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Joey_V · 10 February 2010, 04:33 AM

Looking at the IWC Pilot series.... particularly the Mark XVI or the Chrono 3717. I like the simplicity of the Mark XVI though.

I bet it'd make a great everyday casual watch.

Now, my questions are:
1. What is your opinion of the brand?
2. How is resale value?
3. The movements? I assume they are valjoux 7750 modified? Am I correct?

I know they make their own movements for some others in their line - which ones?

Thanks fellas!

Joey

ronin7 · 10 February 2010, 06:03 AM

I own the spitfire chrono 3717/2 and the pilot chrono 3717,the latter was a gift from my wife for my 40th birthday.in my view they are very comfortable,and look great.bang for your buck.as for resale i came close to fipping my spitfire to pay for my gmt II/c recently but good sense prevailed!the return on the watches isnt very good iam afraid but you shoud really look to only buy an iwc for the long run.

Joey_V · 10 February 2010, 06:15 AM

Thanks!

Anyone else?

And you got pics Ronin7?

ronin7 · 10 February 2010, 06:22 AM

No pics iam afraid,but do order the iwc catalogue,its a beast!a nice hardback book.rolex coud learn a thing or two from the guys at iwc

karmatp · 10 February 2010, 06:41 AM

IWC makes fantastic watches. I just picked up their 2010 catalog from my local AD and some of their models are stunning. I have been thinking about a new Aquatimer and everything I know about the brand is positive. If I remember correctly, they don't COSC their watches, they actually have stricter guidlines then COSC. You might want to post some questions over at Timezone under the IWC sub forum, they have a great community of IWC lovers over there. Best of luck with your decision, I really don't think you can go wrong with a IWC.

mailman · 10 February 2010, 10:17 AM

I'd give my left you know what for a Big Pilot

dalip · 10 February 2010, 10:19 AM

yup...BP for me also

Joey_V · 10 February 2010, 05:42 PM

BP might be too big for my wrist as its lugs stick out further than a Pam's or so I hear.

What's so good about a BP by the way? In house movement?

I like the Mark XVI...

dalip · 10 February 2010, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey_V

BP might be too big for my wrist as its lugs stick out further than a Pam's or so I hear.

What's so good about a BP by the way? In house movement?

I like the Mark XVI...

Joey..I just love the watch..try one on if you can...for me it's 'the' IWC...and is certainly on my radar

WatchTimes · 11 February 2010, 12:11 AM

I LOVE and want a IWC Vintage Pilot myself!

The BP is a beautiful piece, just a bit big for me
at 6.8 in wrists

boa2 · 11 February 2010, 12:57 AM

Yes, the Mark VI and 3717 are reworked movements. Very reliable, and nicely made watches. I've owned 4 or 5 IWCs.

Their in-house movements are found in many watches, quite a few of them in the Portuguese line. Although the Portuguese Chrono is not in-house.

wrxsti · 11 February 2010, 05:23 PM

i have 6.5 inch wrists and i wear a panerai which is 44mm and I have tried a big pilot that is 46mm. It felt like my pam in terms of size, it will be my next watch!

bcacncnc · 11 February 2010, 05:35 PM

I don't know why but the BP's don't sing to me...however the Portuguese models do...

Starwalker · 11 February 2010, 05:46 PM

I love the vintage davinci!

towernick · 11 February 2010, 05:52 PM

I have a Mark XV and my dad has the Mark XVI. You can find either used on Timezone for a pretty decent price. Honestly, and I know I bring this up every time IWC is mentioned, but they really do have the most comfortable bracelets. I like the Mark XV bracelet slightly more than the XVI. Great watches from a company with a cool history.

bewithabob · 3 April 2010, 02:29 PM

I love the Big Pilot and the Doppelchrono- here's mine

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=118887

HL65 · 3 April 2010, 10:23 PM

Personally--I have owned IWC for a while. They are awesome watches with great service as well. I had a Portugese Perpetual Cldr 2 in RG. Had to send it in twice for service due to calendar needing reset--both thimes they did for free including a free overhaul--it was just out of the warranty to. For me--their classic watch is the 5004--Big Pilot--it is simple yet bold. It has very good resale and is more popular than their other models. Go for it-you will not regret it!!

Sam Taha · 4 April 2010, 04:11 AM

The first pilot I really noticed at the AD was the Mark XVII, tried it on, liked it a lot. Went home, googled the rest, and saw the chrono version and the big pilot. Went back to AD, Big Pilot was too big, Mark XVII was too simple, and the Pilot Chrono 3717 was just right.

So I bought it!

All three are fantastic and, with a suit or tux, gives you a james-bondish look... but I would only go for the big pilot if your wrist is big enough, the watch only looks good if it looks good on YOU. It's no use if it just looks good on display.

Good luck and let us know your decision :-)

Tripod · 5 April 2010, 08:12 AM

I never paid any attention to IWC until recently but now I am hooked. I am definitely getting one in the near future. The Pilot chrono 3717 is terrific. The Big Pilot is a stunner if you can pull it off. I recently saw a picture of a 2010 Portuguese Yacht Club and it blew me away. I will be buying it if the watch doesn't look too big on my wrist (45.2mm i think - so just under a Big Pilot). I showed the pic to my AD, who hadn't seen it before, and he said, "Oh my God, I'm getting one for myself too."

10 February 2010, 04:33 AM	#1
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	IWC watch opinions...? Looking at the IWC Pilot series.... particularly the Mark XVI or the Chrono 3717. I like the simplicity of the Mark XVI though. I bet it'd make a great everyday casual watch. Now, my questions are: 1. What is your opinion of the brand? 2. How is resale value? 3. The movements? I assume they are valjoux 7750 modified? Am I correct? I know they make their own movements for some others in their line - which ones? Thanks fellas! Joey __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

10 February 2010, 06:15 AM	#3
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	Thanks! Anyone else? And you got pics Ronin7? __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

10 February 2010, 06:41 AM	#5
karmatp "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Trevor Location: Arizona Posts: 5,740	IWC makes fantastic watches. I just picked up their 2010 catalog from my local AD and some of their models are stunning. I have been thinking about a new Aquatimer and everything I know about the brand is positive. If I remember correctly, they don't COSC their watches, they actually have stricter guidlines then COSC. You might want to post some questions over at Timezone under the IWC sub forum, they have a great community of IWC lovers over there. Best of luck with your decision, I really don't think you can go wrong with a IWC. __________________ My grails:

10 February 2010, 10:17 AM	#6
mailman TRF Moderator & SubLV41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,504	I'd give my left you know what for a Big Pilot __________________ JJ

10 February 2010, 10:19 AM	#7
dalip "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Dalip Location: Mumbai and Perth Watch: Rolex PAM Omega Posts: 18,656	yup...BP for me also __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ *"The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else." George Bernard Shaw*

10 February 2010, 06:03 AM	#2
ronin7 Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: bucks uk Watch: green submariner Posts: 424	I own the spitfire chrono 3717/2 and the pilot chrono 3717,the latter was a gift from my wife for my 40th birthday.in my view they are very comfortable,and look great.bang for your buck.as for resale i came close to fipping my spitfire to pay for my gmt II/c recently but good sense prevailed!the return on the watches isnt very good iam afraid but you shoud really look to only buy an iwc for the long run.

10 February 2010, 06:22 AM	#4
ronin7 Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: bucks uk Watch: green submariner Posts: 424	No pics iam afraid,but do order the iwc catalogue,its a beast!a nice hardback book.rolex coud learn a thing or two from the guys at iwc

10 February 2010, 05:42 PM	#8
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	BP might be too big for my wrist as its lugs stick out further than a Pam's or so I hear. What's so good about a BP by the way? In house movement? I like the Mark XVI... __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

11 February 2010, 12:11 AM	#10
WatchTimes 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy Location: Metro Detroit USA Watch: It's a Rolex! Posts: 5,787	I LOVE and want a IWC Vintage Pilot myself! The BP is a beautiful piece, just a bit big for me at 6.8 in wrists __________________ "You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun

11 February 2010, 12:57 AM	#11
boa2 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Utah Watch: Lover Posts: 3,913	Yes, the Mark VI and 3717 are reworked movements. Very reliable, and nicely made watches. I've owned 4 or 5 IWCs. Their in-house movements are found in many watches, quite a few of them in the Portuguese line. Although the Portuguese Chrono is not in-house. __________________ "Facts and truth really don't have much to do with each other."

11 February 2010, 05:23 PM	#12
wrxsti "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 1,695	i have 6.5 inch wrists and i wear a panerai which is 44mm and I have tried a big pilot that is 46mm. It felt like my pam in terms of size, it will be my next watch! __________________ PP Geneva

11 February 2010, 05:35 PM	#13
bcacncnc "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Bryan Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,577	I don't know why but the BP's don't sing to me...however the Portuguese models do... __________________ Omega Panerai Chopard Grand Seiko

11 February 2010, 05:46 PM	#14
Starwalker "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: aroundtheworld Watch: SS Daytona - BLACK Posts: 2,261	I love the vintage davinci! __________________ 116520 Black - 116500 White - 116713LN - 116613LB - Panerai 389 - Chopard Mille Miglia GMT Chronograph - Chopard LUC Sport 2000 - Moser Pioneer Centre Seconds

11 February 2010, 05:52 PM	#15
towernick Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 880	I have a Mark XV and my dad has the Mark XVI. You can find either used on Timezone for a pretty decent price. Honestly, and I know I bring this up every time IWC is mentioned, but they really do have the most comfortable bracelets. I like the Mark XV bracelet slightly more than the XVI. Great watches from a company with a cool history.

3 April 2010, 02:29 PM	#16
bewithabob "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Bob Location: Dallas, Texas Watch: Daytona Meteorite Posts: 3,417	I love the Big Pilot and the Doppelchrono- here's mine http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=118887 __________________ meteor flying to Earth onto my wrist... 116509 Daytona Meteorite, 116520 Daytona Black, 116710 GMTIIC, 16013 DATEJUST, CARTIER SANTOS 100 W20090X8, IWC Big Pilot, IWC Top Gun "Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."

3 April 2010, 10:23 PM	#17
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	Personally--I have owned IWC for a while. They are awesome watches with great service as well. I had a Portugese Perpetual Cldr 2 in RG. Had to send it in twice for service due to calendar needing reset--both thimes they did for free including a free overhaul--it was just out of the warranty to. For me--their classic watch is the 5004--Big Pilot--it is simple yet bold. It has very good resale and is more popular than their other models. Go for it-you will not regret it!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

4 April 2010, 04:11 AM	#18
Sam Taha "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Abu Dhabi Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 96	The first pilot I really noticed at the AD was the Mark XVII, tried it on, liked it a lot. Went home, googled the rest, and saw the chrono version and the big pilot. Went back to AD, Big Pilot was too big, Mark XVII was too simple, and the Pilot Chrono 3717 was just right. So I bought it! All three are fantastic and, with a suit or tux, gives you a james-bondish look... but I would only go for the big pilot if your wrist is big enough, the watch only looks good if it looks good on YOU. It's no use if it just looks good on display. Good luck and let us know your decision :-)

5 April 2010, 08:12 AM	#19
Tripod Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: USA Posts: 97	I never paid any attention to IWC until recently but now I am hooked. I am definitely getting one in the near future. The Pilot chrono 3717 is terrific. The Big Pilot is a stunner if you can pull it off. I recently saw a picture of a 2010 Portuguese Yacht Club and it blew me away. I will be buying it if the watch doesn't look too big on my wrist (45.2mm i think - so just under a Big Pilot). I showed the pic to my AD, who hadn't seen it before, and he said, "Oh my God, I'm getting one for myself too."

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