3 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 29, 2010
Hi, I'm hoping can help me with a model number of the first Pilot Watch 1936-1939. I've seen several things online which say the watch wasn't available until 1939, but other articles said it was available in 1936. Trying to find a vintage model is difficult because IWC named one of their collections the 'Vintage' collection. Anyway, if anyone has any further information, I would appreciate it. I'd like to know what these watches sell for, how easily they can be obtained, or if they are usually auction only. Also, any information on the 1940 Ref. 431 model would help me as well. Too difficult to post pics, so here is a link with the pictures. [link removed per forum rules] Thanks
5,031 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 9, 2006
I'm sure the experts will join in to answer your questions about the B-Uhr and the early IWC Pilots watches. Searching the archives here is a way to start as well.
Posting pictures is quite easy. Here is a quick way to do so:
Btw, your link may get removed as it is generally not allowed to link to other commercial watch Forum sites . I could be wrong here, however.
3 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 29, 2010
OK sorry about that... I have added the pictures below. BTW: I have done an extensive search online and on this forum, but when you don't know what you're looking for exactly, it makes it hard to search.
You've picked two of the hardest-to-find and most expensive IWC vintage watches.
On the Special Watch for Pilots, I have known about 8 for sale over more than 15 years of active, and well-connected, IWC collecting. I have seen only one listed on a website for sale, and none at auction. I would estimate prices today to be around 30,000 USD if you could find one. I also have seen several excellent fakes or marriages, so unless you know what you're doing --beware.
On the original Big Pilot's Watch (actually a B-Uhr) I have seen more, since there were 1000 produced by IWC, which is more that the Special Watch for Pilots. I have heard of them sell for as much as 50,000 USD although most sell for somewhat less --usually in the '30s. There also are similar watches by other makers, also used by the Luftwaffe in the early 1940s, such as Laco, Wempe, etc., that sell for significantly less.
Becuase this forum is non-commercial, we can't recommend dealers or post indirect "wanted to buy" ads, etc. Hopefully that's understandable. There is also much more information on both models in this forum's archives.
Anyway, if anyone has any further information, I would appreciate it. I'd like to know what these watches sell for, how easily they can be obtained, or if they are usually auction only. Also, any information on the 1940 Ref. 431 model would help me as well.
Too difficult to post pics, so here is a link with the pictures.
[link removed per forum rules]
Thanks
Last edited: 30 December, 2010 - 08:19
Posting pictures is quite easy. Here is a quick way to do so:
Btw, your link may get removed as it is generally not allowed to link to other commercial watch Forum sites . I could be wrong here, however.
Bill
Last edited: 23 June, 2012 - 20:15
Thanks
Rob
You've picked two of the hardest-to-find and most expensive IWC vintage watches.
On the Special Watch for Pilots, I have known about 8 for sale over more than 15 years of active, and well-connected, IWC collecting. I have seen only one listed on a website for sale, and none at auction. I would estimate prices today to be around 30,000 USD if you could find one. I also have seen several excellent fakes or marriages, so unless you know what you're doing --beware.
On the original Big Pilot's Watch (actually a B-Uhr) I have seen more, since there were 1000 produced by IWC, which is more that the Special Watch for Pilots. I have heard of them sell for as much as 50,000 USD although most sell for somewhat less --usually in the '30s. There also are similar watches by other makers, also used by the Luftwaffe in the early 1940s, such as Laco, Wempe, etc., that sell for significantly less.
Becuase this forum is non-commercial, we can't recommend dealers or post indirect "wanted to buy" ads, etc. Hopefully that's understandable. There is also much more information on both models in this forum's archives.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
Rob