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IWC Big Pilot 5004 vs Glashutte Navigator + Date

poorsod

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What do you guys think?

IWC Big Pilot
Pro: I like to 5004 dial. Numbers are clear. Finishing is fantastic.

Con:
1) Price - OUCH! For $13.5k I'm wondering if I would rather pay more to have an 1815 (even if it is a completely different watch)
2) Can't see mechanism.

GO Senator Navigator Panorama Date
Pro: Cheaper. Nice big date complication. Movement is smoother. Nicely visualized mechanism.

Con: Smaller 44mm. Dial numbers not as nice as BP. Still expensive (quoted $9.5k).

 

earthdragon

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BP - Check out Timezone for a pre owned.
Alternatively, fly to Hong Kong (good selection of AD's), & save 25% - 30%
 

TheFoo

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For what it's worth, the BP will retain its value much better. Also, the fact that you can see the movement in the GO means that there's no anti-magnetic inner casing--odd in a pilot's watch. Anyway, the BP movement is more complicated (long power reserve + indicator > big date) and at least as well finished.

Still, aesthetics matter more than anything else at this level, in my opinion. IWC really bastardized their pilot's watches when they revamped the dials to resemble cockpit instrumentation. At least the GO still looks like a serious pilot's watch.
 

GuidoWongolini

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IWC BP - preferably the previous dial 5002?

The missing "9" on the current BP looks weird to me?

Would you not consider the platinum version? The anthracite dial is sweet
 

edmorel

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Originally Posted by mafoofan
For what it's worth, the BP will retain its value much better. Also, the fact that you can see the movement in the GO means that there's no anti-magnetic inner casing--odd in a pilot's watch. Anyway, the BP movement is more complicated (long power reserve + indicator > big date) and at least as well finished.

.


The GO does not have a clear caseback. I just got that watch for a coworker from one of my watch sources (just under 6k if the OP cares) and it is quite understated. The big date is nice and the hands are a beautiful blued steel that only shows under light. If you are looking for understated, the GO wins. If you are looking for something a bit more in your face, the IWC would be the choice.
 

poorsod

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Originally Posted by mafoofan
Still, aesthetics matter more than anything else at this level, in my opinion. IWC really bastardized their pilot's watches when they revamped the dials to resemble cockpit instrumentation. At least the GO still looks like a serious pilot's watch.

I actually like the aesthetics of the 5004 more than 5002 even though it not as historically accurate. I like the aesthetic of the B-Uhr homage watches more than its historical accuracy. Otherwise I'd buy the 55mm Laco replica juggernaut. I've thought about it, but would have to wear it outside my jacket. Gianni Agnelli eat your heart out!
laugh.gif


Originally Posted by Phat Guido
Would you not consider the platinum version? The anthracite dial is sweet

At the platinum price point, I'd buy an A. Lange & Sohne instead. I'm hoping one day they'll make a Richard Lange with a big date.

Originally Posted by edmorel
The GO does not have a clear caseback. I just got that watch for a coworker from one of my watch sources (just under 6k if the OP cares) and it is quite understated. The big date is nice and the hands are a beautiful blued steel that only shows under light. If you are looking for understated, the GO wins. If you are looking for something a bit more in your face, the IWC would be the choice.

The GO Nav PanDate I saw today has a clear back. Perhaps yours is a different variant?
 

zippyh

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Big Pilot all the way.
bigpilotsd6.jpg


And an 1815 for good measure.
updownvn7.jpg
 

SoCal2NYC

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I like GO; but, not that one.
 

Cantabrigian

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Originally Posted by mafoofan
Also, the fact that you can see the movement in the GO means that there's no anti-magnetic inner casing--odd in a pilot's watch.
No more odd than a pilot-styled watch on a non-pilot.
devil.gif
Between those two, I'd go for an old styled Big Pilot - if you don't mind the somewhat ridiculous size. For some reason, I've never been able to get into the GO pilots series. It seems like their heart really isn't it it - they just slap a big date or some other complication onto a black face and call it a day. I generally like their styling but not in this instance.
 

GuidoWongolini

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KBW

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I'm not the biggest fan of either but I like vintage (only new watches I buy are divers)
 

bigbjorn

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5002. IWC lost their way with the 5004. Nearly as bad as the Spitfire pilots watches.
 

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