DSOTM Pitch Black vs Top Gun Ceramic Pilot chrono

[Mastergreenhand]

I was initially really interested in the Top Gun ceramic pilot chrono, but hit the pause button after seeing that the ceramic ends up looking pretty shoddy with usage (scratches and blemishes that don't buff out according to owners).

The other day I walked into an Omega boutique to look for a new strap for my Speedy Pro when I saw the DSOTM Pitch Black. I tried it on and really loved it. I did not care much for the original DSOTM due to it being too shiny. But the Pitch Black has a matte dial and case finish. I think I fell in love with it. So here's a picture of both watches. Any experience with the PB? How does the matte finish hold up in terms of durability? I liked that it felt light on my wrist. And I liked the leather strap it came with. If I decide to go for it, how likely is it to get a discount or are they firm on pricing? MSRP is 12k. Wrist shots appreciated!

[swils8610]

IWC is a great brand. I’d go with the Omega. Way to much going on with the dial on the IWC. I also prefer the Omega case better.


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[toolr]

Big fan of both brands, I prefer the IWC between these two.

[RW16610]

That's a tough choice really, I like both. The fact marks / scratches show up in the IWC's finish isn't a selling point for me, sadly. Regarding the Omega, I'm not sure.

I've always thought that one of the reasons to use ceramic on watches was to avoided scratches(of course). However, glossy black ceramic watch would be the antithesis of tactical. The previous generation Planet Ocean watches are actually capable of being marked on the insert.



Image from an old eBay listing

I'm also interested to see what others have to say regarding the finishing of the ceramic like the IWC. I'm assuming it has to do with the technique used to achieve that matte appearance. Also note that within reasonable limits, scratch/marks do add some character.

[Mastergreenhand]

I like the Pitch Black Omega because of it's matte finish. I owned the original DSOTM and did not like how shiny that one was. I sold it within a couple weeks. I am liking the idea of ceramic as it is more stealthy, and won't be noticed from afar. I hardly wear my Rolex in the city these days unless under sleeves. It's getting cold now so I'll have sleeves for a while, but I still like the black stealthy look of ceramic. These are the only two models I'm currently considering.

I'm not sure if I can ask for a discount with either boutique. Anyone know?

[1William]

I prefer the Omega for the design and wear.

[samson66]

That's a tough one but I think I prefer the Omega mainly due to the black pushers and superior strap

[-dustin]

hate the steel pushers and crown, but very much prefer the bright white indices/ hands/ lume. so my vote would go with IWC.

[toolr]

Originally Posted by -dustin

hate the steel pushers and crown, but very much prefer the bright white indices/ hands/ lume. so my vote would go with IWC.

They're actually titanium.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by toolr

They're actually titanium.

Correct. Crown, pushers, and caseback are titanium. The folding clasp looks titanium, but it’s not. It’s sandblasted steel. It does match perfectly and the extra weight from the steel helps balance the large case.

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by toolr

They're actually titanium.

Hot damn. Was not aware.

Still not a fan. Wish they’d figure out how to make them black. Look so out of place.

[trippinjimmy]

Iwc for me!


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[Ravager135]

I don't own the DSotM, but I do own a Speedmaster Professional 3861 and the IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun. I really can't say enough good things about the Top Gun. No one does ceramic cases like IWC. I've had mine for two years now and it looks brand new. It has been banged around and every time I got a "scratch" on it, it was paint that came off from whatever the watch hit. You can literally use a white eraser to remove it from the case. I own three IWCs and the Top Gun is far and away my favorite.

The downsides to the piece are the size. It is rather large and thick. I wear it as a statement piece because it really does "pop" on the wrist with the high contrast dial markings and blacked out contrast. I wish the strap was little more substantial that the leather backed textile strap that comes with it, but this is a minor complaint.

I can't speak for the DSotM specifically, but I do love my Speedmaster. I probably wear it more than any other watch, but I have the traditional Moonwatch. I think the DSotM is good looking, but IWC really is the cutting edge brand when it comes to ceramics. I've held and looked at ceramic watches by Panerai and they don't come close in my opinion.

[Nodzex]

I like both but would go with Omega!

[Gladiat0r]

I’ve worn my seamaster 300 ceramic in some pretty rough situations. Banged it against doors and tables that made me cringe. Still looks brand new. Not a scratch on the ceramic case whatsoever. Just giving some input on Omega’s ceramic cases.

[donas]

I like the looks of IWC much more.

[asiparks]

I owned a 3799 Top Gun Doppel chrono for 10 years and it absolutely did not get scratched. Marks were things , like metals, that had rubbed off against the much harder zirconium oxide case and could be removed with a a bit of elbow grease. I've never seen widespread reports of owners having scratched watches.

Note also that most newer Top guns do, in fact, now have ceramic pushers and crowns.

[JohnGingerwood]

That is tough. I would probably flip a coin.........kind of leaning Omega.

[sco]

I think I'd lean towards the Omega here. What movement is in the IWC?

[Mastergreenhand]

In house movement

[m3fanatic75]

I have a DSOTM and it is one of my favorites. It wears really well and the deployant strap is awesome.

However, the IWC is really nice as well.

You really can't go wrong with either path.

[MichelleP]

I like the Omega. As far as a discount, boutiques don't generally discount other than no tax. You can probably get a discount at an AD though

[FrenchBigCrown]

Are they referring to the IWC as the 'Top Gun' watch?

As in the movie? Tom Cruise and all that?