The IWC Big Pilot has become a pillar of both functional design and staying true to an original purpose. Developed in the 1940s to the strict requirements set for ‘military observation watches’, the original big Pilot was a 55mm Behemoth of utilitarian design. Featuring a minimalist dark dial with bold white Numerals, wide sword hands and a conical ‘onion’ crown. Allowing pilots to make adjustments even while wearing thick flight gloves. It would go on to influence all pilot watches to come after it. In 2002 IWC introduced the Big Pilot’s Watch Ref.5002, inspired by the observation watches of yesteryear. Now housed in a, still considerable, 46.2mm case, the Big Pilot became instantly recognisable, an icon of both complicated and precious metal tool watches.
The New 43mm Iwc Big Pilot is an exciting new edition not only for the smaller wrist of us but for anyone interested in a faithful interpretation of the pilots watch with some modern comforts. While with no date window or power reserve meter the dial is true to the original the movement features some exciting modern watchmaking.
Housing an in-house 82100 Calibre featuring the peloton automatic winding, meaning any small movements of the rotor will wind the mainspring, ceramic components and a 60-hour power reserve.
The stainless steel case features both a screw-in ‘onion’ crown and a water resistance of 10 bar. Available in both a Black dial with the iconic Studded Brown leather strap or a Blue dial with either a Studded blue leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet the Big Pilot has just become an exciting option for a lot more people.
This new pilot is sure to be popular with both pilot watch fans and those looking for an elegant minimalist watch for everyday wear that stays true to its history.
Reference: IW329304 
Reference : IW329301 
Reference: IW329304
References: IW329304 (Blue dial) and IW329301(Black Dial)
IWC Big Pilot 43mm Specification:
- Case: 43 mm
- Case Material: Stainless- Steel
- Dial: Black or Blue
- Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: Automatic IWC Calibre 82100
- Power reserve: minimum of 60 hours
- Strap: Studded Brown Leather, Studded Blue Leather, Stainless steel bracelet
