125 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 18, 2007
The crown is the weakest spot on ANY watch, not just the Big Pilot. Now, given that the crown on the Big Pilot is so large by design, naturally this is going to be even more of a target for potential damage than it is on an average timepiece.
Can it be made stronger? Not really. Unless they build the stem out of tungsten, it is what it is. By design, the crown is extra-large so that it can be easily gripped by a pilot wearing thick gloves, with the downside being that it's more vulnerable to damage. This has absolutely nothing to do with quality, and everything to do with intent and purpose of design.
29 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 26, 2012
@Adam,
Thanks for your reply! I know why they designed the crown as it is, I did my research before buying it. And I love the watch a lot!
Having said this, i still feel uncomfortable that it is now damaged without my knowledge of a bumb of the crown! I already am very cautious when I wear one of my watches and still this happened whiteout me knowing about it. For a pilot, sitting in a cramped cockpit, it would probably be really nice if the watch is not only easy to use with thick gloves, but also durable and sturdy!
For now I am uncertain if this will happen more often, can I just wear it normally? If it is a costly repair, etc... This is all besides the fact that I am still waiting on the watch I bought to wear!
With respect to the prior comments, the watch had a pocket watch styled crown, not because of military use, but because it was a converted pocket watch movement. The original model also was produced with a more typical crown.
I can appreciate you're upset, but also with respect you bought a used watch. You have no idea how the original owner, or possibly even owners, treated the watch. I know, the dealer said he examined it, but could they have made a mistake or, even if not, missed a hidden problem? That's why used watches are cheaper.
29 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 26, 2012
@Michael; thanks for you reply!
You are right, it is a second hand watch. For me it is not so much about the money; it was an offer from my AD, watch looking as new, no scratches, markings, wear (and just 1 year old), so I accepted his offer. He did say they checked it in and out and judging (I know, superficial) from the state the watch was/is in, I saw no problems.
Being new to IWC and the Big Pilot, I probably could have asked my AD to show me the crown and axle before buying it. So what I am "hoping" is that the previous owner did bump it causing the damage and my AD missed it in the check before they sold it to me. Why I am hoping this is that otherwise I do not have a clue what I did to cause the damage and what I should do different in the future to prevent it happening again!
So basically I am asking other BP owners if they have problems with the crown and what caused it? And is it possible to get this damage without the wearer of the watch being aware of bumping/dropping the watch?
Can it be made stronger? Not really. Unless they build the stem out of tungsten, it is what it is. By design, the crown is extra-large so that it can be easily gripped by a pilot wearing thick gloves, with the downside being that it's more vulnerable to damage. This has absolutely nothing to do with quality, and everything to do with intent and purpose of design.
Hope this makes sense to you.
Regards,
Adam
Thanks for your reply! I know why they designed the crown as it is, I did my research before buying it. And I love the watch a lot!
Having said this, i still feel uncomfortable that it is now damaged without my knowledge of a bumb of the crown! I already am very cautious when I wear one of my watches and still this happened whiteout me knowing about it. For a pilot, sitting in a cramped cockpit, it would probably be really nice if the watch is not only easy to use with thick gloves, but also durable and sturdy!
For now I am uncertain if this will happen more often, can I just wear it normally? If it is a costly repair, etc... This is all besides the fact that I am still waiting on the watch I bought to wear!
Anyone with experience on this top pick?
JD
Last edited: 20 May, 2013 - 22:53
With respect to the prior comments, the watch had a pocket watch styled crown, not because of military use, but because it was a converted pocket watch movement. The original model also was produced with a more typical crown.
I can appreciate you're upset, but also with respect you bought a used watch. You have no idea how the original owner, or possibly even owners, treated the watch. I know, the dealer said he examined it, but could they have made a mistake or, even if not, missed a hidden problem? That's why used watches are cheaper.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
You are right, it is a second hand watch. For me it is not so much about the money; it was an offer from my AD, watch looking as new, no scratches, markings, wear (and just 1 year old), so I accepted his offer. He did say they checked it in and out and judging (I know, superficial) from the state the watch was/is in, I saw no problems.
Being new to IWC and the Big Pilot, I probably could have asked my AD to show me the crown and axle before buying it. So what I am "hoping" is that the previous owner did bump it causing the damage and my AD missed it in the check before they sold it to me. Why I am hoping this is that otherwise I do not have a clue what I did to cause the damage and what I should do different in the future to prevent it happening again!
So basically I am asking other BP owners if they have problems with the crown and what caused it? And is it possible to get this damage without the wearer of the watch being aware of bumping/dropping the watch?
JD
Last edited: 20 May, 2013 - 22:53