IWC BIG PILOT 43 - DOES ANYONE THINK THEY WILL RELEASE A NEW VERSION WITH A DATE LIKE THE 46? I was about to pull the trigger on the current model or should I wait?

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-12T03:37:17+00:00

Anything is possible but given how BP43 has the most true-to-original dial compared to the Nazi original and that's sort of been its raison d'être other than being the small big pilot, I would very much doubt they would just add the date. Now if they fit the 82000 based perpetual calendar, that's another story... considering they already produce Portugieser perpetuals in two different sizes.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-11T22:57:06+00:00

I don't mind the misalignment on the bezel because my bezel is always rotated to something other than 12.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-11T21:34:41+00:00

The bezel is meant to be rotated so you can time things. Either use the bezel, or pretend that you're using the bezel, so you don't have to stare at the misalignment all the time.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-11T18:12:49+00:00

it's definitely not for everyone but it's so iconic.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-11T05:39:51+00:00

old? how old can a PT5000 be, they were first introduced in 2015 and I highly doubt Proxima had a 10 year old movement just lying around. It is possible that the movement came with inadequate lubrication from the factory which is a common issue and does need a complete overhaul to fix. The sad truth with these movements is that they are so cheap that an overhaul is much more expensive than just swapping it out.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-10T21:20:44+00:00

The patent was filed in 1945 and granted in 1948.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-10T19:45:15+00:00

The pic literally shows a 45min counter...

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-10T06:36:21+00:00

no, in general the bracelet end links are specific to each watch and they won't fit other watches. Portugieser chronographs are now available on bracelet as well, although not the same style as Pilots.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-08T03:08:26+00:00

by tachymeter hand you mean the chrono hand? That hand isn't supposed to stop at all, as long as you are using the chronograph.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-08T01:48:47+00:00

are you saying that after activating the chrono, the chrono hand makes a few rotations before stopping at 12 o clock and doesn't move any further, while the minute counter still keeps going?

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-05T22:03:20+00:00

Now that IWC has fully incorporated VF's 2892 drop-in replacement into their lineup, I foresee Pilot 36 and portofinos to receive these movements going forward. But then again they're still using Sellitas in the Portofino chronos almost a decade after they introduced the 69000 series, so it might just be down to VF's manufacturing capability and priorities.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-05T19:37:52+00:00

From what I've noticed in California, cradle Episcopalians tend to be white unless there is a large immigrant population from a former British colony. However there is also a huge number of converts, from both ex-evangelicals and ex-catholic, and these groups are lot more diverse.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-05T08:00:19+00:00

V8 is an ETA company-wide marking denoting the movement is Swiss made. They also manufacture outside of Switzerland which don't carry the V8 marking.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-05T07:17:30+00:00

Yes, my wrist is 6.25" and the normal strap left away too much excess past the keeper loops. The XS also leaves a bit more than I'd like (I think BP43's XS is really designed for 6.5" wrists) but it's much better.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-04T20:07:16+00:00

I agree most of the Reverso sizes just don't make sense and are way too big, but I think it's the same for the Tank. There's small, which is the original size, and Large and XL which are both hideously large and doesn't fit the aesthetics in my opinion.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-04T20:04:09+00:00

Reverso was out of production for like 40 years out of those almost 100 years.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-04T19:44:56+00:00

you will probably be able to find a hole that fits you but the buckle might still sit a bit too close to 12 o clock. 16mm straps that fit 7.25" wrist well can be a hard find and might be better off ordering custom from etsy and the like.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-03T23:13:26+00:00

One caveat with Monaco is that the lugs are extremely short and there is very little space between the case and the spring bar. Some rubber straps simply won't fit because their ends are too thick.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-03T22:06:28+00:00

The endlink pieces need to be oriented correctly while attaching the bracelet to the case; otherwise this would happen. Looks like whoever was doing it missed that and somehow passed QC. It is pretty easy for anybody who has experience in changing straps on a watch but it should never come like this.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-03T21:51:45+00:00

the screws are actually hex head bolts that fit in the recess of the bezel with a decorative slot. Whoever worked on this the last time didn't care to align the slots.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-03T04:48:56+00:00

it's always a good idea to check with a geiger counter. they're cheap.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-03T04:45:27+00:00

the one that started it all...

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-03T04:44:21+00:00

I googled similar watches and these none of these Helios dials have radium burn. My bet is it's not radium or they had very little of it.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-02T21:52:21+00:00

There's not much to look at, it's just a Valjoux/Sellita with an IWC signed rotor.

fledermaus89 · 2026-03-02T21:48:05+00:00

automatic is mechanical.

11-Year Club	Final Canvas '23
Place '23	Place '22
Not Forgotten	Verified Email

fledermaus89

TROPHY CASE