lanikai

Still the BP 5002 .. but with the HK Tan Buffalo Pilot Strap

.. Honest I didn't know.. the last that was said was they scrapped the project ..

Notice the Date Window is not as obvious .. unless your going to the AD or an IWC Covention.. both of which we would not do (with this on).. It is really a minor issue for "Me".. it would be nice if it were a mm closer.. but OH WELL .. can't have it ALL..

The BP 5002 - HK Tan Buffalo Pilot Stap I'm lovin it that much more !!! When I first took the BP out of the Box I thought that the AR was single or non existent !! you may not believe this but it has gotten stronger in the last 2 day's dunno why or if this is possible .. but it resembles the genuine much more now.. Gotta LUV the "Onion" Crown ! Edit Add. the Date Window is really not that awful .. This was jus fo FUN !!! Cause the BP won't leave ma wrist.!! thanks for viewing ! Aloha~Cheers Lani

Thank you ALL for the acknowledgement and kind word's it is VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.. This was a Joy to work on all week.. To answer a few questions.. @trombone ... I am not obsessing over the date window.. although it would be perfect to have it flush.. conversely I reflect on the Pams that I have without correct date font and I jus cannot wear them.. it is too much of a "distraction", let alone a strong "tell" and I get very irratated.. I will "take" the sunken Date window over incorrect font anyday.. it's something I can live with .. I'm sure with the advent of newer movements it will be addressed.. If the rep world keeps evolving at this pace newer better movements are sure to happen..it's the only way for the industry to improve.. I am also sure that with a high quality strap that this rep will take on a much different look .. and with a thicker gauge strap will also feel much better on the wrist.. As far as the Faux PR.. again for me it is not an issue... I would not pay 300 for this piece... even 250 would be really pushing it with the non working PR but at the price it has on it .. I can live with it..... but I do find myself ...looking at the time and thinking... "wow.. strong PR" only for a split second..

BP 5002 Friday

DIE GROSSE FLIEGERUHR IWC 5002 BIG PILOT Well, what we have been longing for: The BP 5002 has been released... and rather suddenly and very quietly without fanfare... maybe we'll see more versions in time.. such as the 5004. I prefer the 5002 for the "vintage" layout..so I for one am happy that they replicated the 5002 first.. although this is not the first replication of this model .. hopefully it is done better as a genuine 5002 was used as sample.. The Original Die Grosse Fliegeruhr ~ B-Uhr Before I get into the 5002 as a Replication, let's look at the origins of the Big Pilot .. As the Big Pilot was launched as a tribute or "throw back" to the B-Uhr of the 1940' The Original "DIE GROSSE FLIEGERUHR" - the B-Uhr manufactured by IWC for the German Airforce in the 1940's The size of the B-Uhr was huge !! 55 mm, the size is due to the fact that the timepiece was worn outside the aviators jacket .. and the Onion crown so large because the aviator used the crown while wearing his gloves,.. and the dial (large) could be read from all angles without hinderance The B-Uhr movement~ Some of the Houses that produced Military aviators watches.. along with IWC IWC A. Lange Laco Stowa Wempe-other smaller houses( Austrian and german stores private makes), varied movts by Unitas and Minerva In 2002 the IWC Factory produced the 5002 BP .. With it's vintage dial layout and buffalo strap.. unlike the B-Uhr a power reserve was added at the 3 and a date window at the 6 The Replication BP 5002 Vitals ~ Replication Model : Brushed SS Case, Black Dial, White Markers ( Lume on Hours Indices), Fixed Power Reserve Indicator (Faux 7 days) , Premium Thick Brown Leather Strap with Insignia Single Foldover Deployant Clasp Movement: Decorated Asian Automatic Movement, 25J 21600bph Functions : Hours, Minutes, Secs, Date @ 6.00 Dimensions : Diameter 46.2mm x 15.8mm Thk Weight : 144 grams Material : 1 piece forged/Engraved case construction, solid 316 stainless steel Back : Solid Case Back with Detail Engraving on Case (Both Sides - All correct Spelling) Crown : One-piece Screw down Crown with o ring Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Swiss Standard Double AR Coated Water-resistant The Genuine ~ 46.2 ; 150 grams I will quote the movement from a review .. I really don't want to just use my own words when in fact it would be plagarism.. "IWC didn't use any movement in it's new Big Pilot, when it came time to choose a movement, they picked the caliber 5011 movement with 7 day power reserve and and date display. This movement is also used in the popular Portuguese Automatic line of watches. IWC recently replaced the 5011 movement in the Big Pilot and Portuguese Automatic with the 51110 movement which increased the rate from 18,000 vph to 21,600 vph. My model Big Pilot has the newer movement." From: "peters watch" The Genuine The Replication .. the hands look very well done, the lettering is sharp ... with a genuine AR (which is rather good on the rep) I believe the dial will look even better..!! The ticks and markers look good.. the font on the PR could be a little thicker (IMO) and yes the DW is sunken rather deeply... but all around .. you decide.. The Crystal Genuine ... Sapphire convex double AR.. The Replication.... is very good !. however with a "great" AR this dial would SING !! Chief has stated that he is going to be doing genuine "Brand" AR.. the AR on the BP has "heavy HUE" .. so this will not be an issue given a trip to Cali The Markers at the 12 may seem a little off.. it is the slight angle of the rep in the pic .. they are actually spot on.. the pic can be decieving..(my pic) the fiber at the 8 is in the dial.. it is driving me nutz.. I don't feel ambitious enough tonight .. Genuine Replication.. the hands are silver.. it's the lighting.. I tried to "replicate the genuine pics".. the rings in the PR sub are a little rough on the replication .. but good with the naked eye.. The Crown... Genuine The Replication.also got the case in the pic.. very nice.. if your wondering about the different crowns.. they are both correct.. below the pic are statement from a genuine BP forum to answer this issue.. and also some info on the movement.. the rep is the 21.6 and the movement of the second hand is as the forum member explains it,.. so it is by nature, due to the size of the dial and Second hand .. a bit jerky.. From a genuine BP forum: Greg LeVine15-08-2007, 11:09 PM There seems to be so much confusion (on my part at least) on the difference between the 5002 and 5004 movements on the BP. first could someone please explain the main differences and why one would prefer one movement over another. I understand most of it is personal but don't understand which is truly "better". Secondly, The fish crown issue! what is the deal with this? My crown has a fish or my crown doesn't have a fish. What does this mean and does it really matter. Thank you in advance, your assistance is greatly appreciated. Greg. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- India Whiskey Charlie15-08-2007, 11:43 PM And perhaps can give some insight. My first was an early 5002 with the fish crown purchased back in 2003 (I think!). Then, I got a 5004 last December. The 5002 movement is rated at 18k beats per hour while the 5004 movement has 21.6k beats per hour. This can help a watchmaker fine tune the 5004 a bit more for a bit more accuracy. Having said that, my experience is such that the accuracy of both is extremely similar even after both watches having been back to IWC for service and regulation. In fact, I have four 5000-based IWC's. Two 18k's and two 21.6k's and see no difference in accuracy between all four. There really is no "better" movement between the two. Now, as to the crown difference, IWC changed the fish crown to the Probus Scafusia crown when they changed from the 18k to the 21.6k movement before releasing the 5004 models. At the same time, there was a revision made on the crown tube to prevent a damaged that occurred on the original 5002 fish crown. On some watches, the crown tube slid inside the case preventing the crown from screwing-in. When this happened, IWC replaced the fish crown with the Probus crown. As such, some 5002's with the Probus crown may very well be early 18k watches. With my personal experience, I see no difference in the two movements. Now, had IWC gone to a 28.8k beats per hour, it may have been a different story. There seems to be so much confusion (on my part at least) on the difference between the 5002 and 5004 movements on the BP. first could someone please explain the main differences and why one would prefer one movement over another. I understand most of it is personal but don't understand which is truly "better". Secondly, The fish crown issue! what is the deal with this? My crown has a fish or my crown doesn't have a fish. What does this mean and does it really matter. Thank you in advance, your assistance is greatly appreciated. Greg.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And YES !! It is a screw down !!!! and the threading is smooooth ... top shape ! The Case Back.. Genuine .. Die Grosse Fliegeruhr... The Big Pilot Replication .. Good .., very good actually.. we'll see if they are individual serial numbers as others recieve the BP Rep Movement.. the experts can chime in as to what "Asian Movement this may be" The Clasp Replication .. very Well Done !!! .. nice positive snap on closing.. engraving is first rate.. OK it will not be "as" great as the genuine.. but you have to admit it is Well Done !! Genuine Replication Genuine The Rep Strap .. I was suprised at how well this was made considering the past Pilot straps.. it is not what will stay on the rep.. I didn't put my HK's on since you want to see the replication in all it's Glory !! And of course the Lume.. pretty Good.. of course we gauge everything to the Master.. Z .. but as far as a rep.. the shutter speed was not even a half a second as you can see by the second hand.. In Summarizing the BP 5002: After a very long wait I am not dissapointed.. even if this is V-1, for the price I am vey happy with this purchase.. Quality is there.. the replication IMO was well done.. of course it can and probably will be improvements.. other makers will step up to the plate I am sure.. but there is room and possibilities for this rep. .. The weight is good.. a little off due to the movement of course.. but still with the small lug width it does not wear like a 46 mm watch and is well balanced on the wrist .. as is the genuine ..(I am assuming) reviews on genuine forums say it is not "top heavy" and I can see that in the rep.. unlike other watches .. where the thickness makes the rep wobble on your wrist .. this is not the case with the BP 5002 Replication.. I believe those who acquire this rep. will be very pleased.. In closing a few wrist shots: Thank you for viewing !! I will be adding more pics.. Aloha~Cheers Lani Additional Eye Candy ~ Crew Shot....

crystal looks like the T-39 to me

Mail carrier must of heard me.. she must of forgotten it .. my mail center jus called .. I'll have pics up in a few hours..

don't you want to yell at the Postal workers when they jus drag their butts.. this item was supposed to be delivered in the am .. if you look at the time it came out of customs !!! Oh well this afternoon.. this means it's going to be a long day.. I was hoping to post so the EU guy's could catch it before night.. so when y'all get up it will hopefully be posted.. Label/Receipt Number: EB08 XXXX 312C N Detailed Results: Processed, August 28, 2008, 8:38 am, HONOLULU, HI 96820 Inbound Out of Customs, August 27, 2008, 11:29 am Inbound Into Customs Inbound International Arrival, August 27, 2008, 3:11 am, LOS ANGELES Foreign International Dispatch, August 26, 2008, 12:33 am, GUANGZHOU EMS, CHINA PEOPLES REP Origin Post is Preparing Shipment Foreign Acceptance, August 25, 2008, 9:41 pm

It is becoming clearer in my minds eye.. what I feel is just the "flowing lines" of the vintage models... the modern or the millenium era timepieces feel much more "Rigid" in design.. that would not stop me from admiring them.. but the eclectic look of yester~years designs really stir the "mystique" in my psyche... like the designs of the jewelers when alot of the gems were inlayed or bright cut into the metal .. especially the Italian artisans.. what ever the case may be I can admire these pics all day into tomorrow.. and never tire of them Thanks Nanuq ... Ubi... I'm staring to leave the scrathes in my pexi crystals .. I don't think I'll submit them to the coins .. but let them age natually by not polishing the "battle scars" off..

All I know is I love the Vintage Look.. not only in watches,.. but also ~ Automobiles ~.... Well, the list could go on and on ... It is in part because of the History and stories behind every object... but I keep asking myself ... Is that all.. now I am not a wiz with the vocabulary as some members have this gift.. so tell me what is the attraction with You ... some of the most beautiful vintage pieces have been posted by the Rolex Men... Tribal.. Jojo ... Ubi... Laz.. Toomuchgear.... More pics would be appreciated as I NEVER tire of them thanks in advance Aloha~Cheers Lani

well.. you could take the genuine to the AD.. you wouldn't have to mess with it.. but since this is not the genuine.. welcome to the rep world.. where necessity is the "Mother of Invention"

Toothpicks.. with your spring bar tool or whatever implement you use ... release the spring bar .. hold it open and insert a toothpick in the gap to keep it open.. the tension will hold the toothpick in place.... then simply release the other end while the toothpick holds the first end open and the bracelet will come out rather easily.. I was looking for the pics I took it is somewhere but I cannot locate it..

My sentiments exactly ... I think the Grey Reptile will be way Cool on the skyland grey dial.. can't wait to see the pics

Yes, that is the rep leather.. IMO the best leather rep strap to date.. it gets better looking with a little wear .. The leather strap pictured was for the SOSF .. but it's the same.. rub wax on the thread and it looks even better.. just use a candle.. or any parafin wax.

sorry didn't mean to penalize the EU members.. get's a little frustrating time after time... I'll re post the pics. jus for you guy's

without any info on events of the years that have past you can make "assumptions" .. well many have benefited much more than gathering info on "watches" this community is "NOT" just about watches.. I have deleted pics that tooks several hours to compose .. it was meant for members who needed "support" in making decisions,.. instead of answering individual PM's.. well.. after 40 views only a few posted.. if you count the man hours spent on these threads and have actually spent over 100 hours doing them I think your view would be much different.. of course we have ego's .. but that is not the solitary reason that members spend so much time for reviews and additional time taking over 50 pics to post several.. try spending half your day on a review time and time again... I really believe your outlook will change.. with apathy from those who hit and run.. there are dozens of other things that can be done for EGO..

look above your post T

Terry ... Thank you !! I think the Grey may be apropos with the bracelet.... it brings out more richness in the grey .. IMO.... the black straps may overpower the grey .. making the strap more dominant..

Skyland Black and Grey A comparison of Dials these pics are done in different angles with less natural lightning in some pics that others ... so you can see the difference in the colour of the grey in increased light and decreased light.. I have taken them in different angles .. There has been members on the border line .. trying to decide between the two dials.. well, I hope this helps you decide .. jus more info for ya.. Skyland Black and Grey A comparison of Dials these pics are done in different angles with less natural lightning in some pics that others ... so you can see the difference in the colour of the grey in increased light and decreased light.. I have taken them in different angles .. There has been members on the border line .. trying to decide between the two dials.. well, I hope this helps you decide .. jus more info for ya.. Both pics were taken in slightly different lighting.. Are the markers more defined with the Black Dial ??? In Limited light the grey dial will darken .. These pics were not done for eye candy but for info purposes... Aloha~Cheers R

that wasn't very Nice Pug .. ya wanna clarify .. I think E is a stand up guy...

Thank you very much for the gesturee M... but unfortunately it's a crap shoot with "genuine" reptile from EU since it comes to Hawaii for Customs and not Cali.. Hawaii being full of Military bases, after 9-11 almost everything from Europe is opened.. and without the CITIES certificate I am sure to loose it.. funny when I order from HK it manages to get through.. the Gator I have ordered from Germany in the past ... not so fortunate.. but again thank you .. R

congrats M,... !!!!!! Looks great.... to bad Hawaii customs tends to open everything from germany.. I would loose the strap fo sure.. enjoy that great looking combo !! Live Strong and Wear it Well R

not only MP... but you ALL ROCK BIG TIME..... when it comes to members whom you can count on through thick and very thin ... everyone of youz guyz.. are ... DA BOMB !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yeah we've all come to know P4 avatar very well