New Arrival - First Pilot Watch!

It’s an IWC377724:

I’ve been on the hunt for a pilot watch for quite a while. There have been multiple strong contenders. Just when I thought I was ready to pull the trigger, I would then see another piece.

Now, for the record, I am not a fan of NATO straps one bit. In fact, I never would have even considered this as a potential contender. However, when I saw some wrist shots on other forums, especially on the Santoni strap, I was hooked. To be honest, my 6-year old nephew stated it best, “You’re always looking at that watch. You’re obsessed with that watch!” That’s when I knew it was time to pull the trigger!

A custom ABP pilot strap from Paris also arrived late this afternoon:

I just need a deployant clasp:

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Kind Regards,

Mark

Thanks for sharing your beautiful new Pilot with us.  I would bet it won't be your last!

Nelson

First of all welcome to the forum and huge congratulations, what a great choice! I have mine since a few weeks on bracelet and can't stop looking at it too.
Where did you find that strap? I wished IWC would offer one like this in 21mm. I'd buy a deployment clasp in a minute if they did.

A grand way to start, for sure!

....and even if you don’t ever add to your collection* - it’s a truly handsome timepiece to remain on.

*although I would believe on seeing your pictures, and trading your post that ubervirus has struck. So probably not your last IWC

Welcome to the Forum 
and what a way to enter the world of IWC :o)

Hi Mark, great photos and personal story. And man, do I LOVE that watch! Congrats and weat it in good health.

Kind regards,

Bob

Thank you Tilo! Congratulations on your piece as well! It looks great on the bracelet. Once I decided to take the plunge, I contacted the NYC Boutique to ask about strap options. Unfortunately, as you know, they don't offer Pilot straps in 21mm.

This strap is from ABP Concept in Paris. I ordered their IWC Pilot style strap in the black square scale matte alligator with tritium beige stitching. Originally, when I tried to order, they only had 22/18mm as an option. So, I had to contact them to confirm they could make a 21/18mm strap. I just checked their site and see that this is now an option!

I flew to NYC yesterday morning. I'm heading in to the IWC boutique this morning to acquire a deployant clasp. I can't wait to see the new look! I may even pick up the black Santoni strap that's on the 377709.

Kind Regards,

Mark

Thanks Nelson! Actually, it's my second IWC. I had the 500114 years ago.

I had a deposit down on a Richard Lange. However, the family that owned the AD fled back to their country. As a result, the AD closed and this was my 'constellation prize.' I flipped several years ago. But, I may add a 500704 or 500705. 

Kind Regards, 

Thanks Mark! I'm sure it won't be the last . . . 

Thanks Mark! 

Thanks Bob! You should have seen the look of disgust on my nephew's face when he saw it - "You got that watch? Ugh!" LOL! 

Congratulations 
I have it’s little brother (the tribute) and the nato strap is very comfortable.
it actually gets better every day
enjoy yours
cheers

Big congrats Mark on that very special pilot chrono. Fantastic choice on the custom strap. Perfect pairing !

Regarding the wrist shot inside the Acura. Would that be a TL model around the year '05. The dash looks like that era. If so, your taste in cars is equal to your taste in watches. Both Awesome ...

Andy

Good eyes Andy! Yes, it' a '04, which I have had for almost 14.5 years with excess of 212k miles. She has served me very well. But, I need to start thinking about retiring her and researching for a new replacement . . .

Mark

Nice! This And the mark reissue are both really nice! Congrats and great choice! 

Congrats and wear it in good health!!

Outstanding first pilot’s watch. I’m not a very big nato strap fan myself but you’ve certainly nailed it with yours. Wear it in good health! Regards, Thang

I just realized I never included any photos in this thread with the new shoes:




My other watches are starting to get jealous due to lack of wrist time! 

Awesome strap, huge congratulations on the looks!
Does it work with an IWC deployant clasp or the regular buckle?

It works with the IWC deployant clasp:
 

Awesome, I wished IWC would sell a 21mm Pilot strap for deployant clasp.