Watches & Wonders: The People’s Choice Awards – Best Watch Under 10K

Zach Blass

In the wake of Watches & Wonders, watch channel founders Wei Koh of Revolution, Robert-Jan Broer of Fratello, Frank Geelen of Monochrome, and our very own Andrew McUtchen of Time+Tide came together to talk watches, making their picks within four various categories. Within each session, the group I have dubbed “The Four Hertzmen” each nominated a watch they felt was the best novelty in a series of categories – the best under 10K, the dark horse of the fair, the most batshit crazy, or the best “actually new” (ie most innovative). The group then asked viewers to choose which pick they stood behind in the comments, and after going through all of your responses we can now declare a clear winner for the best watch under 10K category. Wei nominated the fun and colorful Oris Cotton Candy Divers, RJB the JLC Reverso Green Tribute, Frank the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronograph, and Andrew the IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41 Green Dial. So, which watch got the most of your votes?

And the “Best Under 10K” winner is…

Taking home 55% of the vote was the great green IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41. While all of the nominees were fantastic releases, Andrew’s choice of the IWC seemed to really resonate with you, the people, earning it the people’s choice award for best under 10K. There is a lot to like about the watch, and not just it’s groovy green sunburst dial. The 41mm case is more ergonomic and caters to a larger spectrum of buyers than the larger diameter references we have seen before. It is also more versatile than ever, with an upgraded 100 metres of water-resistance and the choice between a stainless-steel bracelet and leather strap – both of which can be easily switched between with the new EasX-CHANGE quick release system. Personally I recommend buying the watch on the bracelet and the strap separately, this way you can take full advantage of the 100 metres of water-resistance on the bracelet and then swap to the classic leather while on land.

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 has also been upgraded internally. The new in-house column wheel chronograph IWC caliber, which IWC now proudly puts on full display, is well decorated and well regulated as well. Adjusted in five positions, you can expect reliable timekeeping while the column wheel architecture results in a smooth and crisp chronograph experience, a true joy to utilise. As for power reserve, the automatic movement can run for approximately 46 hours without a wind. It’s a very robust movement designed to be able to endure the shock of daily wear.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 pricing and availability:

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Blue is available now via IWC boutiques and authorized dealers. Price: $6,500 USD on rubber/leather and $7,200 USD on the bracelet.

To hear more about the other three watches, and why they were nominated be sure to watch the video below if you have not already.

Full Voting Results…

Oris Cotton Candy: 15.58%

Carl F Bucherer Heritage: 2.27%

JLC Reverso Green Tribute: 26.95%

IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41 Green: 55.19%