Bokey TimeHello everyone, this is Bokey. Today, we bring you a comparison review of the authenticity between the ZF factory’s IWC titanium case Big Pilot and the genuine product. The official model is: IWC Pilot’s Watch series IW501004 watch. The inspiration for this large pilot inheritance watch comes from the design style of the iconic large pilot watch (type 52 T.S.C.). It has an impressive large dial diameter of 46 millimeters and a striking retro appearance. It inherits many classic designs of the brand’s pilot watches, such as the large “onion head” crown, striking luminous moments, and the inverted triangle mark at the 12 o’clock position, all showing the brand’s exclusive recognition charm. Now let’s enter today’s topic and see how the workmanship and simulation degree of the ZF IWC titanium case Big Pilot compare with the genuine product?
Comparison review of authenticity between the ZF factory’s IWC titanium case Big Pilot IW501004 and the genuine product:
1.Overall comparison: The titanium case Big Pilot inherits the classic design of the pilot series. Features like the large “onion head” crown, striking luminous moments, and the inverted triangle mark at the 12 o’clock position all show the brand’s exclusive recognition charm. In addition, this watch has a power reserve display at the 3 o’clock position, adding practical functional connotations to the watch. When the two watches are placed together, there is not much difference. ZF uses the original one-to-one mold to create and restores the same titanium metal material as the genuine product. Judging from the overall appearance comparison, it is still difficult to distinguish the authenticity. (On the left, GEN represents the genuine product, and on the right is the ZF replica version).
2.Front comparison: The replica and the genuine product both use a 46mm large dial diameter. On the black circular dial, the striking Arabic numeral hour markers echo the central large three hands, making the time indication clearer and more intuitive. Moreover, both the hands and hour markers are covered with luminous parts, allowing time to be observed even in a darker environment. There is a power reserve display disk at the 3 o’clock position to remind the wearer of the energy storage situation of the watch. There is a calendar display window at the 6 o’clock position, adding practical functions to the watch. For pilots, not only does the large dial diameter have certain advantages, but the scale markings on the dial also use bright colors for matching, which is very suitable for pilots to check the time when performing tasks. As can be seen from the comparison in the following picture, ZF has put in a lot of effort on the dial, and the details are handled very well. There is no big difference. Later disassembly will enlarge the details for comparison. Keep watching.
3.Mirror comparison: The ZF replica version uses the same sapphire crystal glass mirror as the original. The edge of the glass maintains the original rounded chamfer treatment and is coated with a double-sided anti-glare blue coating. Under reflection, it will emit a faint blue light. The overall mirror transparency is great, making it easy for us to read the literal information.
4.Dial comparison: The color scheme of the overall dial is composed of a black dial and retro beige hour markers. The control of the overall literal details, fonts, proportions, and spacing are handled very well. It can be said that it has reached the level of complete interchangeability. The black dial has a matte texture. The changes of the baked steel blue hands under different lighting environments are exactly the same as the genuine product made by the ZF factory.
5.Dial logo comparison: Looking at the enlarged logo font, the font and spacing are consistent with the genuine product.
6.Hand comparison: The simple large three-hand design. The hands are processed by baking blue technology. Their size and polishing treatment are very fine. The effect of the ZF factory watch is as good as the genuine product! Regarding the central axis of the hands, they are both hollow designs. Careful observation will find that the opening of the original is a little larger.
7.Scale and calendar comparison: Arabic numeral hour markers use multi-layer luminous coating printing technology. Careful observation shows that the three-dimensional sense of the hour markers of the genuine product is stronger. There is a calendar display window at the 6 o’clock position, adding practical functions to the watch. The layering of the calendar window of the ZF factory replica version is very good and there is no difference from the genuine product.
8.Case comparison: The same titanium metal case as the genuine product. Compared with the traditional stainless steel material, it not only greatly reduces the weight of the watch, but also integrates the excellent characteristics of the material itself being stronger, more wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant into the watch, enhancing the durability of the watch model. For those who are allergic to steel materials, titanium metal watches can be purchased. This IWC Big Pilot is a good choice.
9.Side comparison: The ZF factory maintains the genuine titanium metal material. Its surface is treated with a layer of sandblasting process and then carefully polished. The shaping of the entire titanium metal maintains the original consistent retro style. The unique onion head crown of the large pilot is enlarged and compared. The two are the same from any angle. Remember to tighten the crown during daily wear. It can resist daily waterproofing of 6 bars (60 meters). It is not suitable for swimming or diving.
10.Crown comparison: The large “onion head” crown is engraved with the IWC brand logo. The surrounding is designed with anti-slip texture to facilitate the adjustment of the watch. ZF’s processing of the crown gear is great, and the effect is no different from the genuine product.
11.Thickness comparison: Thanks to the replicated original Cal.52111 movement, the ZF factory and the genuine product have exactly the same thickness, maintaining the same thickness of 15.3mm.
12. Comparison of the bottom cover: The design of the closed-bottom cover features a bottom cover with a sense of hierarchy. The outer ring is polished with a curved matte finish. Those who know the ropes can tell that the polishing and refinement of the bottom cover are very meticulous. Every angle has been considered to replicate the genuine product without leaving any loopholes.
The engraving process of the rear cover has adopted the most advanced laser engraving technology combined with micro-corrosion technology at present, raising the clarity of engraving and the display of details to an unprecedented level. The thickness of the lines and the depth of the engraving are almost the same, achieving an almost lifelike effect.
13Movement comparison: The ZF movement is the genuine Cal.52111 movement replicated by Dandong. There are gold-stamped engravings consistent with the genuine product on the splint. Comparing the overall movement appearance and splint polishing in the following picture, there are still some differences from the genuine product. However, since the titanium Big Pilot is originally a closed-back design, the difference in the movement appearance is irrelevant and need not be overly concerned. This original movement has a two-way chain box and has a long power reserve of 168 hours (7 days). Regarding the replica version, the power is relatively weaker. Under full power, it is about 72 hours.
14.Strap comparison: The ZF factory follows the footsteps of the genuine product and uses a brown calfskin strap. It is soft and tough. The edge of the strap is sewn with beige thread, which is delicate, neat, and elegant. The embossing on the back of the strap is also fine and clear without any carelessness.
15.Buckle comparison: The buckle of the ZF factory is synchronized with the genuine product material. It is a folding buckle made of titanium metal. The upper end of the buckle is engraved with the IWC brand logo. The size and engraving depth are consistent with the original effect. The inside of the buckle has a matte texture and is very comfortable.
Summary: Through the above comprehensive detailed comparison, we can see the specific workmanship and simulation degree of the ZF factory’s replica version of the IWC titanium case Big Pilot. Except for the long power reserve of the movement (three days) being inferior to the genuine product (seven days), it is almost flawless!
