Paying homage to the original Big Pilot - IWC Pilot’s Series "A Tribute to the First" Perpetual Calendar Special Edition Watch

　　80 years ago, a watch brand named IWC launched a far-reaching timepiece, which was the "Special Watch For Pilots" released in 1936, and it gradually evolved over time into the brand's iconic and highly symbolic Big Pilot's collection. Decades later, the IWC craftsmanship encapsulated within this watch has not been eroded by merciless time, and the Big Pilot's collection has long since successfully reached the pinnacle of pilot's timepieces. To commemorate IWC's 80 years of dedication in the field of pilot's watches, the brand has introduced a transcendent limited-edition timepiece—the IWC Pilot’s Watch "A Tribute to the 1st IWC Pilot’s Watch" Perpetual Calendar Special Edition, though the slight flaw is that it is only released in the Benelux and Scandinavian regions (a great excuse for a European trip~).

　　The arrival of this watch has two meanings. Firstly, as you may have gathered from the name, this IWC Pilot's Perpetual Calendar watch pays tribute to the brand's 80-year history of pilot's timepieces. Although it is now a time of peace and the Big Pilot's collection is no longer designed and built with a purely military focus, it still retains the DNA of a pioneer in pilot's timepieces and a heart yearning for the blue skies. Secondly, regarding limitation, both in production and distribution, it entirely conforms to market tastes; for instance, watch enthusiasts in certain regions might prefer to purchaseIWC Portugieser series, but in the Benelux and Scandinavian regions, IWC's Pilot's collection is clearly much more popular, not only because of its iconic design, but also due to the traditional aerospace industry present here.

　　This timepiece still adoptsthe traditional design parameters of the IWC Pilot’s Watch series, but we also see the more complex perpetual calendar complication module. Large Arabic numeral hour markers, aeroplane propeller-shaped hands, and the triangle mark at 12 o'clock combine to make it highly recognisable. The dial of this perpetual calendar watch is considerably more complex; the moon phase display is at the 12 o'clock position, while the day indicator and small seconds subdial share the 9 o'clock position. The month display is at the 6 o'clock position, and the 3 o'clock position features the date display encircling the power reserve indicator function (completely altering the previous design of central seconds and a separate power reserve subdial). However, the most striking design is the four-digit year display at the 7 o'clock position 4. Although it is a pilot's watch paired with a perpetual calendar complication, the clear dial and pairwise symmetrical design ensure it does not look discordant in the slightest.

　　This IWC Pilot’s Perpetual Calendar Special Edition watch is exceptionally striking in its combination of exterior colour and material, imparting a strong gentlemanly demeanour. The 46mm case is crafted from 18k rose gold, while the dial colour is slate grey; this pairing of tones has always been superb, exuding a noble aura amidst understated elegance. Meanwhile, the hands and hour markers also utilise the same material as the case. This watch is also fitted with a deep blue alligator leather strap (with a rose gold folding clasp) to perfectly match the starry night sky moon phase display at the 12 o'clock position, fully displaying elegance. As shown in the image, this "Tribute to the First" watch is large, thick, and heavy, yet this is not a derogatory term, but rather the price paid to manifest the wearer's graceful bearing. Worn on the wrist, it will absolute be the focal point of everyone's attention.

　　Housing the interior of this watch is IWC's latest in-house product—the Cal.52610 calibre 7 day-winding perpetual calendar movement. Unlike the solid case back design of Big Pilot watches with only basic time indication functions, this movement is covered by robust sapphire crystal glass, allowing the wearer to closely admire its inner workings. This movement has evolved from IWC's 52000 movement series, keeping pace with recent trends, such as the use of twin barrels (for a longer-lasting power reserve) and the application of ceramic components in critical areas to replace traditional metal parts (effectively reducing friction and enhancing durability). This automatic winding movement can deliver an ultra-long power reserve of 168 hours, with a vibration frequency of 4Hz (28800 vph). Furthermore, all functions are adjusted via the crown without any other push-pieces present, making it very neat and full of minimalist beauty.

　　The movement of this IWC Pilot’s Watch "A Tribute to the 1st IWC Pilot’s Watch" Perpetual Calendar Special Edition features an exquisite oscillating weight crafted from rose gold, engraved with the number "36", which represents both the limitation and signifies the birth year of IWC's very first pilot's timepiece. It is strictly limited to 36 pieces, available exclusively in Benelux and Scandinavian boutiques, priced at 47000 Euros.