584 Discussions and CommentsMember since Feb. 16, 2009Levadia,
Greece
Hi guys,
just read the previous topic about BP transitional model... I'm planning to buy one soon and I want to ask your opinion about what is best. When we say (slow beat ) what do we mean? Is something to do with accuracy of the watch? Is it better to buy a transisional model or a later one. I'm a bit confused.
The original Big Pilot Ref. 50002 had a "slow beat" movement of 18,000 half-beats per hour. This was intentional --the idea, philosophically, was that the watch had a "going rate" like pocket watches, from which it was conceptually derived.
A slow beat has less "resolution" than a movement which beats faster, and also in theory produces less wear. There are some, however, who believe that a faster beat can be slightly more accurate (in theory, it shouldn't matter but in practice there can be a slight difference). The original movement for the Big Pilot was upgraded to a slightly faster beat, at 21,600 half-beats per hour (one ever 1/6 second rather than 1/5).
There are those who like the "transitional model" --the original dial design (with a 9) and the faster beat movement. Only a few --in the hundreds were made, before the Big Pilot Watch was redesigned. It is rarer, somewhat newer and some argue a better movement. It commands a premium on the market, which in itself speaks for demand here vs. supply.
I am in a minority --and like the original more. It is a philosophic statement, and it works well enough for me. But also I do like all Big Pilot watches, almost.
just read the previous topic about BP transitional model...
I'm planning to buy one soon and I want to ask your opinion about what is best.
When we say (slow beat ) what do we mean?
Is something to do with accuracy of the watch?
Is it better to buy a transisional model or a later one.
I'm a bit confused.
Dimitris
Best regards
Dimitris
dpsaromialos@gmail.com
Last edited: 6 May, 2013 - 13:26
The original Big Pilot Ref. 50002 had a "slow beat" movement of 18,000 half-beats per hour. This was intentional --the idea, philosophically, was that the watch had a "going rate" like pocket watches, from which it was conceptually derived.
A slow beat has less "resolution" than a movement which beats faster, and also in theory produces less wear. There are some, however, who believe that a faster beat can be slightly more accurate (in theory, it shouldn't matter but in practice there can be a slight difference). The original movement for the Big Pilot was upgraded to a slightly faster beat, at 21,600 half-beats per hour (one ever 1/6 second rather than 1/5).
There are those who like the "transitional model" --the original dial design (with a 9) and the faster beat movement. Only a few --in the hundreds were made, before the Big Pilot Watch was redesigned. It is rarer, somewhat newer and some argue a better movement. It commands a premium on the market, which in itself speaks for demand here vs. supply.
I am in a minority --and like the original more. It is a philosophic statement, and it works well enough for me. But also I do like all Big Pilot watches, almost.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
Best regards
Dimitris
dpsaromialos@gmail.com
Last edited: 6 May, 2013 - 13:26