The most captivating watches — IWC Pilot's Watch collection

      IWC SchaffhausenIWClaunched its new Pilot's Watch collection in 2016, catering to the diverse needs of watch enthusiasts: the authentic Big Pilot's Heritage Watch, the stylish Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII, and the elegant Pilot's Watch Automatic 36. This collection perfectly embodies how IWC blends innovation with history. It is a heritage collection, yet distinct. The highly popular “ Antoine • de Saint-Exupéry ” special edition and “ Le Petit Prince ” special edition are sure to capture the hearts of many watch collectors again this year.

       In 2016, IWC also presented the new entry-level Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII (Ref.: IW327001/IW327002/IW327011), available with a calfskin strap or stainless steel bracelet. Compared to the previous Mark XVII model, this watch omits the triple date display, thereby creating more space on the dial and giving the watch a cleaner appearance, even though the dial diameter has been reduced to 40 millimetres compared to the previous version. IWC Creative Director Christian•Knoop explains: “When designing the dial, we were always thinking: how can we get closer to the original model, and how can we recreate the look of the Big Pilot’s Watch and the Mark XI? But we wanted to return to the original, to the historical pilot’s watch aesthetic. Its essence lies in the clarity of the dial, the timeless minimalist style, and the feature of being reduced to its core elements. Our entire pilot’s watch collection is based on the original models, so we decided to reintroduce the numeral ‘9’ that was omitted in the new design of the Big Pilot’s Watch in 2002. The triangle marker has been repositioned below the minute circle, returning to its established position at ‘12 o’clock’.”

        The design team made the same decision regarding the triple date display, which was introduced in the 2012 redesign of the Pilot's Watches. The Big Pilot's Watch (Reference: IW500912) and the Pilot's Watch Chronograph (Reference: IW377709/IW377710) have been slightly simplified in the same way to restore the classic Pilot's Watch characteristics on the dial — clarity, and readability under all lighting conditions. Both models are fitted with calfskin straps. —

       “ We have paired all new Pilot's Watches with high-quality Santoni calfskin straps. ” Creative Director Christian • Knoop explains, “ In this way, we bridge the gap between tradition and modern elegance —— Pilot's watch straps have always used robust calfskin or cowhide, and the Big Pilot's Watch strap uses the same material. But IWC's excellence lies not only in this, but in our ability to give the straps a unique vitality in a distinctive way. The outer side of the strap features the unique patina characteristic of Santoni, making the new leather look as if it has been carefully worn for years. Another signature feature of this brand's straps is the soft orange leather lining on the inside. ”

        The Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN (Reference: IW502001) is presented with a reduced 46 mm diameter case. In the design of the dial, IWC designers decided to adopt a clearer look and omit the iconic small red aircraft silhouette. The triangle marker, as an additional decorative element above the IWC logo, is sure to become a focal point for the observer. As a symbol of the Top Gun squadron, the “ D ” is engraved on the case back, appearing more understated than the previous coloured logo. In the TOP GUN collection, the black soft strap has been replaced with a black embossed calfskin sports strap. The Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN (Reference: IW502902) features an embossed calfskin strap that has undergone significant changes compared to the previous year's model. The Pilot's Watch Chronograph TOP GUN (Reference: IW389001) also omits the triple date display, and the ceramic case has been reduced from 46 mm to 44 mm. Thanks to the IWC-manufactured 89361 calibre, the chronograph displays the measured minutes and hours on the sub-dial at “12 o'clock ”, making it easier to read than previous cumulative time calculations.

       The ceramic case of the Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition TOP GUN Miramar (reference: IW389002) has been reduced to 44 mm in diameter. Furthermore, IWC has equipped this timepiece with a single date display. The combined hour and minute counter improves reading comfort, making reading the chronograph as simple and convenient as a second time zone. The Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Edition TOP GUN Miramar (reference: IW324702) makes its grand debut in the Pilot's Watch collection. This 41 mm large timepiece draws inspiration from the dial design of traditional precision navigation watches, with its standout feature being the readability of the seconds and minutes. Another novelty is the sporty strap crafted from green embossed calfskin. Watch connoisseurs will certainly remember that the Mark XI featured a green nylon strap for decades, also known as the “NATO” strap.

       The brand new 18K red gold Big Pilot's Watch Spitfire (reference: IW500917) is exceptionally suited for evening occasions, while the moderately sized 46 mm case makes this timepiece a real eye-catcher. The dial design has been slightly modified, with the triangular marker beneath the minute track and bold numerals clearly visible on the watch. The stainless steel Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Spitfire (reference: IW379108) continues the classic tradition, enriching the IWC Spitfire family in 2016 with extraordinary complications such as the large digital date, month display, and perpetual calendar. Designers have not only equipped the dynamically elegant everyday Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire (reference: IW377719) with a new day-date display, but have also integrated the day display onto the dial. Additionally, the optional elegant stainless steel bracelet is another innovation.

       Mr Georges Kern summarised the highlights of the 2016 Pilot's Watch collection as follows: “With the many models in the 2016 Pilot's Watch collection, we aim to attract watch enthusiasts who previously might not have considered IWC. We have expanded our entry-level models with the Pilot's Watch Automatic 36 and the Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII, while at the corresponding tier, we have also introduced authentic large precision navigation watches that remain faithful to the original design while meeting modern wearing habits. Within this range, we present collectors with several elegant classic models, such as the Pilot's Watch Spitfire, alongside creative details like the annual calendar rotor. The polished bezel, Santoni calfskin strap, and partially polished stainless steel bracelet give the new Pilot's Watch collection an even more captivating elegance.