IWC Vintage Pilot Watch Review

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 44mm

Bezel: Rotating

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black

Strap: Buffalo Brown

Movement: Manual

Power Reserve: 46 hrs

Water Resistant: 60m

  The IWC Vintage Pilot (IW325401) mens watch is of classic design. The watch pays homage to IWC’s first watch made in 1936 specifically for pilots. It features a hand wound Swiss Caliber 98300 movement with a 46 hour power reserve. The crystal is sapphire that has an AR coating, along with a see through sapphire case back. This beautifully crafted watch is complimented by a brown buffalo strap. The watch is also available in platinum, limited to 500 total pieces.

Pros - Unique pocket watch manual wind movement, easy to read, craftsmanship is not notch as to be expected.

Consideration - Water resistance

IWC Big Ingenieur (IW500505) Review

IWC Watch Reviews: Aquatimer 2000 (ref. 3568), Vintage Pilot, Big Ingenieur IW500501

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 44mm

Bezel: Count Down

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: White or Black

Strap: Rubber

Lug Width: 22mm

Movement: Caliber 30110

Water Resistant: 2000m

  The new line up in the Aquatimer (3568) family has some distinct changes and yet stays true to its roots. The Aquatimer Automatic 2000 mens watch and is water resistant to 2000m as the name suggest. The biggest changes come from the now external bezel and a larger 44mm case. The lume on this watch steals the show. It might be the best lumed watch available. Stunning, using both green and blue lume. This is of course an automatic watch, featuring IWC’s caliber 30110, with an estimated 42 hour power reserve. The Aquatimer 2000 is available in to standard dial variants: black dial with yellow quarter segment on the bezel as pictured, and white dial with white quarter segment. W&R likes IWC’s move towards larger cases and bolder designs.

Pros - Rich history, work horse movement, new design, stunning lume

Consideration - Only IWC bracelets/straps are compatible for different looks.

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 45.5mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black or Silver

Strap: Rubber

Lug Width: N/A

Movmt: Caliber 51113

Power Reserve: 7 Days

Water Resistant: 120m

  The new improved, bigger, badder, classic Ingenieur, now called Big Ingenieur (IW500505). Why go bigger on already amazing watch? The 7 day power reserve in-house caliber 51113, with the Pellaton winding system it is a larger movement. This requires more space, the benefit being a nice larger face. The size works well, mainly do to the fact the watch does not have an external bezel. External bezels often give the illusion of a watch being larger than it truly is. Ever hear someone say “it wears large”, odds are the watch had an external bezel. New to the Ingenieur is the Power Reserve indicator located at the 3 o’clock position, with the last day of power indicated in red. The red adds the needed contrast accent to the otherwise all black face. W&R’s favorite new change is the now sapphire case back, showing off the beautiful 42 jewel engine in clear view. IWC’s bracelets are among the best in the industry and well worth the extra money over a strap option. The bracelet is extremely solid and have quick release pushers for easy sizing. Similar to that of Panerai’s for strap changes but continued into each link as well. Borderline perfection!

Pros - In-house movmt, new design, 7 day power reserves

Consideration - Larger watch at 45.5mm

IWC Aquatimer 2000 Automatic Review