Collection
India Whiskey Charlie's journey into serious watch collecting began with two iconic IWC references: the 3713-19 and the Big Pilot 5002-01. His personal narrative highlights the enduring appeal of these models and the profound impact a watch can have on a collector's passion. This article explores the significance of these pieces through his eyes and the community's shared appreciation.
I bought my first real watch in the early 70's. It was a 34 mm Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind 6694. For several years after that, I only had one watch at a time and it was always a Rolex (Sub, Sub date, Explorer II, etc.). Fast forward to the year 2000 when I enter an AD store that carried many brands. One of them was IWC and that's where I saw a 371319 and literally fell in love with it. At 42 mm it was *big* but everything about that watch was drop dead gorgeous and I literally loved that bracelet . Sadly, I couldn’t afford it and walked away that day. The newly found passion for the wristwatch kept me in touch with various watch stores and I made frequent visits to them on a regular basis.
Another fast forward to 2003 when IWC introduced the Big Pilot 5002-01 which I also fell in love with. It was far bigger at 46 mm and I had never seen anything like it. The store offered to finance it and I went for it and eventually bought more watches but I never forgot my first love (3713-19). One more fast forward to 2018 when a friend acquires one from an estate sale and comes to show it to me. That triggered a want in me and I started looking for one. About two months ago, I found one for sale that looked in fairly good condition and was recently (2019) serviced at IWC. The bummer is that it was more expensive than the one I didn’t buy new in 2000. After a whole week’s worth of dealings with FedEx and customs clearance B.S. and 20 years after I first saw it, it finally arrived on Wednesday.
Appreciate you spearheading this forum.
Welcome on the team, Viken. It is great to have you here! IWC has a special meaning to me as my father had an IWC when I was quite small. He was very proud of that piece and often talked about it. Also my best friends father had an IWC, so according to me, that was certainly the finest watch in the I have since owned several. First was my absolute grail watch for several years. a big Pilot 5002. Then a pilots Chrono. A Porsche compass and a Portuguese. IWC has a really exciting historical past
And thanks for the welcome. BTW, my newly acquired 3713 came from the neighboring Netherlands.
2 true icons from the brand. Wear in good health!
A very big few IWC days for you, congrats.
To finally have been able to acquire my first true love in timepieces and be here at the same time. Thank you all again.
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