Visit to IWC Vancouver Boutique

[carl]

Admittedly, it has taken me a rather long time to learn to appreciate the IWC brand and it's value. Value is the key word for me, rather than price, when selecting any timepiece. Over the past couple of years, I have paid a few visits to the Vancouver Boutique. Finally, on my last visit, I became convinced that now is the time to choose my first IWC watch.

On previous visits, I had concentrated on the Big Pilot 46mm, in particular the Heritage model in bronze. When I visited a couple days ago, I really wanted to see it again. And I especially wanted to see the new 43mm Big Pilot. Also, I did a bit of research on the Aquatimer models, and was keen to take a look at them.

My biggest surprise of the day was my new appreciation of the Aquatimer. Actually the Charles Darwin edition is my favorite, and possible my favorite watch in the entire shop! The clever combination of bronze and rubber really piqued my interest. Not only the beautifully designed rubber strap with bronze tang buckle, but the use of rubber for the push pieces and the crown. Aesthetically pleasing, and very practical for an easy grip. Also, a part of the solid case back is trimmed in rubber. The DiveSafe bezel in incredibly well engineered, and so easy to rotate without having to take your fingers off the bezel. The housing for the DiveSafe mechanism also adds an amazing visual to the case! I won't go into detail about the wonderful in house manufacture Flyback chronograph movement with 60hr power reserve. What a treat! These are my own photos. Sorry for the quality, but much of the watch had a protective plastic film.











A shot of the case back, courtesy of "A Blog to Watch". Note the use of rubber around the edge:






Moving on to my next surprise. I was amazed to see a Big Pilot's Watch Big Date Spitfire "Mission Accomplished" Edtion. It is a limited edition of 500 pieces, and I understood it had sold out long ago. Amazing piece with hand wound movement (y) and big date at 12 o'clock with two date disks. An 8 Day power reserve, with the power reserve indicator cleverly displayed through an opening on the solid case back! What an amazing watch!





This photo courtesy of Monochrome:





Last but in no way least, the new 43mm Big Pilot. I was not prepared to like it so much! Especially updates to the movement. In particular replacing some metal components with ceramic. Saving wear and tear and reducing or eliminating need for lubrication. Beautifully finished polished and brushed surfaces. Possibly the most finely done brushing I have seen. And of course the large easy-to-grip crown. Another unique feature I learned: once the screwed-down crown is unscrewed, winding the watch is continued in a counterclockwise direction instead of clockwise. The only clockwise crown movement is screwing it back in. And the beautiful brown Pilot strap with deployant is gorgeous.



I did take another good look at the Big Pilot Heritage in Titanium as well. In the past this would have been my first choice. Now, I think it's between the AquaTimer "Charles Darwin" or the new 43mm Big Pilot.

Many thanks to my dear friend Hoki at the IWC Vancouver Boutique for the extensive tour. And to finally convince me of the value of this amazing brand!

Cheers,
Carl

[priamo]

One of the Big 5 for Flieger fans, IWC. That 43mm with no date. Display case back. Striking watch. Modern touches on classic Flieger. The price is steep. Also comes in sunburst blue dial. The Big Date. Nice. I lean toward GO at that price for their offset Big Date, I guess.

[rw16610]

carl I'm so glad to see you checked this brand out! Many years ago I did the same in the financial district. There was a place in Toronto, Solaris Jewelers in the TD Tower and that was my first instance seeing a few IWC pieces in person.

Great attention to detail and styling elements. I've never seen a case back like that before, with the small sapphire window. I like that it gives you a glimpse at a portion of the movement yet has the detailed stampings / engravings.

Agree with priamo , for any fan of Flieger watches it would be a travesty to not at least consider an IWC.

[Baco Noir]

That’s for sharing carl. The Darwin is probably my favorite of the bunch. Great bezel and like you, the rubber and bronze works ascetically for me

[carl]

Baco Noir Thanks, Roger. It certainly helps having a good friend now working at the boutique. Although I had great service before, I have learned so much more about the brand, and the more intricate details of the watches. I love the Darwin as well. However, I am finding that most of the watches I wear now are not the bronze ones. I went back again yesterday, and took a long look at the stainless steel 43mm Big Pilot, after doing tons of research. It is the closest to the original, I believe around 1941. No date and simple, easy-to-read dial. And no faux patina. But I really liked the "Mission Accomplished" as well. Such a unique piece. If you like the Darwin, here is an excellent review done by a guy who is passionate about the watch. Great photos, which really show the excellent patina: www.fratellowatches.com/guest-post-why-i-bought-the-iwc-aquatimer-bronze-dive-watch/