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RiceCake

IWC Big Pilot 5004 (pic heavy)

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RiceCake

So after several months of looking at watches, and a couple of months of research on this awesome forum (thanks all), I finally made my first rep purchase. I've always waned a watch that is 'different' than most and with an automatic movement, but could never afford it. Reps have temporarily 'solved' my problem by allowing me to get some truly stunning pieces without breaking the bank (although I feel an addiction coming on that could be costly)

 

I don't have any previous experience with reps, and I know there are tons of excellent reviews on this site, but I figured I'd do what I can to give back in the little way that I can. Please let me know if you have any questions about the piece or if there are any details that you'd like photographed (besides internals).

 

Dealer: WI (excellent service, I see no reason to try ordering with anyone else)

Price: $248

Time from first email to delivery: just under 3 weeks

Shipping time: 5 days to Calgary!!!! Just in time for May long weekend :)

 

 

The first thing I notice is the amazing wrist presence of this watch. its absolutely killer! I find myself staring at the watch for a minute or so, and then looking back a couple of seconds later to check the time because I got distracted by its beauty... I love looking at it!

 

IMG_2495.jpg

 

Based on comments from many members, I went for the 'faux' power reserve, and I am very glad I did because I LOVE the details of this watch. (sorry about the dust... I didn't realize it was dirty until I looked at the macro photos)

 

IMG_2545.jpg

 

This is truly amazing attention to detail and far exceeds the expectations I had of a rep. The weight feels just right, nothing rattles or shakes out of place, and the crown is a pure joy to use.

 

IMG_2547.jpg

 

Obviously, there are compromises, but they are very minor to me and I am still very happy for the price I paid. The buckle is very easy to 'rough up', likely due to inferior metal compound vs. gen, and the strap (as always with leather on reps) is awful. It looks OK from about 4 feet away, but it is not very comfortable. Perhaps it will improve as it wears in? I will replace it eventually. This is what it looks like after 1 day of wear:

 

 

IMG_2555.jpg

 

The only other visual issue I can see is the lume... It is very neatly applied and quite bright, but it doesn't last very long once the lights go out. There is another issue that I see which is difficult to describe.... In the picture below, notice the 'shadow' in the center of the minute and hour hand... it almost looks like there is a slight concave dip in the lume which is causing a shadow.

 

IMG_2550.jpg

 

Everything else looks perfect to me. I do have one question for the members though...

I wasn't able to find a consensus on what is an acceptable level of accuracy for keeping time with reps. This seems to be gaining about 10 seconds per day in the first day of use. How much would you personally be comfortable accepting? I know some gens have more variance than this, so I'm actually quite happy, but I just want to get some opinions. Have you ever sent a watch back for losing/gaining too much time?

 

And here is some more watch porn :lol:

 

IMG_2553.jpg

 

IMG_2556.jpg

 

IMG_2558-Edit.jpg

 

IMG_2560.jpg

 

IMG_2565.jpg

IMG_2568.jpg

 

First time posting a review; constructive criticism is welcomed. I also got a Rolex Milgauss (review: http://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?showtopic=52040)

Cheers

Edited by RiceCake

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Edge22

Got to say that the watch looks fantastic and that you are a very skilled photographer!

 

This specific model is (also) high on my wishlist.

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TheSav

Very nice. Especially for the price. 10 seconds a day is nothing and quite acceptable. Congrats and enjoy your purchase :)

 

Good review too btw.

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James.

Stunning watch and fantastic photos too, just received mine today as well, brill watch. Anyone who's thinking of getting this watch needs to jump in with both feet, you won't regret it.

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RiceCake

Glad you all enjoy some eye candy :)

I agree Semaj, this is a stunning piece. To anyone on the fence: Just get it already!

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TheInthusiest

Im using one of the images as my wallpaper! Sweet buy!

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Prancuzas

Now i want one!

 

My wrist is quite small though. Can anyone compare how it wears and feels in size in comparison to PAM 44mm luminor cases?

Edited by Prancuzas

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mysterio

Now i want one!

 

My wrist is quite small though. Can anyone compare how it wears and feels in size in comparison to PAM 44mm luminor cases?

 

Some pics from Risti:

 

l1000777.jpg

l1000662.jpg

l10006961.jpg

img6429v.jpg

img6431z.jpg

img6433y.jpg

 

I hope these help.

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R5tdi

 

Stunning watch great pick up I wouldn't worry about 10 sec per day u can live easily with that

 

I've got one inbound from Vac Lume I've been waiting 3 months for it and should arrive next week u just upped my anticipation levels

 

Agree on the strap many threads on the best options for this I'm waiting until I get mine until I decide on the new boots

 

Enjoy and wear it with good health

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Blaxbolt

Man, what a beauty. I might have to look into getting one!

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Annie
So after several months of looking at watches, and a couple of months of research on this awesome forum (thanks all), I finally made my first rep purchase. I've always waned a watch that is 'different' than most and with an automatic movement, but could never afford it. Reps have temporarily 'solved' my problem by allowing me to get some truly stunning pieces without breaking the bank (although I feel an addiction coming on that could be costly) I don't have any previous experience with reps, and I know there are tons of excellent reviews on this site, but I figured I'd do what I can to give back in the little way that I can. Please let me know if you have any questions about the piece or if there are any details that you'd like photographed (besides internals). Dealer: WI (excellent service, I see no reason to try ordering with anyone else) Price: $248 Time from first email to delivery: just under 3 weeks Shipping time: 5 days to Calgary!!!! Just in time for May long weekend :) The first thing I notice is the amazing wrist presence of this watch. its absolutely killer! I find myself staring at the watch for a minute or so, and then looking back a couple of seconds later to check the time because I got distracted by its beauty... I love looking at it! IMG_2495.jpg Based on comments from many members, I went for the 'faux' power reserve, and I am very glad I did because I LOVE the details of this watch. (sorry about the dust... I didn't realize it was dirty until I looked at the macro photos) IMG_2545.jpg This is truly amazing attention to detail and far exceeds the expectations I had of a rep. The weight feels just right, nothing rattles or shakes out of place, and the crown is a pure joy to use. IMG_2547.jpg Obviously, there are compromises, but they are very minor to me and I am still very happy for the price I paid. The buckle is very easy to 'rough up', likely due to inferior metal compound vs. gen, and the strap (as always with leather on reps) is awful. It looks OK from about 4 feet away, but it is not very comfortable. Perhaps it will improve as it wears in? I will replace it eventually. This is what it looks like after 1 day of wear: IMG_2555.jpg The only other visual issue I can see is the lume... It is very neatly applied and quite bright, but it doesn't last very long once the lights go out. There is another issue that I see which is difficult to describe.... In the picture below, notice the 'shadow' in the center of the minute and hour hand... it almost looks like there is a slight concave dip in the lume which is causing a shadow. IMG_2550.jpg Everything else looks perfect to me. I do have one question for the members though... I wasn't able to find a consensus on what is an acceptable level of accuracy for keeping time with reps. This seems to be gaining about 10 seconds per day in the first day of use. How much would you personally be comfortable accepting? I know some gens have more variance than this, so I'm actually quite happy, but I just want to get some opinions. Have you ever sent a watch back for losing/gaining too much time? And here is some more watch porn :lol:IMG_2553.jpgIMG_2556.jpgIMG_2558-Edit.jpgIMG_2560.jpgIMG_2565.jpgIMG_2568.jpg First time posting a review; constructive criticism is welcomed. I also got a Rolex Milgauss (review: http://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?showtopic=52040) Cheers

 

Hi sorry may i ask which trusted dealer did u purchase this from?

I tried to compare photos between this and the new lum version but cant tell what the difference.

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RiceCake

I said that I bought from WI in the post that you quoted. That's Watch International :)

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

 

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Maverick911

For me is the big pilot a little bit too big, but its very nice

 

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greg_r

great watch. Enjoy! :D

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mysterio

For me is the big pilot a little bit too big, but its very nice

 

With a username like that, you need a Top Gun. :)

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Himont

Nice choice, great pics .... Enjoy

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Andrew0568

Thanks for the post and lovely pictures! Based off this post I went ahead and purchased from Rochest at WI--great service, received the watch in California 1 week after I initially contacted them.

 

I agree though that the strap is a tad uncomfortable. Have you decided on a new one yet?

 

Cheers!

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Xebryus

Got to say that the watch looks fantastic and that you are a very skilled photographer!

 

This specific model is (also) high on my wishlist.

Oh yes, there is a very cheap place, than you said that lower prices, I suggest you take a look

Come to http://www.bestwatch...c-294_3466.html

 

Good bye asshat. Enjoy the rebar

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RiceCake

But I think $ 248 is not the cheapest, oh, last time I also saw IWC watches cheaper than you this price is also cheaper, you can refer to http://www.cpwatchst...ches-c-294.html

 

Hahahaha, there are ton's of terrible scam sites but this is clearly one of the worst efforts I've ever seen. Hammer time

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RiceCake

Thanks for the post and lovely pictures! Based off this post I went ahead and purchased from Rochest at WI--great service, received the watch in California 1 week after I initially contacted them.

 

I agree though that the strap is a tad uncomfortable. Have you decided on a new one yet?

 

Cheers!

 

Great, I'm glad my post helped!

I unfortunately haven't picked up a better strap yet, because I just bought a gen Longines which has dried up my watch funding for a looooong time :)

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Duzza

Is the power reserve indicator on this watch totally faux? Or just from the pov that clearly the watch won't hold 7 days charge so its exaggerated on the dial?

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RiceCake

The power reserve is static. It does not move

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

 

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Arrow269

My first rep was a cheap Big Pilot my FIL picked up in china (he did buy me a gen breitling so I can't be too pissed). This however is beautiful!!!

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Leedsmetmark

Looks cracking, super watch, wear it well

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imacwalker

Looks cracking- encouraged me to get mine -

and it has just arrived - how noisy is the rotor on yours ? mine seems very loud compared to my other pieces

Edited by imacwalker

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