Michael_B

Depends: If I were to buy this watch (I already have one) I would pay close to a watch without a stuck day wheel. This is a very easy fix if you've done it before, but it's easy to break things (especially on reps). I don't know for how much these go, but I think 10-20% off a used one is quite a good deal for both parties, provided you can repair it yourself.

This is the v1:

http://puretime.co/product/big-pilot-5004-ss-grey-superlumed-dial-on-black-leather-strap-a25j/

This is the v2:

http://puretime.co/product/big-pilot-2nd-edition-7-days-black-dial-1/

Just compare it with a genuine picture next to it. The v2 just looks wrong. Most disturbing is the date window. I think it's quite obvious without looking at the genuine watch. The proportions on the v1 look very good. And some members have been able to switch it with a genuine dial.

Michael_B, those are exactly my sentiments.

The only reason why I would even consider the rep with the leather strap is for the buckle; which seems to be of decent quality.

How about asking if he can ship it with a buckle? Best of both worlds! It shouldn't bee too expensive if he can find one.

Here is some pics found of the old:

[Picture of the IWC Portofino]

Wow if never seen a quality picture of this replica. This one looks very accurate. The only thing bothering me is that the crown looks a little too far outside. But maybe it's pulled out, so I don't know. (This is from what I remember the last time I had this on my wrist.)

EDIT: Removed the pictures from the quote to make it more readable.

I've been waiting for this one for a while as well. It looks great on a leather band, but I'm torn between that and the mesh bracelet.

Get the mesh bracelet. The replica leather strap quality is horrible and you'll probably replace it with something nicer very soon. Seriously, it should be forbidden to sell these straps. If you don't like the mesh bracelet, just buy a simple non-replica leather strap afterwards. It doesn't have to be genuine, everything will be better.

That being said, excellent choice of your watch! I hope that someday I can build one of these myself from mostly genuine parts.

I believe this model is much thinner then the norml big pilots, am i right? If they can rep this with a proper movement without PR, it would sell like hot buns!

It is a little thinner (15mm), while the classic Top Gun is a little less than 1mm more. I don't think it's too noticable. But this one has a 48mm case, which is huuuuuge (compared to other IWC watches).

Same movement, same dimensions.

This one is a little bigger than the 5004. It's 48mm wide!

Wow at first I was like "this is the best IWC rep I have seen so far". Too bad, but it's genuine.

It looks nice, but I prefer the steel version with the alligator strap. This should be rep'able without inventing too much, but I'd rather see some of the Miramar models being rep'ed.

I thought the version 2 had a working power reserve? But the V2 big pilots look horrible. The V1 is much more accurate in my opinion, but has a non-working power reserve indicator. I would take the V1.

Hi 10pgb20, nice answer . Thank I didn't know about the exact diameters. The small hands fit without problems, but as said the big second hand won't fit without modification. A watchmaker should be able to adapt it for you. I've read that some members have managed to widen it themselves. And some members like me have broken the big second hand .

Oh okay, now I get it. Yes, you can replace the Asian 7750 movement with an ETA 7750 movement, BUT you will have problems fitting the chrono second hand. The hole is a little too small, but some members say it can be widened to fit the ETA 7750 movement.

My Top Gun 3789 has the paint removed. It looks pretty cool now! The small Top Gun is 44mm and it is the same size as the 3718, just the height is a little different.

Yes, Swiss guy here .

Hi Gents,

as mentioned above: I was thinking about it but the fake split second hand put me off.

This is also a reason not to buy this watch but on the other hand I like and I need the size of this watch.

According my information, the diameter should be 46 mm. Is somebody able to confirm this?

Maybe a stupipo question, is there an possibility to close the hole from the fake pusher at 11:00.

I have access to very small welding devices in orde to manufacture thermocouples for hot gas areas in gas turbines.

After disassembly and separte the housing it shoul be possible.

Maybe I will also equip It with an TopGun Dial.

Regards

Hi and welcome here. The watch is 44mm. You mean close the hole if you remove the pusher at 11 o'clock? I am not aware that anyone has tried this.

If you plan to put a Top Gun dial, why not go directly with a 3789? It doesn't have the 11 o'clock pusher and is the same size. A Top Gun dial in a 3718 looks fake and is a much bigger tell than the non working pusher. Besides that, it would look weird with the spitfire hands.

What about these "victims"? Why have the full deposits you collected not been refunded? The money should technically still be there. They are deposits.

Can't you just apologize and admit some fault here and get peoples money back from your account right now?

A large part probably went to his IWC source. While he probably gets them at a lower price than he sells them, he probably doesn't get them for free either. These parts are with texski now, who disappeared.

Please give him some time, he's trying to do the right thing and refund the people who have been scammed.

As for the people who went to texski alone, that is not your issue and you hold no responsibility.

As hard as this may sound to those who are concerned, I agree with that statement. I wouldn't hold a trusted dealer responsible for a faulty watch either if I bought it directly from the factory. (That's common sense.)

I don't think Hacra is active on this board. Hacra answered me on RG and RWI. Try it there.

Concepta is active here (more or less), I saw him answering posts recently. He usually answers within a few days, if he doesn't answer, then he probably can't get it.

Unfortunately it is getting harder and harder to source IWC parts (from what I've read here). No guarantees that they can get them.

hmmm I know that I should buy the gen watch but I'm sure that when I have it, I won't feel satisfied knowing it doesn't have an in-house movement...

Any idea if IWC is going to put an in-house movement in the Portuguese? Heard that Eta is planning to use their movements exclusively for the ETA group...

IWC has many real in-house Portuguese, but unfortunately they aren't cheap. Search IWC 5001 for example. From what I've read, Swatch Group - which owns ETA - wants to restrict (even more) the sale of its movements to only quality manufacturers to protect the Swiss watch industry. A step I welcome by the way. I hate those "hey look, we manufactured a cheap case in chine and put a Swiss made eta movement inside. Let's sell it for USD 5000! I haven't heard nor read about ETA movements being used exclusively for Swatch Group Watches. If anybody knows more about this, I'd be happy to hear it.

Or any idea where we can find a gen dial and put in into the reps

Concepta and/or Hacra can source them sometimes, PM them!

You mean the 3799 ;-)

Nice watch btw

No, I really meant the 3789, because it is exactly the same size. The 3799 is 46mm, but probably still lighter than the 3718.

Is this 42 mm?

It's really beautiful.

It's 44mm and it looks very manly!!

thnx!

The strap is indeed a very good one.. although a bit stiff first few time you try to put it on..but get's better every day

probably going to franken it with a gen movement and gen dial/hands in january.. because I have to get some funds for it ;-)

I will remove my paint tomorrow if I have some spare time, already ordered some different colours of paint..trying to match the gen colour.

will probably be some trail and error. Will post a pic when it's done

enjoy your watch too!

Awesome! The watch I bought already came with a genuine dial, hands and movement. I'm sure you will enjoy going franken! The gen dial makes such a nice difference. Looking forward to your pictures with the new color. Be careful not to put any paint remover on the crystal.

I have the gen watch of this! Worth every penny. while it's true that this movement is based on the Valjoux 7750, I still consider it to be a somewhat in-house movement. The seconds have been moved to the 6 o'clock position. It's not like the 3717 where you can replace it with an eta movement.

The replica has known issues with the seconds at 6. Better get the gen if you can.

Great review and congratulations to your watch. I recently bought one too from another member. He removed the paint; at first I disliked it, but now I think it looks great. IWC removed the logo on their newer Top Gun models, too. I bought a V1 model, but I do not see any difference with the case. Your pushers seem a tiny little bit shorter, but that might just be the perspective from which the pictures where taken.

The rep strap looks very good! I might get one as well as I currently don't have a matching strap. I sent an e-mail to Ace Jewelers asking them about the price of the genuine strap. We'll see.

Enjoy your watch! This watch is about to become my favorite watch.

Any trusted dealer should be able to get you that watch. Concepta just switched the movement with a genuine one and replaced the strap.

Just remember that the asian movement is not very relaible and might fail after some time. (That is why he replaced the movement.) As rick suggested PM him instead if you want one with a genuine movement. (But don't put too much hope in getting one. As far as I read, genuine parts are getter harder to find.)

I like the case back.

I was thinking about it but the fake split second hand put me off.

Does the pusher at 11 has any functions?

The pusher at 11 has no function. I find the case back to be its weakness. The serial number is just lasered on the watch. The letters could be a little deeper.

Other than that the watch is excellent! I can recommend this watch . The watch is very heavy though when compared to the 3789 which is the same size.

I am always believer that a gen dial for virtually every watch is the biggest improvement we can bestow on our reps.

This is true!! All my replicas have a genuine dial at least. It looks so much better. Seconds best improbement - and easiest - is a genuine strap.

Although I do really like the one you posted up Michael, I may offer him 1100 and see what happens

Or keep looking on eBay. These watches come up quite often. Here's one that ended at USD 1222 (scroll a little down):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170902488569?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

The problem I have with really vintage watches from the 1960s is that they are just inferieur to watches produced today. And the crystals are not made of sapphire glass. However if you like the look of older watches and don't mind that it's actually old, I'd say go for it. After all, you are going to wear the watch, no me .

Just buy a semi-vintage portofino. Really vintage IWC in good condition are hard to come by, unlike you like the used look. Don't fall for these pseudo vintage aviator watches that are made out of pocket watches.

Here's one (although if look around, there sell around USD 1100):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IWC-Portofino-Stahl-Ref-3331-mens-wristwatch-/280959060480?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item416a770a00

I have one of these, they're just 35mm if I remember correctly and they're based on the ETA 2892. It has an older logo, but still the recognizable IWC letters. They're very small, just like most vintage watches. Make sure you like the size.

Awesome price! 355 US-Dollar!! I watched it. To bad it was US ONLY.

You should have asked the seller if he ships to Europe or wherever you are if you pay the additional shipping fees. In my experience, most of the time they say yes. If it is any consolation, it went to a member of RG. These will make some nice frankens. I will let you guys know if I see another Big Pilot dial up for sale.

I eyeballed that one on eBay for awhile. The 2 o'clock marker ruined it for me . Does it appear to be a easy fix for your watchmaker with out screwing up the dial?

There's another one on eBay that I found the other day.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170900907160

Looking forward to your finished project!

EDIT: Also thanks for the information on where you got the dial!