IWC Big Pilot: Unpacking the Allure of a Unique Reference

Key Points from the Discussion

• The original poster clarifies the unique dial characteristics of his new acquisition, noting that while other IWC Big Pilot references like the 5010 Safari and Heritage, or the 5009 Le Petit Prince and St. Antoine, share similar layouts, his specific model is distinguished by having both a '9' numeral and a framed date window in stainless steel.
• Another collector shares their own IWC Big Pilot, emphasizing its unpolished condition and retention of the original 'fish crown,' a detail highly valued by enthusiasts for its historical accuracy.
• A contributor discusses the decision to preserve the original dial during a service, opting against replacement to maintain the patina around the date window and retain the watch's original character, including the fish crown and strap.
• A collector raises a speculative point about dial imperfections, suggesting that if a 'problem' spreads evenly, it could potentially increase the watch's value significantly in the future, prompting a discussion on the desirability of unique patinas.
• One member expresses a personal preference against the lumed numbers found on the 'Safari' variant of the IWC Big Pilot, highlighting how specific design choices can divide collector opinions.