Review IWC Big Pilot 43 mm Blue Watch Replica with Low Price

Review IWC Big Pilot 43 mm Blue Watch Replica with Low Price

Big pilot...if you think about IWC's iconic, unmistakable watch, you can hardly get it better. For me at least, it's the watch that has defined the brand's collection over the years, a fitting statement watch, and after nearly 20 years in production, it's still one of the best-known modern watches. Last year, IWC introduced a smaller, downsized, 'streamlined' IWC Big Pilot 43 mm blue watch replica ref. IW329303.

The Case

Smaller, slimmer, more focussed… there's a new member in the BP family and it's named the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 mm replica. First of all, the BP43mm doesn't replace the original Big Pilot's Watch replica (which is now known under the reference IW501001.) The new, slightly ‘less big' Pilot's Watch comes as an additional member of the family and is here to please a new target audience. It is a less hardcore, slightly more consensual, more accessible (and not only financially) and more daily-oriented version of IWC pilot's watch. 

One of the main updates concerns the size of the case, which now measures 43mm in diameter, 13.6mm in height and about 53mm lug-to-lug. By no means a small watch, it is on the other hand significantly smaller than the original BP, which is about 3mm larger everywhere (46.2mm x 15.5mm x 57mm). The stainless steel case of the BP43 is classic, totally in line with the rest of IWC pilot replica collection, with a diamond-shaped crown, large shoulders, an ultra-thin bezel that raises above the case and a combination of brushed surfaces and polished accents, the latter being found on the bevels of the lugs and on the bezel. There are, however, certain great additions to the case, such as the water-resistance that is now rated at 100 metres. On the other hand, the inner soft-iron case has gone since the watch is equipped with a screwed case-back with a sapphire window. 

The Dial

The dial of this smaller BP43 watch replica comes without surprises. Just like the case, the connection with the rest of the brand's pilot's watches is undeniable and it features all the expected signature features. This means an ultra-wide dial that is entirely focused on legibility. I mean, you hardly can beat the crispness of this dial, both night and day. The contrast is superb, the markers are wide and largely filled with Super-LumiNova, the hands are oversized and adequately stretch to the markers. As for the design, the classic rounded Arabic numerals are taken from the recent editions of the Big Pilot's Watch replica and the same goes for the shape of the triangular marker at 12 o'clock and the hands. 

The Movement

When it comes to the movement, IWC is here applying the same recipe as what was done a few years ago with the Portugieser 40mm. The original Portugieser Automatic, with a 42mm case, is powered by the large 7-day power reserve automatic movement, the same as found in modern editions of the Big Pilot's Watch. For the BP43, IWC replica relies on a simpler yet more modern automatic calibre, the 82100. This movement has been conceived to be a replacement for outsourced movements, with multiple improvements over these. The automatic winding is done by the brand's Pellaton winding system, the power reserve is a comfortable 60 hours, and the movement measures 30mm in diameter, making it better adapted to contemporary sized watches, especially on the BP43 that features a see-through case-back. It is also quite pleasantly designed with opened bridges that reveal most movement parts. The decoration, if industrial, is well executed and simply looks quite appealing. Finally, some components like the automatic wheel or the pawls that mesh with it are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic.

The Bracelet

One part of the new IWC Big Pilot 43 mm replica that truly deserves attention is the strap/bracelet. First of all, IWC now offers the ability to wear a Big Pilot's Watch on a stainless steel bracelet, which itself is quite an event – it's a first for this segment of the Pilot's collection – and drastically changes the look of the watch. The narrow links are providing suppleness and comfort, the combination of brushed and polished surfaces makes the look smart and casual, and finally, there's a greatly conceived clasp. Indeed, even though the clasp is quite compact (yes, that is a compliment), it comes equipped with a micro-adjustment system, meaning that you can extend its length by just pressing the IWC logo on the clasp. In addition, the buckle is fairly flat and well secured, with two pushbuttons.

With this quick-exchange device in mind, IWC replica has also conceived a new range of straps. Besides the classic calfskin strap with rivets, which is available in black, brown or blue, or the stainless steel bracelet above, the brand has designed a new rubber strap that retains the classic pilot's look with rivets, but that will make the new BP43 a much more summery watch, with even the ability to have a quick jump in the sea – which is now fully possible with its screw-in crown and 100m water-resistance. This rubber strap is available in black, blue or even in red for a bolder look.

Conclusion

The Big Pilot's Watch 43 replica collection starts from EUR 8,850, CHF 8,900, USD 8,400 or GBP 7,200 which is about 45% less than a classic BP46 watch. More information, please visit our latest replica IWC watch listing, we are selling almost all model AAA grade 1 :1 cloned IWC watches.