Decision HELP: Zenith Pilot Automatic vs IWC Big Pilot 43
Hi All - you have all been SO helpful when I've had a 'this or that' conundrum - and bit do I have a whopper for you this weekend!
I've been saving for over a year and have an anniversary event coming up and want to get a special watch to commemorate it. I really want a versatile, fun, strap-monster, semi-everyday Pilot Watch.
I have had an IWC Mark XX in the past - and it just wasn't very exciting - which is why I've narrowed down to the IWC Big Pilot 43 (it just has a WOW fun factor, super-iconic, lovely movement to view, and hopefully strap flexible). I have tried it on wrist, and the size can work for me.
BUT - I have recently become enamoured by the new Zenith Pilot Automatic. Exciting 3D dial, applied numerals, lovely movement to look at, and again, hopefully very flexible with straps.
I know the 'proper' comparison should be the Zenith vs a Mark XX (as they are both 40mm), but I think when it comes to pilot watch excitement, it's really down to the Zenith vs the BP 43.
I can basically get a second hand version of each for roughly the same price - so it's not down to money - it's down to versatility, value, movement, and general vibe.
I'm really stuck here (!!!)
Would love to hear any thoughts you guys may have and thanks as always to this GREAT group of watch geeks for all your help!!!
Coming back into the hobby after a few years layoff/burn out. Have been through all the usual suspects from Omega to Rolex to AP to Seiko and everything in between. Now just happy with my Speedy and l...
For me it's gotta be the Zenith.
Just a better looking watch imho- but they're both lovely 😍
Zenith looks so handsome
I would go with the Zenith. Perfect size and the dial has more character than the IWC.
Zenith all day, every day
IWC for me ,larger size ,no date ,not sure about the date and bar above it on the zenith
I would go for the Zenith. It looks great. But besides that it has a more unique look and a bit more of a luxury vibe as well as the tool-vibe. The big crown on the IWC is a dealbreaker for me. I can understand the heritage in the design but, well, no one is going to wear that watch today as implied by the heritage.
I think the Zenith is more versatile, it could easily go with a suit as well as your everyday wear.
40mm does it for me! Both amazing pieces from 2 great brands. I suppose it's dependent on wrist size and what you're comfortable with.
The Big Pilot is just too big for my little wrists 🤣
I like both of these watches. For me, the IWC would be my choice. I enjoy the legibility of the watch and like the movement throught tha case back. It all comes down to you and only you since you are the one that will have to live with which watch you choose. Good luck with your decision.
biased opinion here....got both the black and blue BP 43 since early this year.....I can only say it are killer watches....IWC really manages to turn a simple design into a wow factor
Zenith
IWC on the amazing bracelet they make gets my vote. Iconic design and the quality is significantly better than Zenith, at least compared to the previous generation Zenith pilot (have not handled the new one yet). I would also go Mark XX but if the size of the Big Pilot 43 works for you that’s the one.
The case shape of the Zenith looks soft and bloated to me, which I associate with cheap/unrefined (almost reminds me of a Seiko 5 Sports), but that may be entirely my own bias.
Zenith for sure
I wonder if your stating that it is your hope that both choices can be flexible with straps indicates some love/hate with both watches. I have been in love with the IWC BP for so long that it has become almost boring to me, seen it on so many friends’ wrists over the years, doesn’t help that many have already moved on to other daily drivers while I am still on the fence. The Zenith is great have seen it tried on a few different iterations at my ad’s already but after buying the steel bezel blue dial Chronomaster sport not in a hurry to buy another Zenith. Have you considered a Breitling Chronomat or Navitimer? Lots of dials and strap options with that brand, a bit more interesting, not for every enthusiast but perhaps worth investigating. Sorry I made a long comment without helping but personally feel neither are a choice that I would make at this moment.
No contest. Zenith!
Zenith for me purely on looks. Good luck!
IWC, if you are looking for wow or impact.
I too debated between the Pilot and IWC, buth the Mark XX. I would definitely recommend Zenith. I just bought mine about three weeks. It si stunning for a simple dial. The finishing of the case and the movement is just spectacular. Of course, the El Primero movement is one of the most acclaimed movement in the industry. I can't be happier with my choice.
Would have to be the IWC for me. Just think it’s an iconic pilot watch.
I too debated between the Pilot and IWC, buth the Mark XX. I would definitely recommend Zenith. I just bought mine about three weeks. It si stunning for a simple dial. The finishing of the case and the movement is just spectacular. Of course, the El Primero movement is one of the most acclaimed movement in the industry. I can't be happier with my choice.
Thanks so much ! I see you have changed straps - do you find it pretty versatile with lots of straps? Would a NATO even be possible do you think? Thanks again!
Yes. I had an older leather straps that pairs perfectly with it. With the hot temperatures we have lately,it’s on a rubber B strap. Not perfect with a tiny gap, but looks so cool.
Thanks so much ! I see you have changed straps - do you find it pretty versatile with lots of straps? Would a NATO even be possible do you think? Thanks again!
The cordura and clasp combination didn’t fit well with my wrist. I’m also not a fan of fiddling with clasps.
Go with your gut - you said the IWC had the "wow" factor, and I agree with you. You'll often hear people on WC say, oh IWC is overpriced, you can get the same look from Stowa, Laco, even Chinese manufacturers, for a fraction of the price. But in the metal, no. The quality is really noticeable, the new bracelets may be the best in the business, and I've had excellent accuracy in my newish IWC (Mark XX). You can get 3D dials for far, far less. If you want a really simple top of the range pilots' watch, IWC is the choice IMHO
Go with your gut - you said the IWC had the "wow" factor, and I agree with you. You'll often hear people on WC say, oh IWC is overpriced, you can get the same look from Stowa, Laco, even Chinese manufacturers, for a fraction of the price. But in the metal, no. The quality is really noticeable, the new bracelets may be the best in the business, and I've had excellent accuracy in my newish IWC (Mark XX). You can get 3D dials for far, far less. If you want a really simple top of the range pilots' watch, IWC is the choice IMHO
This was really great to read. And I think you're right. Something about the IWC BP has always been a 'grail' - it's a head and heart thing I think.
This was really great to read. And I think you're right. Something about the IWC BP has always been a 'grail' - it's a head and heart thing I think.
Thank you for saying so. The heart: does it make you feel warm and in love with it? Yes. The head: it really does have the specs. Yes it's simple. OWN the simple! That, and the fact that that simplicity is shown big, is what makes it perfect. Good luck with your choice!
I love the zenith but for my mileage I want a flieger that’s extremely legible. The IWC can’t be beat in that regard.
Big Pilot for me.
Alternatively have you considered the 41mm chronos? Those are a bit more interesting as well.
As much as I love Zenith as a brand, there is no contest here. IWC looks the part.
Zenith is my vote
Based purely off the design, I’d go Zenith here.
Zenith.