THE ICONIC BIG PILOT IW5002

Hello,

I am looking to purchase my first IWC and is considering the Big Pilot ref
IW5002. Particularly keen on this reference as it has a more military look as
compared to the later iterations: 5004, 5009 etc. Also, for the fact that it
is the first big pilot of the modern era.

I am aware that the steel version comes in 2 versions: 1) first version with
the slow beat movement and fish crown and 2) the later version also known as
the 'transitional' with the probus crown.

Personally, I am impartial with either movement, and is more swayed towards
the first version because of the fish crown, therefore I consider it to be
more original. I might be wrong but I have seen both versions being sold at
about the same price.

Is there other factors that I should consider when deciding between the two?
Is it more costly/hassle to service the slow beat movement? Is the
transitional model comparatively rarer and was produced less?

Thanks!

The fish crown in the origianl 5002 had to be replaced as as it was defective.
Unfortunately, when this was done at the factory, the crown was swtiched to
the Probus crown. You can now get a Fish crown replacement from IWC Service
Centers, if requested. I would be very caustious, if you acquire the 5002
with the original defective crown.

Are you saying that I should always go for the transitional model as all the
original 5002 has defective fish crown?

Website: https://bigpilot.watch/database/5002-transitional

Saw from the above website that, "Various collectors believe 5002s with a
serial number 314XXXX and higher are these 'transitional' BPs...".

How true is this and is there a more definite way to accurately identify
transitional model?

My response was indeed a bit misleading. Both 5002 references, the slow beat
and the transitional, are iconic, The origianl slow beat came with a fish
crown, but when it was returend for service IWC would replace the Fish Crown
with a Probus Crown as the fish had a defect. I happen to have a slow beat.
The fish crown was exchanged for the Probus, but I was able to get the the
fish crown back on it in 2018. If you find a slowbeat that otherwise is in
good condiion and has the Probus Crown or the orginal defective fish crown,
you can get it upgraded by IWC to the functioning fish crown. I don't know
and others may be able to join in here, if there is a collectors' prefercne
for slow beat vs. trnsitional or how many of each were produced. We generally
don't disuccs value here, so I can't commnent.

Here is a picture of my BP5002 Slow beat with the newly installed fish crown
along with the ordignal defective crown and the Probus Corwn that had been
inslatted upon service years ago. Good luck with you reseach and hunt for a
5002. It is a prize in my collection.

Thanks for the sharing, I hope I can own the 5002 soon.

That's cool of you to keep all the crown!