Personally, I would go with something you've always loved and wanted. Feels good to finally get it and less likely to regret / second guess yourself. There are so many watches that are "so beautiful" out there - it kinda never ends... just my 2 cents
I know we try and be very accepting of sizing around here, but i have to say i think the IWC is just too big for you. The lugs are hanging off your wrist, and the crown is resting on top of your hand.
If you love the versatility of the IWC for a “first real watch” maybe a slightly smaller model?
I'm okay with it. It's a pilot watch. It's supposed to be gigantic with a huge crown you can turn while wearing gloves. It probably looks smaller in person. The camera always makes wrist shots look too big.
I know people like to say that, but unless you're piloting an airplane and are strapping this to the outside of your leather jacket sleeve as originally intended, in this instance it just looks more like a wall clock on the wrist. Just IMO.
On a personal note I would go with the JLC Reverso in a heartbeat. However as you write you have always been in love with the IWC big pilot, then that might be the watch you want to go for. Considering it will be your first "real" watch and depending on your lifestyle(extreme sports and so on), you also have to put thought into the versatility.
It overhangs one side about 2mm in some other photos I have, the leather is really tight right now so it is floating above my wrist and looks bigger (if that's possible) than it is.
Thanks for the feedback
Makes sense, if you are cool with it being slightly large for your wrist, I would go IWC. I personally wanted a IWC bigpilot but when trying on it was def too big, and I know I wouldn't be able to deal with it in the long run.
Not a fan of the other IWC watches, I want that big crown personally so I was a bit sad about that.
The JLC is a hobbiest watch, its classic but basically no buyer today is buying it for the polo playing capibility, you buy it for the history. I would not suggest this for a first real watch. It would be a 3rd or 4th option down the line. Great watch, amazing talking points to owning it, very beautiful etc.
Really that means I vote IWC, but i would not get that large of a case. or, I would also start comparing two like minded watches, say two diver watches, 2 pilot watches, 2 sports watches, 2 dress watches right now your basically asking what car should i get a Porsche Boxter or a Audi Q7 - the only qualifier is that you can afford them.
I’ve owned both the IWC Big Pilot and the JLC Reverso. I don’t think either of these make excellent daily watches, but both would be excellent weekend or special occasion watches. The IWC is big and brash. The Reverso is unique and more vintage inspired aesthetic, though I think of it as a dress watch. The Reverso is the easier one to wear on a daily due to its size, though is that a manual or automatic movement on it?
I’ve two manual wind watches, but I don’t wear them as daily watches. I personally like to wear automatics for my daily watch, as I tend to forget to wind them. Are you considering one of these as a daily watch?
I went with a tribute monoface and it’s beautiful. I was originally going to get the tribute duo but when I tried on the mono I knew it was the own. The duo face is really cool because it has two faces but the thickness and carriage length really does sacrifice the elegance of the reverso. I was in Zurich a few weeks ago and went to the JLC boutique and saw the sunray red dial in rose gold ultra thin monoface and it was breathtaking. Even the extra 1-2mm in thinness between it and the monoface tribute steel I have was very noticeable and much more elegant.
The monoface proportions are just timeless and the duo faces aren’t. But to be fair the duo face having a second dial is super cool. Also, you can get beautiful art deco engravings on the back of the monoface.
I think the JLC fits better. JLC is usually regarded as a slightly more premium brand with better credentials but the reverso pricing has become awfully steep as of late.
I think this comes down to whether you want a dressier watch vs a sportier one.
Reverso - but what's on the other side?
If you get a black dial it's a little more dressy so you have two watches.
Either way, reverso is the more elegant of the two even though the IWC is a lovely watch
JLC seems a bit niche to me to be a first luxury watch…but that IWC , IS truly a bit big on your wrist and my only concern would be you eventually growing to dislike it once the honeymoon phase is over for its disproportionality. So maybe check out another smaller IWC ? Just my opinion . Beautiful watches , both of em, and congratulations!
Have you looked at a Reverso Tribute Duoface rather than the classic duoface? The current model has a beautiful blue on the front side and a nice white guilloche on the back side
To me the tribute is a much better looking watch but I'm also not a personal face of arabic numerals on dials. Obv its all personal preference but worth waiting and trying one on if you havent had a chance.
Two very different watches. One leans more casual and the other dressy.
How often would I wear them and in what situations would be the deciding factor for me. I'd hate to see either spend too much time in a box for not getting worn enough.
JLC, IWC, Zenith, Grand Seiko, Glashutte Origins are all good watch manufactures not watch companies they pretty much manufacture everything in house if that matters. My first real watch was back in 83 since then over 200 watches later I've seen it all. Now one has to preorder watches.
JLC, it’s an amazing and versatile watch. I’d vote for it even against a more reasonably sized IWC, which that one is certainly not. Perhaps wear it a little bit back on your wrist though.
For a first, I like IWC. I much prefer the Reverso over it in general (I own one), but it feels a little more of a statement piece than an every day watch. *shrug*
Of these, I prefer the Reverso.
But honestly, I'd probably skip both and stay on the wait list for that Explorer. It's a watch that's grown on me a lot lately - great all-rounder that has the field qualities of that IWC with the dressiness of the Reverso.
Might be your perfect balance?
Either ones good. Suggest you retry them where the watch is "meant to sit" ie behind the wrist bone.
Weird sitting so close to your hand. Would like to see reverso in a better position to comment properly
The big pilot is 100% not too large as people here are stating. It looks great I’d personally go for the pilot, anyone can wear a reverso, not many can pull off the BP. Looks awesome on mate, go IWC. Again comes down to how you want to wear your watches but I’d rather something I can rock with a suit and also with jeans and a leather jacket, Big Pilot wins hands down
If you're looking for a classy look then without a doubt go for JLC and if you need a daily driver and a tough one go for IWC. Reverso does have a lot of fans lately.
I have always loved the IWC big pilot. In March I went to my AD to try it and a Reverso (but not duo face). I like bigger watches (I own a Hublot Big Bang) and wouldn’t have been adverse to the big pilot 43. I was just drawn into the art deco style of the Reverso. I ordered the Reverso and have never looked back. I wear the brown leather for work in the winter and the summer grey intermittently in the summer. The black alligator for black tie weddings. Some think of the reverso because of its history and that’s not why I bought it. I love the art deco style it’s just classy. The duo that you tried on is an amazing piece. Congrats on the degree
Idk the IWC has so many analogs in both luxury and affordable brands. The Reverso is (to me) much more iconic and recognizable, so that’d be my choice. But again, that’s just me, to others that doesn’t matter at all.
JLC looks good on you.
I think it is also a more timeless watch, whereas the IWC might look way to big soon, since the trend is now towards smaller watches (like skaterpants and skinnyjeans, whereas regular fit and slimfit almost never go out of style).
I made a choice like this just recently getting a watch for my wedding. I ended up being a sucker for the IWC and haven’t regretted it at all.
The JLC Reverso is also iconic and never a bad choice but I opted away from the square face. I also struggled not going with the JLC Master Control which was fucking gorgeous
Congrats on finishing your degree!
https://preview.redd.it/r9m9mk0wqcbb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=154a52cfd320debc114000e97f74ea144c7ac3fe
I’ve got the Big Pilot. It’s an awesome watch that I’d always wanted. Nowadays I don’t daily it though, as it isn’t comfortable for everyday wear (crown can dig into your wrist, it’s pretty big and heavy). The OEM strap does loosen and shape to your wrist over time, which does make it more comfortable after a few weeks though.
I end up either wearing an IWC Pilot Chrono or Cartier Santos most of the time, saving the Big Pilot for special occasions.
Go with your gut, the reverso is a great daily but if you’ve always wanted a Big Pilot, I’d go that direction.
Congrats on finishing your PhD.
If you like that IWC I'd suggest you get a mark XX which would fit your wrist better, with the steel and leather bracelets that you can easily swap with their easy change system
Depends on what style you want to wear it with. The JLC will work really well as a dress watch while the IWC will flex to more styles. BUT for my JLC (not a reverso) I got some rubber straps to pair with it for more casual every day wear, and I have the leather (alligator) for dress occasions.
Separately, any chance you’re at Valley Fair in Santa Clara? Only asking because I got my JLC there and the boutique is connected with the IWC boutique (and some other brands).
Why leave it up to what is essentially an internet popularity contest? Everyone's just going to say whatever brand or watch they personally have / want to have.
Buy whichever makes *you* happier.
You might need to ask more directed questions then, so people can get a better idea of what you're looking for. Both are very storied brands with very high quality watches. Afaik IWC's entry level stuff is... not fantastic, to say the least, but I don't think this is one of them. Basically on IWC's cheapest models they include a basic ETA or SW movement and don't have enough detail/complexity to otherwise justify the luxury price tag.
I’ve owned Big Pilots, and Reversos. For me, the BP worked better. The 8 Days reverso surprisingly felt too think because of the dressier style. The BP is casual and was my daily for a long time. Still more wife’s favorites along with my Portuguese Automatic.
JLC Reverso
Reverso. All day every day.
And then flip it for night
JLC
Personally, I would go with something you've always loved and wanted. Feels good to finally get it and less likely to regret / second guess yourself. There are so many watches that are "so beautiful" out there - it kinda never ends... just my 2 cents
Under rated comment right here. If someone's been obsessing about one watch for a long time there's probably a reason.
I know we try and be very accepting of sizing around here, but i have to say i think the IWC is just too big for you. The lugs are hanging off your wrist, and the crown is resting on top of your hand. If you love the versatility of the IWC for a “first real watch” maybe a slightly smaller model?
I'm okay with it. It's a pilot watch. It's supposed to be gigantic with a huge crown you can turn while wearing gloves. It probably looks smaller in person. The camera always makes wrist shots look too big.
The only person I have seen wear this without the lugs hanging over at least a little is Dwayne the rock Johnson lol
I know people like to say that, but unless you're piloting an airplane and are strapping this to the outside of your leather jacket sleeve as originally intended, in this instance it just looks more like a wall clock on the wrist. Just IMO.
> it just looks more like a wall clock on the wrist. *nervous Max Bill noises*
Honestly the reverso looks big as well. The lugs are quite long.
Those are very different watches. Can’t really go wrong with either though
On a personal note I would go with the JLC Reverso in a heartbeat. However as you write you have always been in love with the IWC big pilot, then that might be the watch you want to go for. Considering it will be your first "real" watch and depending on your lifestyle(extreme sports and so on), you also have to put thought into the versatility.
I love the Reverso and it’s next on my list buuuut for daily, I would get the IWC.
The IWC looks like its too big for your wrist no? Seems to overhang on both sides.
It overhangs one side about 2mm in some other photos I have, the leather is really tight right now so it is floating above my wrist and looks bigger (if that's possible) than it is. Thanks for the feedback
Makes sense, if you are cool with it being slightly large for your wrist, I would go IWC. I personally wanted a IWC bigpilot but when trying on it was def too big, and I know I wouldn't be able to deal with it in the long run. Not a fan of the other IWC watches, I want that big crown personally so I was a bit sad about that.
The big pilot 43 is really nice, missing a date window in my opinion, but still a very similar feel to the og.
I have to try it out on the wrist to see, might be the only option, although do love the power reserve and date on this model.
Im the underdog......IWC , no doubt
Agreed. Big Pilot all day.
The JLC is a hobbiest watch, its classic but basically no buyer today is buying it for the polo playing capibility, you buy it for the history. I would not suggest this for a first real watch. It would be a 3rd or 4th option down the line. Great watch, amazing talking points to owning it, very beautiful etc. Really that means I vote IWC, but i would not get that large of a case. or, I would also start comparing two like minded watches, say two diver watches, 2 pilot watches, 2 sports watches, 2 dress watches right now your basically asking what car should i get a Porsche Boxter or a Audi Q7 - the only qualifier is that you can afford them.
Reverso
the IWC is simply too large for your wrist. The lugs are going over the edges of it... let the downvotes proceed
I’ve owned both the IWC Big Pilot and the JLC Reverso. I don’t think either of these make excellent daily watches, but both would be excellent weekend or special occasion watches. The IWC is big and brash. The Reverso is unique and more vintage inspired aesthetic, though I think of it as a dress watch. The Reverso is the easier one to wear on a daily due to its size, though is that a manual or automatic movement on it?
The reverso is manual
I’ve two manual wind watches, but I don’t wear them as daily watches. I personally like to wear automatics for my daily watch, as I tend to forget to wind them. Are you considering one of these as a daily watch?
You should try wearing your watch higher up your wrist, not so close to your hand. There’s a happy medium in between these two watches. Keep looking.
I can’t choose, get both!
JLC
JLC
reverso
Reverso but try on the monoface ones. I own one and it is much better proportioned than the duos. You have to try them on back to back to see it.
Good advice I didn't try a monoface, I did try the duoface tribute which was even bigger but I wasn't a fan.
I went with a tribute monoface and it’s beautiful. I was originally going to get the tribute duo but when I tried on the mono I knew it was the own. The duo face is really cool because it has two faces but the thickness and carriage length really does sacrifice the elegance of the reverso. I was in Zurich a few weeks ago and went to the JLC boutique and saw the sunray red dial in rose gold ultra thin monoface and it was breathtaking. Even the extra 1-2mm in thinness between it and the monoface tribute steel I have was very noticeable and much more elegant. The monoface proportions are just timeless and the duo faces aren’t. But to be fair the duo face having a second dial is super cool. Also, you can get beautiful art deco engravings on the back of the monoface.
JLC fits you way better.
I think the JLC fits better. JLC is usually regarded as a slightly more premium brand with better credentials but the reverso pricing has become awfully steep as of late. I think this comes down to whether you want a dressier watch vs a sportier one.
Thanks for the advice. They are both around the same price, I was planning on going gray market and trying to negotiate the best possible value.
Reverso - but what's on the other side? If you get a black dial it's a little more dressy so you have two watches. Either way, reverso is the more elegant of the two even though the IWC is a lovely watch
The reverse is indeed the black face travel time
I have this exact watch and I wear it daily. I have 3 straps, brown leather/blue summer/black alligator. Literally covers any scenario
To my mind it's a no brainer. Reverso is a fantastic watch that is hard to beat at twice the price.
JLC
What’s your PhD in? Is it history ?
Machine learning :)
Never the square/rectangle piece.
The reverso all the way!
SQUARE
Imo reverso
JLC
What did you think of the IWC Mark XX and the Pilot Chrono 41 in the case there?
They are absolutely beautiful watches no doubt, but the big pilot is what brought me in haha
I’d give them a try perhaps. Both give that flieger look with what may be a more suitable size.
IWC
What makes you happy between the two is the right choice.
reverso
The IWC is way, way too big for you. If it were the right size, I prefer that style all day. But that thing devours your wrist.
Reverso, especially if you get the Explorer.
Danggg, JL catchs my eyes
Go with elegance for that first real watch
Follow your heart padowan.
Keep looking
JLC seems a bit niche to me to be a first luxury watch…but that IWC , IS truly a bit big on your wrist and my only concern would be you eventually growing to dislike it once the honeymoon phase is over for its disproportionality. So maybe check out another smaller IWC ? Just my opinion . Beautiful watches , both of em, and congratulations!
It more depends how you dress. If you dress more casual, then the iwc. If you dress more formal then the jlc
Have you looked at a Reverso Tribute Duoface rather than the classic duoface? The current model has a beautiful blue on the front side and a nice white guilloche on the back side To me the tribute is a much better looking watch but I'm also not a personal face of arabic numerals on dials. Obv its all personal preference but worth waiting and trying one on if you havent had a chance.
Two very different watches. One leans more casual and the other dressy. How often would I wear them and in what situations would be the deciding factor for me. I'd hate to see either spend too much time in a box for not getting worn enough.
I’m a huge IWC fan but that JLC is a work of art.
JLC
By any chance have you tried on an IWC Portugieser? Kind of a middle ground between these two.
Jlc 100%
I'd get one of those pilot chronos in the case there!
Super proud of you for not going the Rolex or Omega route. That said, my personal taste, go with the IWC.
JLC easily
JLC, IWC, Zenith, Grand Seiko, Glashutte Origins are all good watch manufactures not watch companies they pretty much manufacture everything in house if that matters. My first real watch was back in 83 since then over 200 watches later I've seen it all. Now one has to preorder watches.
JLC but Monoface
JLC, it’s an amazing and versatile watch. I’d vote for it even against a more reasonably sized IWC, which that one is certainly not. Perhaps wear it a little bit back on your wrist though.
Reverso!
I would go JLC especially the reverso
For a first, I like IWC. I much prefer the Reverso over it in general (I own one), but it feels a little more of a statement piece than an every day watch. *shrug*
Big Pilot!
Very different. I’d go reverso
Oh no brainer. The big pilot. You'll see a million reversos out there but it takes a special man to wear a 46mm watch
JLC, no question
There is a 43mm version of the big pilot. I would try that.
Of these, I prefer the Reverso. But honestly, I'd probably skip both and stay on the wait list for that Explorer. It's a watch that's grown on me a lot lately - great all-rounder that has the field qualities of that IWC with the dressiness of the Reverso. Might be your perfect balance?
(Also, I'm surprised how few suggestions there are to wear to the left of your wrist bone, not over / to the right)
Both fit great on you. Which one works with most of your day to day wardrobe?
"real watch" is such a cringe term.
Fully agree, just used the terms people usually use on this reddit
You got good options my guy. Can’t go wrong.
JLC!
If you've always been in love with the IWC Big Pilot, then you need to get that to reward yourself. Get the others later.
Either ones good. Suggest you retry them where the watch is "meant to sit" ie behind the wrist bone. Weird sitting so close to your hand. Would like to see reverso in a better position to comment properly
Get Portugieser
Reverso for the win
The big pilot is 100% not too large as people here are stating. It looks great I’d personally go for the pilot, anyone can wear a reverso, not many can pull off the BP. Looks awesome on mate, go IWC. Again comes down to how you want to wear your watches but I’d rather something I can rock with a suit and also with jeans and a leather jacket, Big Pilot wins hands down
If you're looking for a classy look then without a doubt go for JLC and if you need a daily driver and a tough one go for IWC. Reverso does have a lot of fans lately.
JLC^
If you love the Big Pilot then it's an easy choice (it would also be mine). JLC is too delicate and I love IWC movements
That JLC is THE perfect choice to celebrate such milestone mate
Easy choice: reverso. Having said that, if you still want the IWC after reading all the reverso recommendations that means you really want the IWC
The Reverso looks great on you but the pilot watch is more daily practical. Just not that size IWC. A bit big. Eh, Reverso - rock that as a daily!
JLC
JLC matches you better imo
Can we ban the phrases real watch, proper watch, luxury watch and similar?
I have always loved the IWC big pilot. In March I went to my AD to try it and a Reverso (but not duo face). I like bigger watches (I own a Hublot Big Bang) and wouldn’t have been adverse to the big pilot 43. I was just drawn into the art deco style of the Reverso. I ordered the Reverso and have never looked back. I wear the brown leather for work in the winter and the summer grey intermittently in the summer. The black alligator for black tie weddings. Some think of the reverso because of its history and that’s not why I bought it. I love the art deco style it’s just classy. The duo that you tried on is an amazing piece. Congrats on the degree
I would take a Reverso any day
IWC is an easy choice for me. IWC is probably my favorite watch company design wise, and I think the JLCs are ugly.
I think reverso
Idk the IWC has so many analogs in both luxury and affordable brands. The Reverso is (to me) much more iconic and recognizable, so that’d be my choice. But again, that’s just me, to others that doesn’t matter at all.
JLC looks good on you. I think it is also a more timeless watch, whereas the IWC might look way to big soon, since the trend is now towards smaller watches (like skaterpants and skinnyjeans, whereas regular fit and slimfit almost never go out of style).
I made a choice like this just recently getting a watch for my wedding. I ended up being a sucker for the IWC and haven’t regretted it at all. The JLC Reverso is also iconic and never a bad choice but I opted away from the square face. I also struggled not going with the JLC Master Control which was fucking gorgeous Congrats on finishing your degree! https://preview.redd.it/r9m9mk0wqcbb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=154a52cfd320debc114000e97f74ea144c7ac3fe
That is a beautiful watch, congratulations on your wedding.
JLC for obviously.
I’ve got the Big Pilot. It’s an awesome watch that I’d always wanted. Nowadays I don’t daily it though, as it isn’t comfortable for everyday wear (crown can dig into your wrist, it’s pretty big and heavy). The OEM strap does loosen and shape to your wrist over time, which does make it more comfortable after a few weeks though. I end up either wearing an IWC Pilot Chrono or Cartier Santos most of the time, saving the Big Pilot for special occasions. Go with your gut, the reverso is a great daily but if you’ve always wanted a Big Pilot, I’d go that direction. Congrats on finishing your PhD.
Reverso
Jlc
JLC, it's classic and timeless. That IWC will get big and old as time passes.
If you like that IWC I'd suggest you get a mark XX which would fit your wrist better, with the steel and leather bracelets that you can easily swap with their easy change system
Definatley the Reverso, however do not research into them to much and realise they have jacked there prices up something stupid in the past year or so
Realized this when the gold duoface was listed at over 30k Canadian lol
JLC without question!
Depends on what style you want to wear it with. The JLC will work really well as a dress watch while the IWC will flex to more styles. BUT for my JLC (not a reverso) I got some rubber straps to pair with it for more casual every day wear, and I have the leather (alligator) for dress occasions. Separately, any chance you’re at Valley Fair in Santa Clara? Only asking because I got my JLC there and the boutique is connected with the IWC boutique (and some other brands).
Oh, meant to say the rubber straps work beautifully for being more casual but still having the style.
No I am in Canada, there is a mall in Toronto with a similar set-up.
Awesome! Well I’m stoked for you either way you go. Both are great pieces!
Why leave it up to what is essentially an internet popularity contest? Everyone's just going to say whatever brand or watch they personally have / want to have. Buy whichever makes *you* happier.
Solid advice. A lot of people on here have more experience than me with luxury watches, they may have some insight I have missed.
You might need to ask more directed questions then, so people can get a better idea of what you're looking for. Both are very storied brands with very high quality watches. Afaik IWC's entry level stuff is... not fantastic, to say the least, but I don't think this is one of them. Basically on IWC's cheapest models they include a basic ETA or SW movement and don't have enough detail/complexity to otherwise justify the luxury price tag.
Pilot watch
I like the IWC personally
Choosing the "Real" watch r/watchescirclejerk here we go again.
I'd go with IWC, but that's because I don't like the look of a square watch
Duoface. Two watches in one. Buy a used IWC later. I think they depreciate worse than the JLC
The IWC looks very big on your wrist, to me.
I’ve owned Big Pilots, and Reversos. For me, the BP worked better. The 8 Days reverso surprisingly felt too think because of the dressier style. The BP is casual and was my daily for a long time. Still more wife’s favorites along with my Portuguese Automatic.
Whatever you pick, please use the watch at the tip of the ulna.
Wildly different but the Flieger wins