John Mayer On The IWC Big Pilot, Past And Present

One of the most popular videos we ever did here on HODINKEE was Talking Watches With John Mayer. It was, in actuality, supposed to be a one-off - a look at a well known watch lover's favorite pieces. That video aired all the way back in October of 2013, and to be totally frank, we were just winging it - two guys talking about a few watches with Will there to film it. Now, 22 episodes later, it's safe to say Talking Watches is one of our benchmark editorial products; and so we thought it might be kinda fun to bring back our original guest - Mr. John Mayer - to pick up the conversation and focus on just one of his many horological passions - IWC. For the full story, go to www.hodinkee.com/articles/joh...

[@Cchichester]

I'm mentally going into debt watching this

[@euanmorse]

Me too, brother. Me too.

[@RobertoVelazquez91]

I just wanna buy one 😂😂😂

[@YouTubeAIbot]

Well I just gave you 666 likes your welcome

[@djdc81]

YOLO brother

[@aldojasso9177]

Let’s do it together

[@MarkoFlajsek]

You could literally listen to John talking about all kinds of stuff for hours and hours..

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

It’s his presentation capabilities. He could make my medical conferences sound interesting.

[@darksidecarnival5385]

I found myself wanting to listen to John longer. He really shows you his soul

[@TheQNProduction]

Listen to him on Dean Delray's podcast, simply fascinating

[@lapelcelery42]

People say John has a big ego and likes the sound of his voice, but it would be a shame for someone with his insight, and skill at articulating concepts to say less in order to avoid that unfair reputation.

[@wintertimetrio]

That’s not true, look at his Land Rover KZbin videos... they make me puke 🤮 even though I love his guitar playing and watch stuff

[@mr.bluenotedoobop]

Love John Mayer, he's very entertaining. You guys need to have him on there more often.

[@jeffreyallenbrooks1861]

I wish Hodinkee had more videos like this - somewhere between Talking Watches and Reference Points. I really enjoy this one and come back to it every so often.

[@brycemenchaca]

John's knowledge on watches is underrated. He's one of the most intelligent watch enthusiasts out there and not usually thought of as a guy of this level of cognition.

[@ianchs]

John Mayer does the most fascinating videos, always a treat.

[@turtlehater2]

Mayer is an great guest. I really didn't expect him to be. He's eloquent, yet can crack a joke and be silly occasionally. The whole video had a nice relaxed vibe about it, which is not often the case with some hodinkee editors who seem very uptight and snobby.

[@Myrslokstok]

turtlehater2 True but it is your lucky day. There is even a better Mayer at Hodinkee video google it.

[@9feetfrog]

Apparently he invested his money on Hodinkee so there you go

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

@@9feetfrog I mean duh, Ben has been his friend for over a decade

[@peleti027]

Cmon!! Great content!! Nice to see Mister Mayer again!!! Thinkin'.... How about Mr Clapton talking about his PAtek collection?? :-) :-)

[@sypen1]

Yes Clapton please

[@andysnober1895]

Yes, Clapton!!!

[@SlowandFat]

yes Clapton! all of his pateks and rolexes pls

[@diegohernan82]

yes Clapton!

[@irwinsaputra371]

Clapton Pls! Watch mastaaa!

[@pitofor]

Anything with John and Ben is GOLDEN. Thanks guys!

[@anukrw]

To date there is not one single video posted on this channel has missed the mark of being pure, true to the passion, informative and down right fun to "watch".. I salute you team Hodinkee

[@scnupe7]

Does anyone else get the urge to go out and buy a watch after watching Mayer talk watches?

[@derrickmartinez2147]

I do I bought the Tudor Black Bay after I saw his article on Hodinkee, now I want an IWC Big Pilot. I really like the big crown on that watch and the leather strap. My Breitling may have to go I will be at an IWC shop next week in Tampa so may have to pick one up.

[@evaburnz]

no.

[@AlexRocks24-7]

+Derrick Martinez yes 😃 After watching this is i went out and bought one and I love it. this clip must have made iwc a lot of money 😑

[@nickallen2257]

Yeah, and then I remember I don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on a watch.

[@tobytaylor5960]

yes, but i am drunk and hid my money cards.

[@thomaslavigne711]

John Mayer is not only articulate but very knowledgeable about high end time pieces. Enjoyable to watch!

[@AlFadde]

Well I guess it's time to sit down and enjoy one of these rare videos that I'll visit every once in a while when I'm in need of some inspiration. Thank you very much Hodinkee! Sincerely, a big fan of JM & watches

[@mrplummer1988]

John Mayer is so well spoken...he speaks like an author, well I guess he is because I am assuming he writes his songs

[@harveyfinkelstein2963]

too bad he can't write music and sing anymore and is hanging out with dudes instead of hot girls like the old days when he was straight....nice to see he gets you hot.....

[@WINDINGCROWNS]

Harvey Finkelstein , what? he still writes good music , tours and doesn’t use girls like he use to because he’s matured. You just like saying some stupid shit.

[@andrewcruz7595]

@@harveyfinkelstein2963 he's getting old , let him be lol.

[@mrsir1872]

agreed. he doesnt say um or stutter with his words. he know what he wants to say and says it. clear minded guy

[@ferramirez4570]

Damn it, now i have to draw a Big pilot on my wrist.

[@hikondo11]

Fer Ramirez い

[@mastermachetier5594]

Make sure your draw it in platinum

[@blizziar]

Your wrists aren't big enough.

[@Enzoxvx]

@@blizziar 'hurr hurr hurr'

[@TheAmaterazzzu]

seriously, how can you hate this guy?

[@blizziar]

Taylor Swift fangirls do

[@hiems5647]

@@blizziar yea but i think he's talking about people with taste.

[@paulchristian5375]

@@hiems5647 hahaha take my like

[@harveyfinkelstein2963]

I don't think so I envy him. I always wanted to sit and talk watches with other dudes instead of chasing all the super hot tail he is famous for dating in Hollywood doing sold out rock concerts. yeah, your right.....this is way better!

[@rousseau327]

@@harveyfinkelstein2963 Lol, are you unable to speak to women or something? what's with all your comments on here focusing on John Mayer getting girls?

[@Kiddomike]

It's fun to listen to John Mayer talk about watches.

[@pupocas]

Kiddomike kkkdl

[@GuitarTablatureSkill]

Brilliant, insightful, modest, eloquent and smooth IWC love experiences by The one and only John Mayer.

[@MrVoayer]

The last scene with all the generations gathered on a reunion is probably the best illustration of that well known proverb: A picture is worth a thousand words ! Terrific video, guys !!! At least for us IWC afficionados !

[@Kiddomike]

Great follow up to that very memorable episode of Talking Watches.

[@BrandonDean3]

Given the extensive and tasteful (to say the least) nature of JM's watch collection and knowledge, this should definitely be a regular series of some kind on Hodinkee.

[@superscienceshow]

50 years from now the John Mayer Big Pilot will blow away the Paul Newman at auction.

[@dstfno]

I guess both Newman and Rolex have a more legendary status than Mayer and IWC will ever have.

[@isaiahhudson5470]

Facts

[@tryitout-701]

dstfno John Mayer alone double the price of the green dial gold Daytona just because he said he liked it.

[@Sebrgeen]

I love this interview - the passion here is incredible. This makes me love my watches even more + the fact that JM's 5002 has some dings in it. It has clearly been worn and used. That is how watches should be!.

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Damn you, now I have to buy a Big Pilot...

[@pastpianist]

Would love to see the relation of sales of the Big Pilot to the view count of this video in the coming months

[@basshead615]

cause everyone has $12,000 to drop on a watch

[@egibson2266]

Will Lawson thought it would be more, cheaper than a Daytona... maybe I should add it to my lis.... wish list.

[@basshead615]

E Gibson that's for the cheapest one they run up to around $35,000

[@egibson2266]

Will Lawson dang :(

[@SeanBlackburn1]

I love your videos with this guy. I love his knowledge and his passion for watches. Real smooth calm voice to listen along to as well. Great video.

[@Vilmir]

I did not like the Big Pilot, until I saw this video. John is a very good host.

[@Opposed_Motoring]

There is nothing better than listening to John Mayer talk about watches. It’s priceless… bring em back to ramble on plz

[@awaysooner]

Love the Hodinkee of old. John knows his IWC Big Pilot history.

[@David.S.]

Stumbled across this video...and after watching, it *instantly* turned me onto watches (just bought a pilot-style watch!). Very cool, thanks.

[@pupocas]

daveshaw18 kkqkklrl

[@robc.2937]

Such a great video!I honestly really enjoy John Mayer, as an artist and a person.

[@dons1932]

See this is what KZbin is all about. I don't like John Mayer, and I don't like IWC. But I like watches and this is a killer video to the first version. Loved it.

[@atl3630]

Well, I enjoyed the hell out of that...

[@harveyfinkelstein2963]

keep it in your pants lover boy

[@kimosabi860]

Love to hear JM observations on cool watches. He clearly appreciates the craft and history of these fine pieces.

[@Joey-yk6fz]

IWC is really a rare-breed in the sense that they've dedicated themselves to a craft that has waned in purpose. Pilot watches are perhaps as pragmatic as watches will ever be, designed to be a tool and only encompassing aesthetics to aid its purpose. But here we are, in 2016, when flying is less of an experience without on-board wifi, and quite frankly those(most) who buy Big Pilots today buy for solely its looks. As John said, Patek may have its own artistic beauty, but what's really great about the Big Pilot is its beauty in mere pragmatism.

[@QuickQuips]

Same thing happened with dive watches, which generally have been supplanted by dive computers and bottom timers (and honestly who needs to know the day at 300m)? It's looks, and not pure practicality or else they'd have atomic or quartz movements.

[@TheFerdinand07]

Not a big pilot fan but I really enjoyed watching this. Simply good and effortless taste.

[@samchen9951]

I'm a big fan of both watches and John Mayer's music. Love this man

[@Blue_Libra]

The way Mr. J C Mayer ended the conversation could be a life quote for the entire generation of mankind. Excellence at its zenith!!!

[@mikkotoivonen2811]

Mr. J C Mayer... I see what you did there 😀

[@lilnightsand7079]

Truly a beautiful video. Absolutely fantastic conversation

[@jeffreylee3775]

I would like to see a John Mayer watch channel. Him alone talking watches.

[@MichaelGarcie]

great video. love revisiting a former guest. casual, friendly, yet informative:)

[@nihvl]

Big pilot has always been one of my favourite timepiece

[@winedemonium]

Awesome work, you guys. So nice to geek out on the Big Pilot. More like this (and the Speedy one you did a while back) please.

[@itsKibbleTalksWatches]

It's literally a SUPER experience once you see a new Hodinkee video :D

[@richardman28]

Watching this video again, John Mayer has made the IWC big pilot cool and relevant again.

[@ABarrettJones]

Terrific video. One of the most underrated family of watches.

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

Bought my last year. Had been watching it since 2010. Big part was watching this video a bunch. Hope John got his watches back.

[@Hueguh]

Please write a letter to Rolex now.

[@VictorDude98]

Or now

[@panaceiasuberes6464]

Its 2021. Did he sent that letter?

[@JorgeRojas-ut3wj]

Or right now.

[@larry.l]

Now will be great

[@angryarchitect2731]

Any day now, any day now, any day bow… (he whispered to himself, barely audible to anyone, sitting in a dark room in the corner on the floor, hands wrapped tightly around his knees, rocking gently to and fro…)

[@amirjon]

the man can speak. great episode!

[@JosephActivate]

Still watching this because it inspires me!!

[@stevef]

If this guitar thing does work out there is a future for him as horologist. Truly passionate. Love watching him talk watches.

[@abdulrahmanmalik8650]

ask him about his vintage Rolex collection !!!!!

[@drfdwf392]

You can listen to John Mayer geek out on watches and still appreciate everything he says even if you're not a watch geek.

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

I hope they catch the guys who stole his watches....he seems such a sincere guy.

[@andysnober1895]

Awesome Awesome Awesome! I love Talking Watches!!! Great job!! Ben and John are great.

[@chipster52284]

Seeing John in the Big Pilot while in college made me buy a Poljot Russian Aviator. Clearly we have different buying power, but that manual wind, 17 jewel carbon fiber strap has been on my wrist 2-3 days a week since (with Mayer playing in the background...)

[@alcaponed16]

The rose gold piece is GORGEOUS.

[@charlesbutler4646]

Lots of fun and fascinating video.

[@stevenuk]

Had to watch this video again.. so cool.

[@sensitivesystem420]

Thanks passion you guys have is honestly really inspiring :-)

[@pilotstyle123]

This video really got me. I saw it yesterday, today I ordered my Stowa Flieger.

[@HABHDAY]

Very nicely done near the end with two gangs facing off and the granddaddy of pilot asking Can we just get along? and the answer is Yes! Next, comes the lineup shot of old and new surrounding big daddy. Was just beautiful. Again, very well done boys! :-)

[@forestgod1845]

This is my favorite video at the moment! :D

[@steelmember6326]

Just bought a IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph Edition Antoine de Saint Exupery . I Can listen to john taking about watches all day. I know i need a life.

[@soubido]

Just received the Big Pilot Top Gun as a bday gift and I'm loving it!

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Happy Birthday 🎂

[@ahmadfaeisalabubakar9706]

Dear John/Ben, super awesom..lurve it!!!

[@JJJosh949]

Here I was hoping to see an updated collection :/

[@mark10601]

Love hearing another watch nerd! Another great video, thanks.

[@diegohernan82]

1:25 that buckle reeks quality

[@irwinsaputra371]

another one at 11:50 , urgh that sounds perfect

[@s1vrbck_fitness]

Really great video! Thank you!

[@Max-zy2ie]

I just bought my first proper watch today, the IWC Mark XVIII. Super excited to finally own one.

[@nobissc]

I see why his songs are so well appreciated. He can speak correctly, using the correct terms to describe his feelings about their watches.

[@CC-lq8st]

what a great presentation!

[@sdemosi]

The perpetual calendar is a beauty. Very functional yet intriguing.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

The one with the blue dial really takes the cake! what a stunner!

[@capitalistpig10]

Haven't seen it, clicked the like button already!

[@patrickcarroll1754]

He's a genius. That's it.

[@thebeardedyorkshireman8368]

If you want to know what a true watch enthusiast or collector is, just watch Mr Mayer. True gentleman and very humble.

[@darksidecarnival5385]

That was brilliant. I enjoyed this very much

[@rishibawa]

Grail list has just increased by +1. Thanks to this video I want a 5002!! And that gang face-off analogy perfectly sums it up

[@youngtrilla7922]

Loved it need more episodes

[@davidcote8644]

Love the 5002... Best pilot ever, I can watch this over and over again.

[@QuietFor]

I'm loving these interviews especially with Jean-Claude Biver! The passion shines through in them all, so nice vibe and all... Keep on keeping on! 😈 🏇

[@amintaslneto]

Very cool. Great vid folks!!

[@AlexRocks24-7]

thanks to you went out last week and bought one 😊

[@ChromeXuGames]

The best Hodinkee video!

[@t-murdock]

Excellent video! Hodinkee should really post more vids!

[@watchwithme91]

Always a great video!

[@shaneh2289]

I have watched this 4 days in a row now

[@pasquale78]

14 minutes is way too short!

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

Really enjoyed this! Love IWC! I miss my Doppel !

[@YouGenie]

It’s the watch that makes the - the artist! There’s a lot of art in these instruments!

[@ardwickhouse]

Quickest 14 mins of my life. I love Mayers enthusiasm, vocabulary and overwhelming watch knowledge. I also love his music. He’s cool as fck.

[@anacquiredtaste3582]

Another great video you two!

[@lal3061]

I don't like John Mayer's music, but thanks to this couple of Hodinkee videos I love him

[@Omrie69]

once again wonderful interview guys, he's quite a dude

[@rosesmith5135]

Thank you John for the reminder that the pilot watch was manufactured in platinum!

[@WatchAddictionReviews]

Great video love JMayer had some good tunes

[@LevonHem]

It’s so cool to see that he uses the logo from these watches on his signature Martin OM-28JM

[@vizestroowash]

Please upload more often!

[@karlhurkett4170]

So in love with this brand. My sister in law loves to Schaffhausen and every time we visit I dream of going into the factory. I’ll keep it that way, until I can afford a mark XVIII