The Breitling Watch Source Forums

To everyone (but to Driver8 in particular) I send out a proclamation -- I have finally obtained my grail watch: a brand new IWC Big Pilot 5004-1. I haven't removed it in the last 48 hours (yes, I've skipped my showers ) and I may not take it off for another 48.

It's everything I expected -- and a lot more besides. The only snag is that the strap was a bit too tight -- even set at the largest setting (and even though I've lost 70 pounds -- 25 more to go,,,whew!) but it will fit perfectly soon. In the meantime, a close friend -- and skilled leatherworker -- has punched in an extra hole on the strap and the watch fits fine.

As Driver reported when he got his Big P, the workmanship is immaculate. I've never had a watch this well made: the satin finish is flawless, as is the polished bezel. The diamond crown (I refuse to call it an onion!) is a joy to use. And for a watch this big, it is remarkable light. On my 8.5 inch wrist it fits perfectly, very comfortable.

With any luck I'll be able to post a few pics tomorrow. I should report that my fiancee has told me in no uncertaun terms that this is the last watch I will ever buy. If I even think of getting another timepiece, she promises she will do a Glenn Close on me with a razor sharp butcher knife. I believe her...

I think I can be happy with my small collection.

Steve

Congratulations. Post some pictures to show off that craftsmanship!

_________________
“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Congratulations on the BP!

And good luck finding a more understanding fiancee!!

CONGRATS BUT....

Steve, that's great news, you've been waiting a long time for this!

Looking forward to the pics.

As for whether this is your last watch, hey, let's just hope that her resolve weakens over time . But you have a great collection to enjoy in the meantime.

Thanks, Otto, for the kind words. I hope to get some pics posted tomorrow.

Steve

I dont understand what the problem is with women..

So long as you buy a piece which will retain its value (like your BP), and have it insured, I dont see the issue.

_________________
PAM359M | PAM311L | PAM305L | PAM219M | PAM292K

Many MANY congrats Steve! I know you've been waiting for that bad-boy for a while, so I'm really pleased that you've managed to pick it up!

I'll be interested to know what his timekeeping is like straight from the box, so it'd be great if you could let us know.

Oh and some pictures would be great too!

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks, Driver.

I've had it for five days now, and I've been using the digital clock in our tv as a comparison point. According to this clock, the BP has gained two seconds in five days. When I got up this morning and checked the time (yes I wore it to bed again ) it had lost a second. So as of right now, it's one second fast. Not too bad, even though I'm not using an atomic clock as a reference.

A few pics, I hope, will be forthcoming today (as soon as my pal arrives with his camera ). Talk to you guys later.

Steve

To everyone --

I'm afraid the pics of my new Big Pilot will have to wait til later in the week. My buddy with the camera has taken ill and won't be able to come over until Friday. But never fear -- the pics will eventually come to be.

Steve

Damn, that's great timekeeping! And a HECK of a lot better than my 3-times-returned BP! (Currently at 10 secs a day fast).

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Driver,

It does almost seem to good to be true, doesn't it? I'm going to check it every day for another week or so -- just to be sure...

Steve

Sincerest congratulations Steve, it must be a fantastic feeling to acquire one's grail! Brilliant that it's keeping good time also. Looking forward to the pics!

_________________
Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

Congrats on the watch AND the weight loss! Both are very impressive

_________________
-RJ

Congrats, a great watch and a great achievment!

Good for you on both counts!

_________________
Certified watch nut.