IWC is giving its pilot’s watches all the attention this year at Watches and Wonders, with the introduction of new but familiar variations to the classic collection. Aside from the 43mm Big Pilot’s watch that you can read about at link below, check out the rest of the watches launched in this article.
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41
Starting with the Chronograph, IWC has opted for a smaller 41mm case for the new models, which should please those with a more modest wrist size. This is in tandem with the downsized Big Pilot’s Watch, possibly an indication that oversized watches may have outstayed their welcome.
As with its classic collection, these newcomers come in stainless steel case with two dial colour variations: blue, and the ever-so-popular colour of the year, green. The latter is a rather handsome piece, with its red accented seconds hand, paired with a studded brown calfskin strap.
Powering these watches is the updated in-house calibre 69385, on full display with an exhibition case back. Power reserve remains at 46 hours, although water resistance has been bumped up to a comfortable 100 metres.
What is also new is the introduction of what IWC calls the EasX-CHANGE system. Ignoring the issues with the mixed use of upper and lowercase in its name, this is essentially a proprietary system that will allow straps to changed easily without the use of tools. We are told that there will be a variety of strap options that will be made available, in calfskin, rubber as well as a steel bracelet. There were promises of attractive colour options as well.
Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar
Also added to the classic collection is the by-now familiar perpetual calendar that was previously available in ceramic and bronze, in the Top Gun and Spitfire collections respectively. This means a stainless steel case with a blue dial, available in either calfskin strap or a steel bracelet.
Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert”
This limited edition collection receives two new variations: a perpetual calendar as well as, well, a Big Pilot’s Watch. As the name and the previous iterations suggest, these models feature a desert sand colour scheme, with a ceramic case that is a signature of IWC’s Top Gun series. Both models come on a matching strap constructed with a fabric upper on a rubber base, so rugged comfort is to be expected.
So if ever you decide to embark on a grand adventure in the scorching heat of a desert, be sure to have these on your wrist for optimal camouflage. Or walk the malls in them. Either way, they’ll look cool.
The Big Pilot will have the Top Gun logo engraved on its titanium case back, while the Perpetual Calendar will showcase its movement through a sapphire glass case back.
The former is limited to 250 pieces, and the latter, 150 pieces.