IWC Pilot's Watch

The International Watch Company’s impressive range of Pilot’s Watches were specifically created to meet the high demands of aviators. It is not only the innovative technology that is outstanding since the designs of the overall timepieces are highly agreeable with pilots as well.

The luminescent hands and numerals contrast sharply with the dark watch face, allowing for perfect legibility in any situation. Fashioned from robust materials such as ceramic and titanium, the Pilot’s Watches can withstand the changes in air pressure and acceleration that come along with a profession in aviation. The sleek leather strap is adjustable in length and will, therefore, provide maximum comfort wearability.

It is not only aviators however who favour IWC Pilot’s Watches – they are also met with admiration on the ground thanks to their high-class craftsmanship and elegant design features. With bracelets comprised of leather, textile, or metal, paired with subdued colouring in black, anthracite, or grey, the timepieces of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch collection radiate timeless elegance, which accounts for their high-status among classic men’s watches.

The Big Pilot’s Watch – often referred to as the Big Pilot – is the flagship model of the International Watch Company. The timepiece is highly distinguished by its long tradition since the first model was introduced as early as 1940. This Big Pilot’s Watch was created specifically for military use, which is still evident in current models.

Today, the traditional design is complemented by the Pellaton automatic winding system and a 7-day power reserve complete with a power reserve display. The 46-millimetre case encompasses a soft-iron inner case that protects the movement from damage caused by magnetic fields. The bezel and the leather strap are both black, thus contrasting elegantly with the stainless steel case.

The Big Pilot has become an icon that is highly sought-after by pilots, collectors, and celebrities. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Quentin Tarantino, and Bradley Cooper are among some of the well-known fans of the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch, who take the opportunity to display that the timepiece is elegant enough for the red carpet.

The dials of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph (Ref. IW377701) and the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph (Ref. IW377801) were inspired by the onboard instruments of the famous 1930s German transport aircraft Junkers Ju 52, nicknamed “Iron Annie”. Salient white numerals and indices contrast against the dark background of the matt black dial. Not to mention that the bright red accents make these sophisticated timepieces true eye catchers.

The soft-iron inner case provides protection against magnetic fields, making it a feature that no Pilot’s Watch should go without. Contrary to the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph (Ref. IW377701), the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph (Ref. IW377801) is equipped with a third push-button at 10 o’clock, which can stop the split-seconds hand at any given time. A second push synchronises the split-seconds hand with the chronograph hand, making the Double Chronograph the ideal timepiece for timing laps or intermediate times.

The International Watch Company has also launched elegant special editions of the Pilot’s Watch collection that enjoy great popularity, including the Spitfire Chronograph (Ref. IW387803) and the Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month (Ref. IW379105).

While “Top Gun” is a name widely known for a 1986 film featuring Tom Cruise, the name certainly means something special to everyone in the watch industry. In 2012, the International Watch Company launched five Pilot’s Watches inspired by the US Navy Fighter Weapons School, where the Top Gun legend was born. Up until 1996, the school was located in Miramar, California, but has since moved to Nevada. The military spirit of the US Navy Fighter Weapons School is clearly visible in the design of Top Gun watches, including the black textile strap, the subdued black case, and the dial in military colours.

While the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Miramar (Ref. IW388002) and the Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Miramar (Ref. IW501902) feature an anthracite-coloured dial and a green textile strap, the Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN (Ref. IW501901), the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN (Ref. IW502902), and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN (Ref. IW388007) are comprised of darker colours, including black with contrasting white elements that are complemented by red accents. The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN (Ref. IW502902) sets itself apart from other timepieces of the collection thanks to its 7-day power reserve and perpetual calendar with a four-digit year display.

The International Watch Company has succeeded in creating versatile watches with state-of-the-art technology when it comes to the TOP GUN models. The masculine watches are technologically designed in an innovative manner and continue to impress watch enthusiasts worldwide.

Successful since 1936: with a wide range of Pilot’s watches, the International Watch Company has created numerous timepieces that delight admirers of luxurious watches everywhere. Taking into consideration the needs of aviators while demonstrating an exceptional focus on instrument inspired design, the Pilot’s Watches have easily won over the watch market in its entirety.

Many of these successful watches, including the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVII (Ref. IW326501), the successor to the legendary Mark 11, can only be found on the second-hand market today. IWC has also launched a number of special editions, such as the Pilot’s Watch Edition “Le Petit Prince” (Ref. IW500908 and Ref. IW377706) and the Pilot’s Watch Edition “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry” (Ref. IW387805). These watches honour the French writer and pioneering aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who is best known for his famous novella “The Little Prince” (French: “Le Petit Prince”).

History enthusiasts are simply swept away by vintage models of the Pilot’s Watch collection: rare timepieces from the pioneering days of aviation can still be found today. New, second-hand, or vintage - the Pilot’s Watches are closely connected to the world of aviation and embody the innovative values the International Watch Company stands for.

From Spitfire to Top Gun: At CHRONEXT, you can find various IWC Pilot's Watches at attractive prices and with a 24-month CHRONEXT warranty. Browse through our exclusive selection and fall in love with the functional chronographs and their feeling for stylish design.