I bought this one about a year and a half ago and have a hard time taking it off. When I first bought it, it was a gold color but the patina just keeps amazing me on how much it adds to the character of it. IWC did a fantastic job on the type of bronze used for this watch (more brown and yellow than copper looking). The green dial goes from a dark green to a bright olive green, depending on the light. This combined with the bronze, gold hands, and brown leather strap really makes it feel like it’s from another era. If anyone is looking to pull the trigger on one, you won’t regret it.
Notes:
- 6.5” wrist
- The picture is a few months old, but showcases the watch nicely with some patina.
- Strap is from The Strap Tailor —> highly recommend!
Were you considering other IWC watches at the time or other chronos? I ask because I originally had a blue dial Chrono 41 but flipped it [and another] to get the AMG version as soon as I saw it. This one was a strong contender at the time and seeing this today makes me wonder what if it were to replace the AMG. Here's a pic because why not... :) Seeing the two in this context makes me think yours has more character or personality or something.
Love the AMG version! Have not seen it in person, but looks awesome. I hear the rubber strap is super comfy too.
Great question. It was a journey of figuring out which complications I liked and didn’t like. From that I determined I wanted the day date, but hopefully with some timing mechanism (for cooking, laundry, etc). Already had a diver with it somewhat, but wanted something different. Most chronographs had 2 or the 3 or the complications together, but IWC had all 3. I love the pilot design and so I was originally looking at the steel with a blue dial or the black Top Gun edition. It was a tough decision, but in the end, I like the green and gold-ish color that has a that classic feel that makes it feel not too flashy. The patina actually kind of helps to make the gold hands pop on the dial. Almost rugged, but fancy at the same time. Lol.
One thing I had noticed that I did like a little better is that on mine, the hour markers aren’t really there. Just the 12, 3, 6, and 9, and the other have the minute number (5, 10, 20, etc). At night it’s kind of nice because the lime seems to be like a simple compass with only the 4 points illuminated. Small differences, but something neat.
The bronze changed within a month or so, but I’ve enjoyed it. It’s not a replacement for gold, but I also have an Omega Aqua Terra for dressier occasions, a Tudor Pelagos for a diver, so something different.