Most of you guys know me as a hard-core Paneristi, but I've been sniffing around IWC for quit a while and after I moved a few pieces that weren't getting any wrist time last week and had a couple of bucks burning a hole in my pocket, this one was calling to me...the IWC Laureus Edition Pilot Chrono 3717-12. I'm a sucker for blue dials, I also have a PAM 93, this one is based on the 3717 Pilot series, but is a Limited edition of 2500 with part of the proceeds from sales of the watch going to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a young people's charity that has been actively supported by IWC.
So, starting right at the beginning, here's what my afternoon looked like...
So...let's take off my PAM 55 and try this baby on.....
I was wearing the PERFECT shirt today for this watch!
The detail and craftsmanship of the dial is very impressive...
And the way the dial catches the light is simply stunning...
And finally...Dark & Scary...
There is a lovely elegance to this watch. The first thing that stands out when comparing it to my Panerai's is that despite it's 42mm case size, it does wear smaller due in no small part to the 20mm lug width. As I already mentioned, the fit and finish is top-notch. The brushed stainless case is beautiful and the winding action and chrono functions flawless. The domed crystal and it's anti-reflective coating really make the dial jump by increasing the contrast many times. But possibly the one single thing that has already made me fall in love with this thing is the way light plays with the polished hands and raised indices...it's twilight as I type this and as the last photo in the series shows, the polished surfaces just glow when the low light hits them...really, really beautifully thought out!
I've had a Jones for a Big Pilot for quit some time, but maybe this is a good place to start!
Mssr. Trent