Ready for first IWC watch. But which one?

[ARex]

Hello All IWC owners,

I am ready to get my first IWC watch. My mind is currently split between BP 5004-01 and Portuguese 7 days 5001-09.

I went to the AD, tried them both on my wrist and liked both of them. That's the dilemma (my initial target was Port 7d).
In term of spec, in my view, they're both on par. For me, it all comes down to the trendy look of the BP or the classic look of the Port 7d.

I am more a jean/short + long sleeve shirt with sleeves up/T-shirt guy outside work and pant + long sleeve shirt with sleeves up guy at work. So, I think BP is good choice for me. Port 7d is good as well, but just not the same and sometimes I feel Port 7d can look a bit like any other leather strap watches (pls don't attack me on this for Port 7d owners - just my thought).

So, based on the above, I am kinda more in favour toward BP.

However, I don't like to look trendy at work?Maybe I am over concern abt this?

What you guys say?

Also, I've been reading about the accuracy issue in both BP and Port 7d. Is it really a concern for the owners? Or what other brand watch you will buy if you have the money to buy BNIB BP?

Apologise for the long post and thanks for reading.

Cheers

[Valjean]

Based on your attire, BP seems a better match if you can pull off the huge size. Port is dressier.

But if you go for the Port, why not the classic silvered dial with blued hands?

[eng81157]

go for the BP, it's a timeless classic though not that the 5001 isn't. the price difference is merely $2k and for that, you get a soft iron core. not that it matters too, unless you are a pilot.

after wearing rolex and pams, i've never looked back after a BP and am glad to have one.

[pegasi]

Port 7d is actually not that dressy due to it relatively big and thick case size. I would say both are good choice, if you can pull off the BP like bro Valjean said.

If I were you, I would take into consideration the other watches I have. For example, if most/all of your watches are black-dial sporty watch (very common nowadays), then a white-dial Port 7d might be a better choice.

[rebbot]

I am lucky to have owned the portuguese (white face with blue hands i.e. 5001-07) previously for a while and the BP now. I think both are great watches and would go well with shirts (long or short) and jeans. I am in that attire most of the time and will put on a blazer if necessary.

However from your post, it seems like you have already made up your mind with the BP. Personally I decided to part with the portuguese 7 days as I found it to be a tad too small and am changing my collection to bigger watches which suits me better. However I still miss it every now and then when I need a watch with a classic white dial. My wife loves the portuguese 7 days very much too as it is so classy.

Maybe this will help nudge you to make a decision since you have more or less decided? I have just switched from the original black crocodile strap to the thinner crocodile straps used by the portuguese 7 days and its so much more comfortable and sits better on my wrist. It fits better under the shirt cuffs as well.

[Valjean]

If I were you, I would take into consideration the other watches I have. For example, if most/all of your watches are black-dial sporty watch (very common nowadays), then a white-dial Port 7d might be a better choice.

So true. My 5001-07 is my only white-dial timepiece... haha.

[ARex]

Haha...I guess it is just too hard to deny what you like, isn't it?

BP just poisons me so deeply now and even more with rebbot wrist shot.

I'm wearing the Sub 116610LN and I am not worrying getting the BP which is also a black dial. They are just not the same type of watch.

I will get the Port 7d next time then but dunno when though.

One thing is that no one says about the accuracy issue with BP? Or it is not an issue?

Thanks

[rebbot]

Haha...I guess it is just too hard to deny what you like, isn't it?

BP just poisons me so deeply now and even more with rebbot wrist shot.

I'm wearing the Sub 116610LN and I am not worrying getting the BP which is also a black dial. They are just not the same type of watch.

I will get the Port 7d next time then but dunno when though.

One thing is that no one says about the accuracy issue with BP? Or it is not an issue?

Thanks

The sub is definitely a different watch since its a diver while the BP is for the navigating the skies. Lolz sorry for the lame attempt to help justify.

To be honest, my BP is running at around +10 sec per day depending on the position I leave the watch in when its off my wrist. I was told leaving it sideways with the crown facing up yields better accruracy. Some people are extremely concerned with the accruracy while I do not really bother since it is aroind +60 sec per week for me and does not affect as much.

I am intending to organising a GTG. You might want to join me and you can have a go at the BP for the night and see how it goes. I will also try to see if I can 'loan' a portuguese 7 days for you to have a go if you are comming but no promises.

Cheers mate!

[toffeesthings]

Bro Arex,
You mentioned the possibility of another brand? I assume that it has to be equally prestigious as IWC.
For that I think the Glashutte Original Senator Navigator might serve represent a good in-between for the 5001 and 5004. It has the Type A dial associated with pilot's watches and is sized at a reasonable 44mm that can fit under long sleeves too, so no issues of having a too dressy watch over the weekends nor a watch that is too trendy to be worn in the office.

[ARex]

Thanks rebbot. I am keen to join. Let me know!

Also, thanks toffeesthings for the suggestion. I think I am getting poisoned too deeply by BP already. I'm getting this one....

Need last help from you bro. If can't be discussed pls PM me. Could you pls let me know the price of BP 5004-01 in S'pore? Any discount I can get and in which AD?

Thanks heap. SG-ROC rocks.

[rebbot]

Thanks rebbot. I am keen to join. Let me know!

Also, thanks toffeesthings for the suggestion. I think I am getting poisoned too deeply by BP already. I'm getting this one....

Need last help from you bro. If can't be discussed pls PM me. Could you pls let me know the price of BP 5004-01 in S'pore? Any discount I can get and in which AD?

Thanks heap. SG-ROC rocks.

I posted the GTG thread here: http://www.sg-roc.com/threads/73939-...ested-in-a-GTG Just register and I will PM you more details nearer to the event. I can also pass you a IWC catalogue if I manage to find the extra copy I received.

The last I saw the BP I believe it was going for around 22K at most ADs and you should be able to get it around 15-16K with discount. Not sure if the prices has increased. Drop me a PM and if I am available, I will be happy to go watch shopping with you. Lolz

[toffeesthings]

Just to add: If you're not too fussy and can accept a used piece, most 2nd dealers are selling in the region of 12k and if you hunt on our sales garage, 5004s go for about 10-11k plus, that's about 50% off the list price.

But I think the elusive 5002 takes the cake, I think a very reliable chap, Kcchen, is letting one go : )

[rebbot]

Just to add: If you're not too fussy and can accept a used piece, most 2nd dealers are selling in the region of 12k and if you hunt on our sales garage, 5004s go for about 10-11k plus, that's about 50% off the list price.

But I think the elusive 5002 takes the cake, I think a very reliable chap, Kcchen, is letting one go : )

+1 on Kenneth! I bought one of my first pams from him 5-6 years ago. Lolz

In regards to the 5002 and 5004, I think its a personal preference although hardcore collectors will beg to differ. For some reason, I personally prefer the 5004 dial now that I have gotten used to it. Nevertheless, I would not mind getting both the original 5002 (not transitional) and the 5004 just for collection purposes if I have the spare cash and really like the BP that much.

Cheers!

[toffeesthings]

+1 on Kenneth! I bought one of my first pams from him 5-6 years ago. Lolz

In regards to the 5002 and 5004, I think its a personal preference although hardcore collectors will beg to differ. For some reason, I personally prefer the 5004 dial now that I have gotten used to it. Nevertheless, I would not mind getting both the original 5002 (not transitional) and the 5004 just for collection purposes if I have the spare cash and really like the BP that much.

Cheers!

Haha, yet another fellow satisfied customer!?
Ok, I'm no hardcore collector but I'm more sold on the look of the 5002. Had the 5004 initially but eventually got the 5002 as I felt the 5002 was more true to the Big Pilot roots, especially when its mainly tradition and bygone heroics that most of these watchmakers are marketing.
Downside is, too many watchmakers are paying homage to the Type A design that the 5002 is based on (and rightfully so in tribute to a historically significant design) that is is now less distinguishable...
Alright, enought banter from me, or else Bro Arex will be torn with more choices, haha!

[rebbot]

Haha, yet another fellow satisfied customer!?
Ok, I'm no hardcore collector but I'm more sold on the look of the 5002. Had the 5004 initially but eventually got the 5002 as I felt the 5002 was more true to the Big Pilot roots, especially when its mainly tradition and bygone heroics that most of these watchmakers are marketing.
Downside is, too many watchmakers are paying homage to the Type A design that the 5002 is based on (and rightfully so in tribute to a historically significant design) that is is now less distinguishable...
Alright, enought banter from me, or else Bro Arex will be torn with more choices, haha!

Yeah think many of us started off with Kenneth! Haha. My journey with the pilot was the other way around. I started with 5002 and ended up with the 5004. You are right to say that the dial would be truer to heritage but comparing the 5002 and 5004 side-by-side, the fonts on the 5002 started to look a little odd while thr 5004 was looking kinda sharper to me. Anyways to each of his own I guess! BTW mate we need a coffee session so I can view some of your watches in the metal too! Lolz