• Apprentice
    10 Aug 2018, 1:09 p.m.

    Hi all,

    my first post.  I have the 8-day handwound Portofino as my dress watch and love it.  If it was built as a sport watch (meaning very robust) I would probably not be looking for another. Had it for 3 years.  

    Now looking for something to wear casually.  Not during sports activities but just out and about, when traveling, etc.

    I narrowed it down to the IWC LPP Big Pilot or the Blancpain FF Bathyscaphe Ceramic in blue.  Price is about the same.

    Pros for IWC:  like it better; longer power reserve.

    Pros for Blancpain:  seems more of a tool watch (more robust for lack of better word)?  Still decent power reserve (5 days); see through case back.

    What would you do?  Just curious.  And for those who haven’t seen Blancpain in person, it’s really a different piece (better) than what appears in the pictures. 

    Thanks!

  • Insider
    10 Aug 2018, 2:04 p.m.

    i would go with the Big Pilot hands down if i were you, for one simple reason, you said you like it better

  • Master
    10 Aug 2018, 3:03 p.m.

    This is the IWC Forum, so I suppose the responses will slant one way.  Even if it were not the IWC Forum, my answer would be the same - the way I originally voted with my wallet.

    This is the original, Limited Edition of 1000 BP LPP.  It was later issued as a non-Limited Edition 5009-16 with  plainer font numerals and a plainer reverse engraving.

    /site_media/ckeditor_images/95a511853228a0e4c63d1c220c77c640.jpg

  • Graduate
    10 Aug 2018, 3:14 p.m.

    Hi and welcome to the forum,
    I would definately go with the Big Pilot (the LPP in my case). Its simply an icon and a great watch with a masterpiece of a movement. 
    If your wrist can take the size of the BP it would definately prefer it over the Bathyscaphe (even tho I love see through case backs). 

    But the only true advise one can give is to follow your heart. ;-)

  • Master
    10 Aug 2018, 9:10 p.m.

    I would go with the one you like better;)

  • Apprentice
    11 Aug 2018, 3:41 a.m.

    Thanks to all for your replies.  I guess I should have expected what you all said, especially since I mentioned that I like the IWC better :)

    I still do like both watches, and I think I will be takin another close look at both before making my decision.  Will definitely post an update when the time comes!

  • Insider
    11 Aug 2018, 4:23 a.m.

    Welcome to another fellow NYer! Funny thing, I'm waiting to take delivery of my first Big Pilot and I've been looking at the Portofino Moonphase 8 Day handwound. I say get what you like more, wear it and enjoy!

    Ricky

  • Master
    11 Aug 2018, 9:22 p.m.

    I guess the best feedback you should get from people that own both IWC and Blancpain watches....this would be a first-hand opinion based on own experience....

  • Master
    12 Aug 2018, 12:13 a.m.

    as ben said, always go with the one you like better...

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  • Master
    12 Aug 2018, 12:29 p.m.

    Of course this is the IWC forum, so of course we're all biased here.
    But I can tell you from my humble collecting experience that all the watches that my heart have chosen, I really wanted them. If you tell me you like it more, I think your heart has chosen already.
    /site_media/ckeditor_images/d967ab2dfd65e4542a2ec8023845657d.jpg
    That said I would never let this one go because it's so special, simple, plain, beautiful and unique in character. Once you're in love with it you cannot chose something else.