Ideal BP carry case from an unlikely source

Hi all,

I'd been looking for a carry case for my Big Pilot. This involved a few challenges:

A) Typical leather or wooden boxes designed for this purpose are often based on the assumption that the straps can fold flat, which is not the case (pardon the pun, unintentional at first) for the heavy croc leather BP strap.
B) Cases are usually too voluminous for those with an active lifestyle or limited carry space.
C) Often third party products are ill fitting. Cases are not designed by the original watch manufacturer as this type of business doesn't provide high enough margins and is beneath them.

Enter Oakley, yes the creators of fancy eyewear that all the brand-conscious kids wanted at summer camp. As you can see from the pictures below (sorry for the cellphone-grade quality), their watch cases can accomodate even a Big Pilot.

They come in large and small sizes. I'm not sure if the "O" logo is made of Unobtainium as some of their watches are (just how many big blue Pandorans were harmed in the making of these watches?), but if you don't mind the IWC/Oakley juxtaposition, these are great carry cases.

-Phil

Question...
Is there a chance of the zipper scratching the crystal? If it was me I would wrap the watch case with a cleaning cloth just to be sure.

Hi Phil,
I too, have on the search for a carrying case for my BP last year. I found a company in New York which was selling it online and with a friend's help while he was in New York, he bought carrying case for me. Very hardy and light in weight, best of all, it fits the size of the BP.

I agree with Alan on the possible scratch on the crystal by the zip. The polished part of my BP's case was lightly scratched and ouch it hurts! Although it's not obvious under naked eye, it caused me a lot of anxiety when I examine it under the magnifying glass that came with my IWC watch cleaning kit.

If you need contacts for the carrying case, I will be happy to help.

Best Regards,
KS Low
Singapore
ks.low@pagreal.com

That Oakley case looks good! Looking at the pictures, it seems the zipper stays well on the outside, thus no risk of scratching?

Kind regards,

Clemens

Hi all,

When I first tried the case, I was concerned with the possibility of scratches as well. I was a little worried when I noticed that the zipper was metal and I very dubiously zipped the case closed the first time before buying it.

Lucklily, the case is designed with this in mind and the zipper is slightly recessed outward away from the watch. Ideally, plastic would probably have been safer, but as long as I'm not tearing the case open in hurry, I doubt anything will happen to my BP.

As for scratches, I got a big nick next to one of lugs right when I started wearing it,. It was heartbreaking at first, but I made the effort of persuading myself of the transience of material things and the extra character aquired by timepeices that have truely lived a usefull existence.

Best regards and thanks for commenting!

-Philippe

I would still take a polishing cloth and leave it in the case. That way when you put your watch in it will be there to quickly wrap around the crystal.
I do this any time I put a watch in anything not specifically designed for it.

great issue raised.

I use a variety of cases to fit various different daily itineraries and occasions: briefcase / backpack / or just a plain old suit:

3 principal ways:

bulkier carrier, and gift from IWC Flagshop at Heritage 1881 TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong from Gary & Zach:

a brilliant red and thick velvet souvenir from Mont St Michel:

and a gift from the good people at Baume et Mercier (rather Richemont) to bring back one of my Baumes after servicing:

great issue raised.

I use a variety of cases to fit various different daily itineraries and occasions: briefcase / backpack / or just a plain old suit:

3 principal ways:

bulkier carrier, and gift from IWC Flagshop at Heritage 1881 TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong from Gary & Zach:

a brilliant red and thick velvet souvenir from Mont St Michel:

and a gift from the good people at Baume et Mercier (rather Richemont) to bring back one of my Baumes after servicing:

great issue raised.

I use a variety of cases to fit various different daily itineraries and occasions: briefcase / backpack / or just a plain old suit:

3 principal ways:

bulkier carrier, and gift from IWC Flagshop at Heritage 1881 TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong from Gary & Zach:

a brilliant red and thick velvet souvenir from Mont St Michel:

and a gift from the good people at Baume et Mercier (rather Richemont) to bring back one of my Baumes after servicing: