New Release
India Whiskey Charlie's original post introduces the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43, unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2021. This article delves into the design philosophy and technical specifications of this significant release, exploring how it reinterprets IWC's iconic observation watch for modern collectors. The discussion highlights community reactions to its features and historical context.
Schaffhausen, 7th April 2021 – IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 at the digital Watches & Wonders exhibition. A faithful interpretation of the iconic observation watch design, the new model features an ergonomic 43-millimetre stainless steel case. Available with either a black or blue dial, it is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre with Pellaton winding, which is visible through a sapphire glass back. A user-friendly EasX-CHANGE system, as well as comprehensive strap options in calf leather, rubber and stainless steel, establishes the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 as the quintessential modern utility sports watch, ready for adventures in the air, on land and by water.
With its striking conical crown, strap with four rivets, and open and legible dial, no other model expresses the essence of IWC’s aviator watches like the Big Pilot’s Watch. Its uncompromising functional design, in the style of an easy-to-read cockpit instrument, was inspired by a 1940s military observation watch. The oversized crown is another detail the modern Big Pilot’s Watch shares with its historical ancestor; it originally allowed pilots to operate their watch even when wearing their padded flight gloves. Initially reintroduced in 2002 under the designation ‘Big Pilot’s Watch Ref. 5002’, the design has stayed true to its utilitarian DNA ever since, undergoing only marginal changes.
Three references are available:
Ref. IW329301: Stainless steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands, brown calf leather strap.
Ref. IW329303: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, blue calf leather strap.
Ref. IW329304: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, stainless steel bracelet.
IN-HOUSE 82100 CALIBRE AND SAPPHIRE GLASS BACK
Powering the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 is the IWC manufactured 82100 calibre. The automatic movement has been engineered with a focus on maximum precision and reliability. It features the highly efficient automatic winding system developed by Albert Pellaton, which uses the rotor’s smallest movements in either direction to wind the mainspring. Components like the automatic wheel or the pawls that mesh with it are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. The manufacturing of such small ceramic parts presents a huge engineering challenge. When fully wound, the mainspring stores 60 hours of power. The movement has been elaborately decorated with circular graining and can be observed through a sapphire glass back.
A MODERN, FULLY VERSATILE SPORTS WATCH
The new EasX-CHANGE system has been developed with a focus on user-friendliness. It enables the wearer to quickly and easily change the strap and adapt the watch swiftly to different surroundings or activities. You can find a wide range of accesories, such as calfskin and rubber straps in attractive colours, as well as a new stainless steel bracelet with a fine adjustment clasp system for improved comfort and ergonomics at IWC boutiques or online at IWC.com . A reworked case construction also ensures the watch is now water-resistant to 10 bar. With this level of versatility, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 is the perfect companion for just about any activity or setting.
The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 will be available from May 2021 through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com . All three references are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and thus benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
...which seems out of place on a pilot watch...
1st Pilot Watch is Cartier ca Alberto Santos 1904 1st Deployant is Cartier ca 1909 Somehow they are related
I always liked the pilot but at 46mm it was too big for me. I will check this out in the metal.
Too bad it's an automatic movement.
The crown is smaller on the 43 and the watch as a whole is perfectly harmonious.
The quick release system used on the bronze Aquatimer is a very flawed design which allows the strap to disconnect from the lugs with a minor bump to the strap. I hope IWC has revised the design to be much more robust on this model and any future watches.
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