Breitling Exospace B55 Connected vs IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial

In-Depth Comparison

The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected and the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Breitling and IWC are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Professional reference was introduced in 2017, while this Pilot reference debuted in 2021. The IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected beats the Breitling B55 (SuperQuartz) caliber. The IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial is powered by the 82100 with a 60-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 32 jewels.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected features a 46.0mm case at 15.3mm thick with a 53.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Titanium with DLC coating. The IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial comes in at 43.0mm and 13.6mm thick with 52.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 115g, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Bidirectional rotating, compass bezel, while the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed, brushed bezel. On the wrist, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected comes on a Titanium bracelet with DLC coating with Folding clasp with safety catch, while the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial is fitted with Stainless steel bracelet featuring Folding clasp with EasX-CHANGE.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected is rated to 100m / 328ft and the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial to 100m / 328ft. Both watches share the same water resistance rating, making them equally suited for aquatic activities.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected lists for $7,000 compared to $9,600 for the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial. The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $2,600 at retail. On the secondary market, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected trades around $4,000 while the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial commands approximately $8,500.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected and the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 Blue Dial ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.