The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Thanks again guys. Now I just have to pay for it!


I bet you end up with both the BP and the BI, Altair! The BI is a lovely watch but doesn't quite do it for me in the same way that the BP does. HOWEVER, the BI does have that fantastic DB, showing off the whopping great big movement! Decisions decisions eh?

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Driver8

Site Moderator

At 12K retail, I promise you I will NOT be owning both! Not if I want to get myself an LE B or two.

I like them both equaly design wise, but the BP is a pure bred old school sport watch, which adds to its appeal but the BI, with its more conservative design and integrated case design looks alot more casual and much more comfy to wear. I am afraid the huge crown of the BP will dig into my wrist the same way the crown on the bigger Radiomirs does.

Plus, as you said the display back is a huge plus for me. Such a lovely movement should not be covered up!!

We shall see.

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Certified watch nut.

Have you ever tried a BP in the past, Altair? I'm quite fortunate in that I like to wear my watches reasonably tight and well above the bit of bone of the end of my forearm whose name escapes me! (I can't call it my "wristbone" or else Bonedoc will chastise me for it! ). I made sure I tried bending my hand right back when I was trying the BP and it doesn't dig in at all. However if you wear your watches loose, then I think it could cause problems.

I agree that the DB is a real bonus on the BI because the 50001 movement is huge and well worth seeing. However the BP doesn't have it due to the anit-magnetic protection of the soft iron core. It's odd that the BI has a DB though, as traditionally the Inge was always supposedly their toughest and most resistant model....... so to me that would've included protection against magnetic fields.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

If anyone is offering odds, I am prepared to bet good money that the BI will grow on Driver8 before the end of the year.

I believe it only comes on a strap, but the bracelet from the Inge Ceramic will fit it (maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can correct me if I'm wrong about this).

I held my nose and went into the IWC AD today as they won't mail me a catalogue in Canada. "Sorry Sir, we don't stock catalogues".

So how exactly am I supposed to figure out if I want one???????????

On the flip side, A. Lange and Sohne was in the neighbouring display..........

I did try on a couple of Portuguese while I was there, and confirmed that they are indeed very nice!

Ha ha! Oh I didn't say I don't like the BI : I just said I don't like it quite as much as the BP!

Actually Otto, the BI is available with it's own bracelet too. Looks very nice too.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Yes the Bi bracelet is exceptional, but I would never get it. The whole apeal of BI to me is that on teh strap it strikes a near perfect balance between casual dressy and sporty. It would look great with a shirt and tie or a pair of jeans.


@Driver, actually the Inge comes with both a soft iron base or the DB as I read. Let me see if I can find where that was mensioned.

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Certified watch nut.

Here you go:

The new IWC Big Ingenieur watch is worth special attention due its improved functionality and signature design. The timepiece is housed in a 45.5 mm case. It incorporated large 51112 calibre movement providing a seven-day power reserve. It is appreciated as one of the most impressive drive mechanisms found in a wristwatch.

The new Ingenieur developed in 2007 is presented in a stainless steel case. The watch's case is provided with a soft iron cage that offers protection against the magnetic fields that badly effect the timepiece's accuracy. The IWC watch is secured to the wrist with an integrated stainless steel bracelet, with an amazingly low weight of under 210 g.

For those customers, who are not afraid of magnetic effects, the IWC developed one more version of the Big Ingenieur also crafted in stainless steel but without the soft iron inner case. The timepiece is powered by the IWC in-house large 51112 caliber movement equipped with an automatic Pellaton winding system as well as a seven-day power reserve. This attractive alternative version of the Big Ingenieur without the non-transparent iron cage has gained additional height and provides the advantage of a sapphire glass back.

As for the 5000-series movements, they are visually very impressive.

http://www.tiptop-watches.com/watches/n ... nieur.html

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Certified watch nut.

Wow, I stand corrected there Altair. That wasn't written in the catalogue!

If I was buying a BI I'd definitely always go for the DB though!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Oh, Driver, you finally did it!! Looks as if your going to be
an IWC owner before me. Maybe! You said it's going to be
at least three months? Hmmm... I've been eyeing the new
Aquatimer line, and we have three IWC dealers within an
hour's drive...and I'm about three-fourth's of the way to
having enough saved... It's going to be close, my friend,
but win or lose, I shall toast you with a glass of good
champagne. Here's to IWC. Cheers.

Steve

Hey Steve, if you have 3 dealers that close you could very well beat me to it! It could be a close run thing! I have only 1 IWC dealer within a 60 mile radius so I don't have a lot of choice.

Just one thing (and forgive me if you already have) but have you got your name down for the model you're after? I'm only saying that as I was seriously surprised at the 3 month wait for the BP, so to save you some frustration, it may be worth getting your model on order now. I'm not sure if your model has a lesser delivery time, but it'd be irritating to have the cash ready only to be told, once you stroll into the shop, that you've got an additional 3 month wait.

Either way, as you so rightly said, we'll both be toasting each others IWC before the year is out!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Well there's something to think about. I think a BI, a BP and a Top Gun double chrono would make a great IWC collection, and would complement your collection of large Breitlings nicely.

Good point, Driver. I'll definitely be looking into it much more closely -- as soon as I
decide which model I really want to get (and can really afford ) I'm
leaning towards the new Aquatimer because it's 44mm, which is 2mm larger than the old models. I also like the exterior
bezel. Anyway, I will be posting progress reports over the next couple months. Talk more
later.

Steve