictures as possible and maybe even watch video reviews of it. At least, that is my approach. I want to be as informed as possible before pulling the trigger. Buying watches is not different, specially if the watches you are looking at are north the $1k mark, you definitely want to make the most informed decision you can.
Recently I had the opportunity of being invited to see the upcoming models from IWC at the boutique closest to me. IWC was doing a tour that started in the East coast and moved down to the center of the country, ending in the West Coast. While at the boutique, and while not allowed to take pictures of the upcoming stuff, I decided to test drive the following watches:
On this very first post of the Test Drive section, I want to introduce to you the two IWC watches that have caught my eye, one recently and one from quite some time now. I am talking about the IWC Big Pilot and the Portugieser, respectively.
Let’s begin with the Big Pilot 43. Pilot watches have interested me for a while, mostly because of their simplicity and legibility. Recently I have been looking at the Stowa pilot watches, and then, this one pops up. The Big Pilot 43 still feels like a big watch, and from pictures, you would think that it is not that flashy. Well, it is flashy. The polished links in the bracelet and that great sunburst dial makes it not as tame as you’d think. It does not feel big on the wrist but you will definitely feel the size difference. One huge plus, and what makes it more attractive, is the new bracelet that IWC has introduced, with the easy removal of links and quick release end-links (EasX-Change system). One downside for a lot of people will be the 21mm lug width. You can find the Big Pilot 43 on IWC’s website here or at your nearest boutique. At the time of this visit, there was a waitlist for this specific watch, so be warned that you might have to put your name on a waitlist if you are interested on this specific one.
The Portugieser, also in a sunburst blue dial, is a beauty. This one is smaller at 40mm, compared to the 43mm of the Big Pilot 43. Unfortunately this one does not come equipped with the EasX-Change bracelet… yet. Rumor as it, that it might come soon, who knows? This watch has been seducing me for a while. There are other color variations, gold case, gold hands, steel case gold hands, steel case white dial, blue hands, etc. I think I gravitate towards the blue dial in a stainless steel case. Price wise, it is more accessible than the Big Pilot 43 by around $2k less. You can find the Portugieser here or also at your nearest boutique.
I hope you find these Test Drives useful in your watch buying decision, or curiosity. I like doing these visits to see what is out there and what watch will catch my attention next. I find it that this is the best way to buy a watch, for the most part. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
DL