04/12/2021
 3 minutes

IWC at Watches and Wonders 2021: Pilot’s Watch in the Spotlight

By Jorg Weppelink
IWC Big Pilot

For Watches and Wonders 2021, IWC decided to focus on their popular Pilot’s Watch collection. In doing so, the brand sent a clear message that will surely be popular with a large audience. Let’s have a look. 

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 

The most remarkable new release was definitely the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43. The Big Pilot has long been a popular watch in the IWC collection. In the early 2000s, it became a staple among oversized watches. In light of the current trend toward reduced sizes, the brand introduced a smaller 43-mm version. While this is still a substantial watch, it is significantly smaller than its 46.2-mm predecessors. 

IWC released a Big Pilot in a smaller size.
IWC released a Big Pilot in a smaller size.

The watch maintains its characteristic style with a round steel case, a very clear dial design, a big crown at 3 o’clock, and a studded leather strap. Inside the 43-mm steel case, you will find IWC’s in-house caliber 82100. This automatic movement offers a 60-hour power reserve and is visible through the display case back. The new Big Pilot’s Watch 43 is available with a blue dial and matching leather strap or a black dial and brown leather strap. Both options are priced at $8,400. If you prefer the watch on a stainless steel bracelet, that option is available for $9,350. 

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 

The second release is another great variant of one of the brand’s icons. The original IWC Pilot’s Chronograph ref. 3706 was introduced in 1994 and has become a true fan favorite thanks to its vintage-inspired style and perfect readability. What else could a pilot’s chronograph need? 

IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is an iconic, vintage-inspired chronograph.
IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is an iconic, vintage-inspired chronograph.

The new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 perfectly combines the original design’s charm with a modern-day feel. The watch is powered by the new automatic IWC caliber 69385, which offers a 46-hour power reserve and is visible through the sapphire case back. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is available with a green or blue dial. Both come on a very comfortable 5-piece link stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap. The version on the steel bracelet is available for $7,200, and the version on a leather strap costs $6,500. 

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar 

The third addition to the Pilot’s Watch collection is the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar. This marks the return of yet another IWC classic – and it does so true to form. IWC watchmaker Kurt Klaus developed the original model. The large 46.2-mm watch features a stainless steel case and is powered by the IWC caliber 52615. 

The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar marks the return of an IWC classic.
The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar marks the return of an IWC classic.

The movement has a 7-day power reserve that is displayed on the dial. In addition to that, the watch features displays for the date, day, month, 4-digit year, and perpetual moon phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The watch comes with a blue dial and matching leather strap and costs $29,900.  

IWC Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert” 

Next to these three additions to the regular collection, IWC introduced two new watches to the Top Gun “Mojave Desert” line-up: The Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert” and the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert.” They join the Pilot’s Chronograph that IWC had previously introduced. The trio is characterized by sand-colored ceramic cases, sand-colored straps, and dark brown dials, all of which give the watches a very distinct and cool aesthetic. The Big Pilot’s version is priced at $14,800, and the Perpetual Calendar retails for $35,000. 

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About the Author

Jorg Weppelink

Hi, I'm Jorg, and I've been writing articles for Chrono24 since 2016. However, my relationship with Chrono24 goes back a bit longer, as my love for watches began …

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