NOVELTIES 2021

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43

MasterHorologer

Unveiled at the digital Watches & Wonders exhibition in April 2021, IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43 is a faithful interpretation of the iconic observation watch of the 1940s. This new model features an ergonomic 43-millimetre stainless steel case.

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43

Available with either a black or blue dial, this automatic timepiece houses the IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre with Pellaton winding, which is visible through a sapphire glass back.

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43

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.

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43

Now, IWC is adding a new chapter to this success story: The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 (Ref. IW3293). An authentic interpretation of the iconic design, without either a date window or a power reserve display, it features a 43-millimetre stainless steel case for enhanced ergonomics and wearability.

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.

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.

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43Ref. IW329301: Stainless steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands, brown calf leather strap.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Ref. IW329301

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.

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43Ref. IW329303: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, blue calf leather strap.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Ref. IW329303

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.

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43Ref. IW329304: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, stainless steel bracelet.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Ref. IW329304

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 accessories, 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/100 meters.

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.

Technical details

Model: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43, Ref. IW3293

Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 82100
Mechanical movement
Pellaton automatic winding system
Central hacking seconds
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 22
Power reserve: 60 h
Winding: Automatic

Case, dial and straps

  • 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

Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Water-resistant: 10 bar
Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 13.6 mm
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
See-through sapphire glass back