On the occasion of the 78th Goodwood Members’ Meeting on 16th October 2021, Swiss luxury watch maker IWC Schaffhausen in partnership with the American die-cast toy car brand Hot Wheels™ unveiled the “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” collector’s set.
Limited to 50 pieces, the IWC x Hot Wheels™ “Racing Works” collector’s set contains the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” and the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Racing Works Edition”, presented in a metal toolbox. The first set will be auctioned online by international auction house Bonhams with the proceeds going to the Two Bit Circus Foundation.
Hot Wheels™ is leading brand in the automotive and toy industries (the world’s bestselling toy with 20,000 designs and over 8 billion cars sold). Introduced in 1968, Hot Wheels belongs to Mattel, a top global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world.
The first joint project between IWC and Hot Wheels™ was the release of a premium Hot Wheels Team Transport set in 2020, combining the IWC Racing 300 SL with its racing team transporter. The second release was an IWC-exclusive version of the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, which was made available recently. Now, IWC and Hot Wheels are combining two highly unique gems from Schaffhausen and El Segundo in the exclusive “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” collector set, which will be made in a strictly limited edition of 50 pieces.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” (Ref. I W377904) features a 43-millimeter case made of grade 5 titanium. The dark grey matte color of the case results from an elaborate surface treatment in which the case components are first polished and then blasted.
The case features a stunning engraving of the Hot Wheels flame logo on its side at 9 o’clock. The black dial is decorated with a subtle chequered racing flag pattern around the chronograph totalizers. Depending on the incidence of light, the laser-engraved squares alternate between a lighter and darker shade, giving the dial visual depth and a textured appearance. Powering the chronograph is the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement, which is visible through the smoked glass case back.
The timepiece is fitted on a silver and black 1-piece textile strap, which picks up the color scheme of the IWC Racing Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
The set also includes the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Racing Works Edition”. This exclusive Hot Wheels model was created by the Hot Wheels design team, sculpted, and detailed by Manson Cheung with graphics by Steve Vandervate and IWC designer Nicholas Schmidt.
It’s one of the most detailed 1:64th Hot Wheels model ever created. Only 50 models have been manufactured exclusively in Hot Wheels’ prototyping workshop. This version features opening gullwing doors, a faithfully reproduced interior complete with bucket seats, roll cage and red sill trims, full external detailing including clear headlights with the MB Star braces and racing graphics. As this set will be a limited run of only 50 pieces, the car will take its place as one of the rarest official Hot Wheels models ever released.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC x Hot Wheels™ Racing Works” and the Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Racing Works Edition” both bear the number 68 – a subtle nod to 1868 and 1968 respectively when IWC and Hot Wheels were founded.
The chronograph and the model car are presented in a bespoke metal toolbox in silver and black. The case also contains the instruction manual for the watch, a booklet about the project and a limitation plate with the individual corresponding set number.
Set number 1 will be auctioned for charity by Bonhams. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Two Bit Circus Foundation. The auction is live as of October 16th on www.bonhams.com/auction/27446.
Technical details
Model: IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “IWC X HOT WHEELS™ Racing Works”, Ref. IW377904
Functions
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Date and day display
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 69385
Mechanical movement
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46 h
Winding: Automatic
Case
Titanium case
Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 14.9 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Sapphire glass back
Water-resistant 6 bar
Dial
Black dial with emblazoned pattern
Black hands
Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen has launched three new chronographs in its Pilot’s Watches collection. The new ceramic models are directly inspired by timepieces that the brand created in the context of its military programme in collaboration with selected squadrons of the U.S. Navy.
The Pilot’s Watches Chronograph Editions “Royal Maces”, “Tophatters”, and “Blue Angels®” all feature the respective squadron patch on the dial and eye-catching details in the corresponding unit’s colour scheme.
Since 2018, IWC is licensed to work on watches for the entire U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation units, including Blue Angels® and the 247 active and 100 inactive squadrons. IWC has since collaborated with more than a dozen squadrons to create special editions that are exclusively available to present and former members.
Now, IWC releases three new chronographs in its Pilot’s Watches collection, which are directly inspired by the brand’s collaborations with U.S. Navy squadrons, marking the first time these designs are available to nonpilots. The annual production of these chronographs will be limited to 500 pieces each.
Strike Fighter Squadron 27, known as the “Royal Maces”, is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan and forms part of Carrier Air Wing 5. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Royal Maces” (Ref. IW389107) is inspired by the military-exclusive edition IWC has developed with members of the squadron.
The chronograph features a black zirconium oxide ceramic case. The pushers and the crown are made of Ceratanium®. The dial features the “Maces” patch at 6 o’clock and also has a yellow day-date indication. The yellow stitching on the strap, the tip of the chronograph seconds hand and the small seconds add details in the signature “Maces” colour.
The case back is made of grade 5 titanium and features an engraving of the squadron’s F/A-18E Super Hornet jet next to the official squadron denomination “VFA-27”.
Naval Air Station Lemoore in California is the home base of The Strike Fighter Squadron 14, nicknamed “Tophatters”. Having formed in 1919, VFA-14 is the Navy’s oldest active squadron. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tophatters” (Ref. IW389108) has a case made of black zirconium oxide ceramic. The chronograph pushers and the crown are manufactured Ceratanium®.
Developed by IWC, this material is as light and robust as titanium and at the same time similarly hard and scratch-resistant like ceramic. The squadron’s patch with the classic top hat can be found at 6 o’clock on the dial and engraved on the titanium case back.
The day-date display, the tip of the chronograph seconds hand, the small seconds and the stitching on the black calfskin strap add more details in the squadron’s characteristic red.
Established in 1946, the “Blue Angels®” U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is currently made up of 141 members from the Navy and Marines. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®” (Ref. IW389109) is the third timepiece to emerge from IWC’s license agreement.
Inspired by the military exclusive watch developed with Blue Angels members in Pensacola, the chronograph features a blue ceramic case. The bright blue colour is the result of mixing zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides. Here, too, the chronograph pushers and the crown are made of IWC-developed Ceratanium®.
The iconic “Blue Angels®” crest with the U.S. Navy Wings of Gold is at 6 o’clock on the dial; the characteristic lettering is engraved on the titanium case back. Yellow details are provided by the chronograph seconds hand, the small seconds and the day-date display at 3 o’clock. This watch is fitted with a blue rubber strap with textile inlay.
The IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre movement powers the new chronographs. Consisting of 231 individual parts, this mechanical chronograph movement is engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability and precision. A column wheel controls the stopwatch function.
The bi-directional pawl-winding system supplies the movement with energy, building up a power reserve of 46 hours. The timepieces also feature a soft-iron inner case to protect the movement efficiently from the effects of magnetic fields. The front glasses are specially secured to avoid displacement in the case of sudden drops of air pressure.
The Pilot’s Watches Chronograph Edition “Royal Maces”, Edition “Tophatters” and Edition “Blue Angels®” will be available from September 9th through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online on IWC.com. The timepieces 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.
Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 69380
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46 h
Winding: Automatic
Functions
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Date and day display
Small hacking seconds
Case
Ceramic case
Diameter: 44.5 mm
Height: 15.7 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Water-resistant 6 bar
Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 69380
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46 h
Winding: Automatic
Functions
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Date and day display
Small hacking seconds
Case
Ceramic case
Diameter: 44.5 mm
Height: 15.7 mm
Glass Sapphire, convex, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Water-resistant 6 bar
Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 69380
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46 h
Winding: Automatic
Functions
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Date and day display
Small hacking seconds
Case
Ceramic case
Diameter: 44.5 mm
Height: 15.7 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Water-resistant 6 bar
IWC Schaffhausen presents the Pilot’s Watch Automatic Edition “Laureus Sport for Good”, the 15th special edition that the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has created to support the work of Laureus Sport for Good.
For the first time, a hard and scratch-resistant blue ceramic case complements the dial in the trademark Laureus blue. On the case back, there is an engraving of the winning entry from the drawing competition that IWC organizes each year within all the programmes of Laureus Sport for Good worldwide.
“Sport has the power to change the world”. The work of Laureus Sport for Good follows this powerful guiding principle established by Laureus’ Founding Patron, Nelson Mandela. Currently, the foundation supports over 250 programmes in more than 50 countries worldwide, using sport to transform the lives of children and young people and end violence, discrimination, and disadvantage.
Since 2006, IWC has issued a special edition timepiece in honour of Laureus Sport for Good each year. The Pilot’s Watch Automatic Edition “Laureus Sport for Good” (Ref. IW328101) is the 15th Laureus special edition. It comes with an exclusive first: In addition to the dial in the trademark Laureus blue, a blue ceramic case has been used for the first time.
On the blue dial designed to mimic a cockpit instrument, the time can be read at a glance. Thanks to the luminescent coating, this is possible even at night. A precise rate is ensured by the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre movement. Thanks to an improved barrel construction, the mainspring can hold an impressive power reserve of five days. A soft iron inner cage effectively shields the movement from the effects of magnetic fields. Limited to 750 pieces, this sporty pilot’s watch is fitted with a blue rubber strap with textile inlay.
As is the long-standing tradition with the Laureus special editions, the back of the case features a special highlight: The titanium case back is engraved with the winning design from the drawing competition that IWC organises every year within all the programmes supported by Laureus Sport for Good.
It was created by 12-year-old Melissa Mejía Castilla from Colombia and is entitled “Vivir en Armonía” (Living in Peace). Melissa participates in activities organised by Fundación Colombianitos – an organisation that, among other things, promotes gender equality through sport.
The Pilot’s Watch Automatic Edition “Laureus Sport for Good” is available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorized retail partners or online at IWC.com. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and can benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
Technical details
Model: Pilot’s Watch Automatic Edition “Laureus Sport for Good”
Ref. IW328101
Functions
Date and day display
Central hacking seconds
Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 32111
Automatic mechanical movement
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 21
Power reserve: 120 h
Case, dial and strap
Blue ceramic case
Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 11.4 mm
Screw-in crown
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement by drop in air pressure
Water-resistant 10 bar
Blue dial, black hands
Blue rubber strap with textile inlay
To support Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian mission to orbit, IWC Schaffhausen has donated a series of unique, space-themed Pilot’s Watch Chronographs representing the mission’s values of Leadership, Hope, Generosity and Prosperity.
The watches will be worn by the four crew members on their journey into space, before being auctioned as part of the mission’s aim to raise funds for and promote the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Inspiration4” features a case made of stunning white ceramic. The dark blue lacquered dial has been pad-printed with countless stars and captures the depth and darkness of space. It also features the Inspiration4 logo. Inside beats the IWC-manufactured 69380 caliber chronograph movement.
On each of the four watches, the titanium case back has been engraved with the name and mission value represented by the respective crew member. The chronographs are fitted with an eye-catching white rubber strap with a leather inlay.
Named Inspiration4 in recognition of the diverse, four person crew’s mission to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and send a humanitarian message of possibility, the multi-day journey to low-Earth orbit represents a new era for human spaceflight and exploration. The mission is the brainchild of Jared Isaacman, a 38-year-old entrepreneur and accomplished pilot who will also serve as Commander.
The mission is set to launch in September from historical Launch Complex 39A a t NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The spacecraft will orbit the planet at an altitude of approximately 357 miles (575 kilometres) and a speed of more than 17,500 miles per hour (27,360 kph). After the multi-day journey, the crew will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere for a soft water landing off the coast of Florida.
Four unique Pilot’s Watches representing the mission’s values of Leadership, Hope, Generosity and Prosperity will travel into space before being auctioned in aid of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
Isaacman occupies the Leadership mission seat and serves as Commander. He is the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished commercial and military pilot who holds several aviation world records.
The mission seat representing Hope was awarded to Hayley Arceneaux, a 29-year-old physician assistant at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a paediatric cancer survivor. Dr Sian Proctor, a 51-year-old entrepreneur and trained pilot, earned the mission seat representing Prosperity as the winning entrant in a business competition.
Finally, the Generosity mission seat will be occupied by Christopher Sembroski. The 41-yearold aerospace industry employee and United States Air Force veteran contributed to a fundraising campaign that offered an Inspiration4 seat to one lucky donor.
Movement
IWC-manufactured caliber 69380
Automatic mechanical movement
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46 h
Functions
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Date and day display
Small hacking seconds
Case
White ceramic case
Diameter: 44.5 mm
Height: 15.7 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Water-resistant: 6 bar
IWC Schaffhausen has added professional racing driver Laura Kraihamer to the IWC racing family.
Born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1991, Kraihamer caught the racing bug at a young age from her older brother Dominik, who used to drive in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Laura Kraihamer
Beginning her career in the typical style, Kraihamer spent four years racing karts professionally before moving to the internal KTM series in 2012. Winning the KTM X-BOW Battle Endurance Championship in her first two seasons, she also landed a Rijeka test run.
In 2016, she was named vice-champion in her rookie drive in the GT4 European Series in Reiter Young Stars before securing a further two podiums in 2017. A third season of GT4 combined with appearances at several of 2018’s 24-hour events, including those at the Nordschleife and Barcelona’s CREVENTIC series, in which she finished second in her class.
In 2019, Kraihamer switched to ADAC GT4 Germany, claiming a win and two further podiums from 12 races. Last season, she competed in five different international series for KTM, including DTM Trophy races, Nürburgring 24 Hours races and Nürburgring Long Distance Series events, where she secured a podium.
Alongside driving in a second DTM Trophy season this year, the 29-year-old is also part of KTM’s car development and engineering team, playing a pivotal role in developing 2021’s new KTM X-BOW GTX.
As a new Friend of the Brand for IWC, Kraihamer joins IWC brand ambassador and Mercedes-AMG factory driver Maro Engel and Mercedes-AMG GT3 driver Maximilian Götz as members of IWC’s family of racers.
Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen has announced a new engineering and timekeeping partnership with Airspeeder, the world’s first electric flying car racing series. Combining the passion both companies share for technological progress, human endeavour and sustainability, they will work together in pioneering this new form of motorsport to fast track a new era of clean-air mobility.
The Airspeeder racing series is the brainchild of founder Matt Pearson, who also runs Alauda, the world’s first performance electric flying car manufacturer. Taking inspiration from the role sport has traditionally played in advancing the cause of technology, Pearson’s visionary idea is to create a new kind of motorsport to accelerate the advanced air mobility revolution and transform passenger, logistical and even medical transportation.
The planned global race series will eventually see a full grid of eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) craft, manufactured by Alauda, managed by individual teams and operated by elite pilots, compete at heights of up to 40m off the ground and at top speeds of 200km/h. The air races will take place on electronically-created tracks and be streamed globally, minimising the environmental impact of more complex logistics and infrastructure.
From its technical base in South Australia, the Airspeeder project has brought together some of the brightest minds in aviation, motor racing and performance automotive engineering from across the world.
Charged with envisioning a better future, the diverse team of engineers, specialists and pilots are encouraged to think innovatively to push the boundaries of technical excellence, a philosophy which IWC also shares. The new partnership reflects this common purpose and will establish a knowledge exchange to prompt technological progress within the engineering departments of both organisations.
Airspeeder developed its first small-scale prototype performance eVTOL in 2017 and has continued to finesse the design ever since through computer modelling and simulation, as well as extensive testing.
The newest vehicle, the Mk3, is the world’s first fully functional electric flying racing car. With an overall aesthetic reminiscent of classic 1950s sportscars combined with racing drones, the speeders feature an octocopter layout, airfoil-profiled rotor arms, cutting-edge carbon-fibre composites and the latest EV battery technology. New advances in safety are delivered through a suite of technologies and engineering elements never before seen on an eVTOL craft.
These innovations include LiDAR and Radar collision avoidance systems that create a ‘virtual force field’ around the craft to ensure close but ultimately safe racing. Designed for maximum performance and aerial agility, they move through the air with precision and pace. An entire grid of these remotely piloted Mk3s is currently being built by Airspeeder, ahead of this year’s competitive pilotless events. The Mk4 is expected to launch in 2022, before the inaugural crewed season gets underway.
Introduced in May 2021, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” celebrates the partnership that has linked the Swiss luxury watchmaker and the German car manufacturer Mercedes-AMG since 2004.
The first IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph in titanium is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement and features a carbon fibre dial.
Crafted from automotive engineering materials, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” (Ref. IW377903) is IWC‘s first 43mm Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph featuring the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, as well as the first Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph with a case made of extremely light and scratch-resistant titanium. The Grade 5 titanium finish gives the watch its matte grey appearance, inspired by AMG‘s signature Selenite Grey Magno paint finish.
The dial features precisely woven carbon fibre, a material directly derived from AMG‘s aero components. These parts are produced in a complex process involving heat and pressure and are known for their remarkable lightness and rigidity. The raw material is continuous carbon fibres, which are processed on weaving machines into textile structures, giving the end product its characteristic woven “carbon look”. The black carbon dial provides the perfect contrast to the silver chronograph sub-dials, reminiscent of motorsport instruments.
The all-around performance watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 69385, a robust and precise chronograph movement that enables stop time measurements of up to 12 hours. The chronograph function is controlled by a column wheel, an intricate component with two functional levels.
The Mercedes-AMG logo is emblazoned on the tinted sapphire crystal case back. The timepiece is fitted with a black embossed calf leather strap with contrast stitching and folding clasp.
With effect from 21st May 2021, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” is available for pre-order at IWC.com, through IWC boutiques and authorised retail partners. The timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and thus benefits from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
Functions
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Date and day display
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 69385
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46h
Winding: Automatic
Case
Titanium case
Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 14.9 mm
Screw-in crown
Glass: Sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Sapphire glass back
Water-resistant: 6 bar
To celebrate MR PORTER’s first decade as the leading, global destination for men’s style, Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen has partnered with MR PORTER to launch the “10 Years of MR PORTER” Limited Edition Pilot’s Watch Chronograph.
This special collaboration is the first time both brands have developed an exclusive timepiece together – the watch is limited to only 110 pieces and is available exclusively on MR PORTER from Monday 3rd May in celebration of the 2021 anniversary year.
The “10 Years of MR PORTER” Limited Edition Pilot’s Chronograph is significant in that it highlights MR PORTER’s milestone year as a men’s style destination, alongside its development in becoming a defining retailer and destination for luxury watches and original watch editorials.
Sporting a completely unique colour scheme and pairing a bronze case with a black dial and soft Alcantara strap, the military-inspired features give a more casual and sartorial feel. The watch is engraved with “MR PORTER 10 Yrs Limited Edition” on the individually numbered titanium case-back.
A subtle nod to MR PORTER’s 10th Anniversary is showcased by a Super-Luminova® painted “10” o n the dial. The gold-tone Arabic numerals complement the warmth of the bronze case, with high-contrast white luminous inlay on the hands.
Its 41-millimetre case houses the IWC manufactured 69380 calibre chronograph movement. This robust, reliable and precise chronograph movement in a classic column wheel design is one of the latest developments by IWC’s engineers. A bi-directional pawl winding system reliably builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.
Technical details
Model: “10 Years of Mr Porter” Limited Edition Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph
Ref. IW387907
Edition
Limited to 110 pieces
Movement
Swiss-made calibre 69380
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Power reserve: 46 h
Winding: Automatic
Functions
Hour, minute and second hands
Day and date window
Chronograph: small seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour sub-dials
Case
Bronze case
Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 15.3 mm
Titanium case-back
Crown for chronograph, date and time adjustments and manual winding
Sapphire glass crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Engraved case-back
Water-resistant: 6 bar
Dial
Black dial
Gold-tone luminescent hands, gold-tone Arabic numerals and indices
The Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “IWC Racing” by IWC Schaffhausen takes inspiration from the technical world of motorsport. The timepiece features IWC’s patented constant-force mechanism, which transmits even impulses of force to the escapement, ensuring a highly exact rate. The matte black Ceratanium® case of this futuristic timepiece houses the fully blacked-out 94800 mechanical hand-wound calibre.
The dynamic world of motorsport and the beauty of advanced racing machines have inspired the Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “IWC Racing” (Ref. IW590501). Limited to 15 pieces, this unique timepiece combines IWC’s complex constant-force tourbillon with a matte black Ceratanium® case and the iconic Big Pilot’s Watch design.
The 94800 calibre is one of the most complicated mechanical movements ever designed in Schaffhausen. The patented constant-force mechanism disengages the escapement from the direct flow of power through the wheel train and transmits completely even impulses of energy to the escape wheel.
In conjunction with the tourbillon, which compensates for the negative influences of gravity on the oscillating system, this ensures a highly accurate rate. The plates and bridges are fully blackened having undergone an elaborate rhodium-plating process to match the colour of the case. The movement, which is reminiscent of an engine block, can be viewed through the sapphire glass back.
The 46.2-millimetre case, striking conical crown and pin buckle are all made of Ceratanium®. This IWC-developed material is light and robust like titanium but also similarly hard and scratch-resistant like ceramic. Other characteristics of Ceratanium® are its skin-friendliness and unique matte black finish.
The dial side offers the dazzling views of the constant-force tourbillon at 9 o’clock. The watch also incorporates a double moon phase display at 2 o’ clock for the northern and southern hemispheres. White numerals and yellow-coloured accents imitate a dashboard, while the power reserve display at 4 o’clock is reminiscent of a tachometer.
The louvred, ring-shaped structure of the outer dial ring takes inspiration from the cold air intakes of a high-performance engine. The black rubber strap incorporates a detail from the world of racing. It features an inlay made of Alcantara®, a synthetic and durable micro-fibre with superb grip, which is often used for the seats and steering wheel covers of performance cars.
Functions
Power reserve display
Tourbillon with integrated constant-force mechanism
Perpetual moon phase display for both northern and southern hemispheres
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 94800
Mechanical movement
Frequency: 18,000 vph/2.5 Hz
Jewels: 41
Power reserve: 4 days (96h)
Winding: Hand-wound
Case
Ceratanium® case and crown
Glass: Sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
See-through sapphire glass back
Screw-in crown
Water-resistant: 6 bar
Diameter: 46.2 mm
Height: 13.5 mm
Dial
Black dial, black hands
Strap
Rubber strap with Alcantara® inlay
Edition
Limited to 15 watches
About Constant Force Mechanism
As the tension in the mainspring of a mechanical watch decreases, so too does the balance amplitude, which can negatively impact the watch’s accuracy. IWC’s patented constant-force mechanism ensures an absolutely even supply of power to the escapement and delivers unprecedented precision.
The movement of a mechanical watch consists of a driving force and a brake: at one end, the mainspring feeds energy into the system, while at the other end; the escapement divides this energy into evenly distributed small portions. The balance wheel sets the pace in which the anchor stops and releases the wheel train. This way, the escapement ensures that the hands of the watch will move forward in simultaneous steps.
One specific challenge, however, has faced inventors and watchmakers for centuries. When a watch is fully wound, the mainspring generates its maximum torque, and that results in maximum amplitude. As the tension in the barrel decreases, less power is delivered through the wheel train to the escapement, and the oscillations of the balance become smaller. This phenomenon, a drop in amplitude, can harm the accuracy of the watch.
For the balance oscillations to remain even at all times, the power transmitted through the wheel train and the escapement must likewise always be consistent. However, as long as the flow of power to the balance is continuous, decreasing tension in the mainspring inevitably influences the amplitude. Various solutions have been designed to convert diminished energy from the mainspring into constant momentum with the help of an additional mechanism.
IWC’s patented constant force mechanism integrates an additional escapement between the escape wheel and the fourth wheel. Every second, this winds a balance spring that serves as a temporary storage space and keeps the escape wheel supplied with sufficient energy to keep the balance moving. The trick is simple: the angle by which the additional balance spring is wound every second remains the same, which in turn means that the energy supplied to the escapement also remains constant. Even when the tension in the mainspring decreases, the balance continues to oscillate with virtually the same amplitude.
Integrated into a tourbillon, the innovative constant force mechanisms were first used in the Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia and later the Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon. The frequency of the constant-force tourbillon has purposely been set at 2.5 Hz to enable the system to wind the balance spring once every second. Most recently, the constant-force tourbillon also appeared in the Portugieser and Pilot’s Watches collections.
At the heart of the constant-force mechanism is a form of Swiss club-tooth lever escapement. A triangular cam is mounted on the escape wheel pinion. The cam engages with the fork-shaped constant-force lever, which grips the so-called stop wheel with its two pallets at the other end.
When the escape wheel has advanced five steps, it releases the stop wheel. It revolves through 30 degrees before being locked again. The process is repeated after five beats of the balance. At 18,000 beats per hour, this sequence also determines the progress of the second hand mounted on the tourbillon cage.
Every rotation of the cage also turns a pinion on the escape wheel staff, which meshes with the fixed fourth wheel. It winds the balance spring (situated below the escape wheel), which supplies a constant impulse of force to the balance.
The IWC-manufactured 94800 calibre with twin barrels drives the tourbillon and the constant-force mechanism. The two barrels supply enough power to keep the mechanism running reliably for about 48 hours. After two days, the available torque is no longer sufficient. At this point, the tourbillon automatically reverts to normal mode and advances at the rate of five steps a second, at the same speed as the beats in the balance.
Assembling a constant-force tourbillon is a severe test of patience for even the most experienced speciality watchmaker. It takes them a full two weeks to assemble the mechanism that weighs in at just 0.7 grams and consists of 104 individual parts. Exceptionally high demands are also placed on the manufacturing of the components.
For example, the constant force lever and cam are manufactured using the LIGA process combined with X-ray exposure. This method allows the production of remarkably homogenous microstructures with a degree of precision of which conventional manufacturing technologies would not be even remotely capable.
Timepieces with the Constant-Force Tourbillon Complication
Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen has appointed fashion entrepreneur Lu Yan as its newest brand ambassador. Following a globally successful career as one of the first Chinese supermodels, Yan is now the founder of COMME MOI, an internationally-renowned women’s’ wear label she set up in 2013.
She is widely regarded as one of China’s first supermodels. After starting her modelling career in France in 1999, she enjoyed incredible global success, gracing runways and magazine covers worldwide. In 2013 Yan decided to retire from modelling to launch her own womenswear label.
Still at the helm of COMME MOI, eight years later, her hands-on role encompasses everything from design to production, supply chain to marketing. Her versatility of purpose and sustainable outlook inspires the signature style of her designs, known for their luxurious minimalism and practical wearability.
With 15 stores in Mainland China, the label is a firm fashion favourite, so much so that Yan was awarded a position on The Business of Fashion 500, the definitive professional index of industry leaders.
As well as being incredibly influential in the Chinese fashion industry, Yan has long been a devoted charity campaigner. She participated in Teach China’s volunteering program, ‘Hands up and change the future in two years’ and is also a dedicated advocate for education.
As part of its wide ranging commitment to sustainability, IWC works hard to promote education and young people’s wellbeing and has done so for many years through its various charitable projects, including Laureus Sport for Good and the Fondation Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Founded by Lu Yan in 2013, COMME MOI is French for ‘like me’, reflecting the brand ideology to enable modern women to approach life with a dynamic attitude and to swiftly transition from one role to another, professionally and personally. Every design aims to empower the woman wearing it to express her authentic self. By offering effortlessly chic pieces made from high-quality fabric tailored to perfection, COMME MOI collections are distinguished by their expert craftsmanship and perfect attention to detail.
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.
Available with either a black or blue dial, it is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre with Pellaton winding, which is visible through a sapphire glass back.
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.
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.
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, which uses the rotor’s smallest movements in either direction to wind the mainspring.
IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Ref. IW329301: Stainless steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands, brown calf leather strap.
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 43 Ref. IW329303: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, blue calf leather strap.
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 43 Ref. IW329304: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, stainless steel bracelet.
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: 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
IWC Schaffhausen has launched the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar at the digital Watches & Wonders exhibition. The timepiece with a stainless steel case and a blue dial continues the long-standing tradition of perpetual calendar watches in the Big Pilot’s collection.
Developed in the 1980s by Kurt Klaus, IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar automatically recognizes different month lengths and leap years. Featuring a Pellaton winding system fitted with ceramic components, the IWC-manufactured 52615 calibre is visible through the sapphire glass back.
Since the first Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar was released in 2006 in a limited edition of 25 pieces in platinum, no less than 37 versions of the iconic Big Pilot’s design with a perpetual calendar have been issued.
With the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar (Ref. IW503605), the legendary complication marks its return to the classic collection. The timepiece features a stainless steel case, a blue dial and rhodium-plated hands. The date display and power reserve are located at 3 o’clock, the month display at 6 o’clock. The weekday display and the small seconds share the subdial at 9 o’clock. The double moon phase display at 12 o’clock correctly depicts the moon phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and only needs to be adjusted by one day after 577.5 years.
Developed in the 1980s by IWC’s former head watchmaker Kurt Klaus, the perpetual calendar automatically recognises different month lengths as well as leap years. The ingenious mechanical programme will not require any manual correction until 2100 when the leap year due will be omitted based on an exemption rule in the Gregorian calendar.
Another distinguishing feature is the four-digit year display. An additional century slider is included within the case, enabling this timepiece to show the year until 2499. With all its displays perfectly synchronised, the calendar can be set easily via a single crown, offering a degree of user-friendliness that is unparalleled in the domain of mechanical calendars.
The IWC-manufactured 52615 calibre drives the calendar module using a single nightly switching impulse. The automatic movement comprises 386 components and was engineered with a focus on maximum precision and quality. The Pellaton automatic winding system builds up a power reserve of seven days in two barrels. Parts of the winding mechanism that are subject to high stresses are made of virtually wear-free ceramic. The decorated movement is visible through a glass back.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar is available from 7th April 2021 through IWC boutiques, authorized retail partners or online at IWC.com. The timepiece can be registered under the My IWC care program and thus benefits from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
Technical details
Model: Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar, Ref. IW503605
Functions
Power reserve display
Perpetual Calendar with displays for the date, day, month, year in four digits and perpetual moon phase for both northern and southern hemispheres
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 52615
Mechanical movement
Pellaton automatic winding system
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 54
Power reserve: 7 days (168 h)
Winding: Automatic
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 46.2 mm
Height: 15.4 mm
Glass: Sapphire, arched edge, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Screw-in crown
See-through sapphire glass back
Water-resistant: 6 bar
IWC Schaffhausen has presented the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL at the digital Watches and Wonders exhibition, the first watch to feature the brand’s patented new shock absorber system.
Developed over eight years, the SPRIN-g PROTECT system is based on a cantilever spring that suspends the movement inside the case. Thanks to its perfect form and the use of Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG), the spring protects the movement against the g-forces generated during impacts on the watch. In impact tests conducted at the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, a protected movement has survived accelerations in excess of 30,000 g.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL (Ref. IW357201) is the first IWC watch to feature the patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system. A t the heart of this system is a cantilever spring that protects the movement against the g-forces generated by impacts on the watch. It cushions the movement, allowing it to keep moving independently of the case before bringing it to a stop more gently.
The key to this performance lies in the spring’s perfect form and the material used to make it. The spring has been designed to evenly spread the stress across its length and width. Solving this challenge required advanced simulation tools and a painstaking design process. A second decisive factor is the choice of Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) as a material.
A sophisticated manufacturing process gives BMG an amorphous microstructure, with the result that it is significantly more elastic than conventional metals. An ultra lightweight titanium casing ring further reduces the mass that the shock absorber must hold. Another innovation is a unique crown system with a winding stem that allows the movement to displace independently of the case.
Reducing the mass to be protected by the spring is critical for the system’s overall performance. The IWC manufactured 32115 calibre used for this watch is a custom-made lightweight construction. Components like the base plate are made from a high-tech aluminium alloy used in the aerospace sector, which is light and highly rigid. The bidirectional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 120 hours.
To put the SPRIN-g PROTECT system through its paces under the most realistic conditions, IWC collaborated with the Fracture & Shock Physics group at the Cavendish Laboratory of Cambridge University in England, U.K. The scientists used laser-based measurement methods and high-speed video recording to analyse the effects that impacts show on the movement. During these comprehensive tests, protected movements have survived the extreme forces from accelerations in excess of 30,000 g.
The XPL in the name of the watch stands for “experimental” and refers to the IWC Experimental engineering division. The powerful case geometry takes the iconic shape of the Big Pilot’s design to a completely new level by adding a futuristic surface treatment and details throughout the entire watch exterior. The case is made of Ceratanium®, an IWC-developed material based on a proprietary titanium alloy. It is as light and robust as titanium but at the same time similarly hard and scratch resistant as ceramic.
The components are milled from bars and fired at high temperatures in a kiln. During this process, the surface assumes the characteristics of ceramics and gets its unique matte black finish. The stealthy black design is complemented with a black dial, a technical anti-reflective coating on the front glass, and a black rubber strap with leather inlay.
Due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, the annual production of the Big Pilot‘s Watch Shock Absorber XPL will be limited to 10 pieces per year. The watch is available exclusively to order through IWC boutiques or the brand’s concierge service.
Technical details
Model: Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL, Ref. IW357201
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 32115
Mechanical movement
SPRIN-g PROTECT® shock absorber system
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 21
Power reserve: 120 h
Winding: Automatic
Case
Ceratanium® case
Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 12.09 mm
Glass: Sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure
Screw-in crown
Sapphire glass back
Water-resistant: 10 bar
Unveiled at Watches & Wonders digital exhibition 2021, the new IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 features a stainless steel case in a compact size of 41 mm and is available with a blue or green dial.
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, Ref. IW388101: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, blue calfskin strap.
To underscore the brand’s expertise in the development of in-house movements, it is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, which is visible through a sapphire glass back. With the new EasX-CHANGE system and a choice of straps made of calfskin, rubber or stainless steel, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is the ultimate sports watch.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is available in four references:
Ref. IW388101: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, blue calfskin strap.
All new models feature a EasX-CHANGE system, which allows the wearer to quickly and easily change the strap or bracelet.
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, Ref. IW388103: Stainless steel case, green dial, rhodium-plated hands, brown calfskin strap.
Available as accessories in IWC boutiques or online on IWC.com is a choice of calfskin and rubber straps in attractive colours, as well as a new stainless steel bracelet with fine adjustment system and a slimmer shape for improved comfort and ergonomics. The reworked case construction ensures the chronographs are now water-resistant to 10 bar.
Ensuring a precise measurement of stop times up to 12 hours is the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre. The mechanical chronograph movement consists of 231 individual parts and is engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability and precision.
The stopwatch function is controlled by a column wheel, a complex component with two functional levels which is incredibly challenging to manufacture. A bi-directional pawl winding system supplies the movement with energy by efficiently converting the activity of the wearer’s arm into tension for the mainspring. It builds up a power reserve of 46 hours when fully wound.
Technical details
Functions
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Date and day display
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 69385
Mechanical movement
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46 h
Winding: Automatic
Case, dial and strap
Ref. IW388101: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, blue calfskin strap
Ref. IW388102: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, stainless steel bracelet
Ref. IW388103: Stainless steel case, green dial, rhodium-plated hands, brown calfskin strap
Ref. IW388104: Stainless steel case, green dial, rhodium-plated hands, stainless steel bracelet
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure
See-through sapphire glass back
Water-resistant: 10 bar
Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 14.5 mm
Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen launched the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” and the Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” at the digital Watches & Wonders exhibition 2021.
Continuing its series of TOP GUN models in sand-coloured ceramic, this is the first time the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has used the material for the Big Pilot’s Watch. Dark brown subdued dials, sand-coloured hands and rubber straps, add to the eye-catching military-inspired design. Both models are powered by IWC-manufactured movements from the 52000 calibre family.
Engineered for maximum acceleration forces during manoeuvres in supersonic jets like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, extended deployments on aircraft carriers and time-critical missions in any climate, TOP GUN watches from IWC Schaffhausen are technically-advanced precision instruments. Made from robust and corrosion resistant materials like titanium and ceramics, they can withstand the arduous duties of an elite US Navy pilot. Due to its extreme hardness and scratch resistance, ceramic, for example, is ideal for daily use in the tough confines of a jet’s cockpit.
In 2019, IWC launched the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert”, the first timepiece with a case made of sand-coloured ceramic. The design was inspired by the barren and dry landscape of China Lake.
The US Navy’s largest single landholding is located approximately 150 miles north of Los Angeles in the Western Mojave Desert. Here, at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the military develops and tests airborne weapon systems and trains pilots in their use. Now, for the first time, sand-coloured ceramic is used for the cases of two new Big Pilot’s Watches. Both models feature dark brown subdued dials with sand-coloured luminous material and sand-coloured rubber straps with textile inlays.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” (Ref. IW503004) presents IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar in a sand-coloured ceramic case for the first time. The ingenious mechanical program, which automatically recognises different month lengths and leap years, was developed in the early 1980s by IWC’s former head watchmaker Kurt Klaus.
The moon phase display correctly depicts the moon phase for the northern and southern hemispheres and only needs to be adjusted by one day after 577.5 years. Because its displays are perfectly synchronised, the calendar can be advanced easily via a single crown. The calendar module, which is constructed from 82 individual parts and features a four-digit year display, is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52615 calibre.
The automatic Pellaton winding system, reinforced with virtually wear-free ceramic components, builds up a power reserve of seven days in two barrels. The movement, including key elements like the rotor and the balance wheel, is visible through the sapphire crystal case back. Production of the watch will be limited to just 150 pieces per year.
The Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” (Ref. IW506003) is the first Big Pilot’s Watch to be made in sand-coloured ceramic. Inside the 46-millimetre case, the IWC-manufactured 52110 calibre with Pellaton winding, two barrels and a seven-day power reserve is at work.
A soft-iron inner cage effectively shields the movement from the effects of magnetic fields. The legendary TOP GUN logo is engraved on the titanium case back. This model will be limited to just 250 pieces per year.
The ceramic used for the sand-coloured cases is characterised by the very pure raw materials and highly sophisticated production processes used in its manufacture. Polycrystalline powders are mixed with several auxiliary materials to form a homogeneous mass, shaped and finally sintered in a furnace at extremely high temperatures.
With a Vickers rating second only to that of diamonds, the so-called engineering ceramic is among the hardest substances on earth. The striking colour tone, reminiscent of desert sand, is obtained by combining zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides in a precisely defined mixing ratio.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” and the Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition “Mojave Desert” will be available from April 7th through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com. The timepieces 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: Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert”, Ref. IW503004
Functions
Power reserve display
Perpetual Calendar with displays for the date, day, month, year in four digits and perpetual moon phase for both northern and southern hemispheres
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 52615
Mechanical movement
Pellaton automatic winding system
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 54
Power reserve: 7 days (168 h)
Winding: Automatic
Case
Sand-coloured ceramic case
Diameter: 46.5 mm
Height: 15.6 mm
Glass: Sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Screw-in crown
See-through sapphire glass back
Dark brown dial, sand-coloured hands
Water-resistant: 6 bar
Strap
Sand-coloured rubber strap with textile inlay
Model: Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Edition “Mojave Desert”, Ref. IW506003
Functions
Power reserve display
Date display
Central hacking seconds
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 52110
Mechanical movement
Pellaton automatic winding system
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 31
Power reserve: 7 days (168 h)
Winding: Automatic
Case
Sand-coloured ceramic case
Diameter: 46 mm
Height: 14.6 mm
Glass: Sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Screw-in crown
Titanium case back
Water-resistant 6 bar
Dial
Dark brown dial
Sand-coloured hands
Strap
Sand-coloured rubber strap with textile inlay
Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled new TimberTex straps, made from a low impact paper-based material. This pioneering creation is the result of in-depth research and development and reflects IWC’s ongoing commitment to innovation and responsible watchmaking.
Conscious of the importance of offering alternatives to its responsibly sourced leather, the Swiss brand already provides bracelets in steel, textile and rubber. Today, the Manufacture is broadening this existing collection further with the addition of TimberTex straps. By focusing on the production process and lifecycle, IWC has ensured reduced environmental and social impacts from start to finish, while providing customers with another high-quality and stylish choice.
Luxurious in look and feel, the TimberTex straps have a soft and supple texture. Unlike synthetic leathers, which are often plastic or petroleum-based, the material is composed of 80% natural plant fibres. The cellulose used comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified trees grown in the non-profit organisation’s sustainably and responsibly managed European forests. It is then manufactured in Italy, using traditional papermaking techniques and coloured with natural plant-based dyes. The material’s irregular grain makes every strap unique.
The creation of TimberTex straps includes over 60 different stages, with craftsmanship playing a key role. Padded with recycled microfibre for extra comfort and expertly finished with recycled thread, they are another highly wearable and luxurious leather-free option. Tested both internally and externally, the straps meet all of IWC’s quality criteria. Very durable, they are also water-resistant and won’t show signs of wear after a dip in the pool.
The TimberTex straps currently complement four models: the Portugieser Chronograph, Portugieser Automatic 40, Portofino Automatic and Portofino Chronograph. They are available in blue, brown and black.
With the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705”, Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen pays tribute to the legendary Ceramic Fliegerchronograph (ref. 3705) from 1994.
Launched in 1994, the Fliegerchronograph Keramik was IWC’s first pilot’s watch with a case made of black zirconium oxide ceramic. Despite its use of this highly innovative material and its purist instrument design, the chronograph enjoyed little success. After only about a thousand pieces, production was discontinued a few years later.
The ref. 3705 did not become famous until about a quarter of a century later. Following various articles on specialised blogs, the “Black Flieger” caught the attention of a growing number of watch enthusiasts. With luminous indices and hands, which had aged over time to a warm orange, the once-forgotten chronograph was winning collector’s hearts with its distinct neo-vintage charm.
One piece from the personal collection of former IWC director Günter Blümlein was auctioned for a staggering 53,750 US dollars. But the ref. 3705 does not only embody IWC’s heritage as a manufacturer of professional instrument watches for aviators. With its black ceramic case, the model is also an early testimony to the extensive materials expertise that IWC has acquired since the 1980s; a quality that still distinguishes the company as a modern watchmaker today.
The newly released Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” (Ref. 387905) pays homage to this exceptional timepiece and is limited to 1000 pieces.
The dial is a replica of the original from the 1990s. Two totalizers at 9 and 12 o’clock display stop times of up to 12 hours, the small second is located at 6 o’clock. Another feature is the day and date display at 3 o’clock.
The ref. 3705 was pioneering in the use of black ceramic, and the tribute edition likewise features a recent innovation from IWC’s material scientists: the case, chronograph pushers and pin buckle are made of Ceratanium®, an IWC-developed material that is light and robust like titanium, but also similarly hard and scratch-resistant like ceramic.
While the original ref. 3705 was powered by the Valjoux calibre 7750, the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” houses the in-house 69380 calibre. This robust and precise chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design is one of the latest developments from IWC’s engineers. A bi-directional pawl winding system reliably builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” is available exclusively through IWC.com, wechat, YNAP, and official flagship store on Tmall as a limited edition of 1000 pieces.
Technical details
Model: Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute To 3705”, Ref. IW387905
Functions
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Date and day display
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 69380
Mechanical Automatic movement
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46 h
Case
Ceratanium® case
Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 15.3 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure
Water-resistance: 3 bar
A pioneer of aviation timepieces, IWC Schaffhausen continues to enthrall both the aviation professionals and the ardent fans of pilot watches with their state-of-the-art collections. In this article, you will discover some outstanding pilot watches from the IWC TOP GUN Collection (including civilian and military editions) as well as a number of IWC squadron watches.
IWC Schaffhausen’s TOP GUN Pilot’s Watches are dedicated to the legendary Navy Fighter Weapons School program, in which the US Navy trains the very best pilots in flying and tactical skills. Made of highly robust and hard-wearing materials, these precise aviation instruments are designed to withstand even the extreme G-forces a fighter jet pilot can be subjected to in the cockpit.
IWC Schaffhausen manufactured its first Pilot’s Watch more than 80 years ago. Since then, the Swiss watch-making specialist has accumulated extensive know-how in designing and engineering mission-critical instrument watches that are tailored to the needs of aviators.
The TOP GUN watches, which IWC has been making as an official licensee of the US Navy since 2007, take their name from the legendary Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). They represent the tactical and performance side of IWC’s Pilot’s Watches, while at the same time underscoring the company’s role as a pioneer and innovator in the area of advanced case materials.
Nowhere in the field of aviation are the requirements as rigorous as in Naval Aviation. Spot landings at night on an aircraft carrier are among the most challenging manoeuvres of all. During dogfights, tight turns or in vertical manoeuvres with supersonic jets like an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, maximum acceleration forces are exerted on the pilots and their aircraft.
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Photo Credit: José M. Ramos
The constant day and night operations on an aircraft carrier likewise take a toll on man and material. This is why TOP GUN watches are engineered from highly robust and resilient materials such as titanium and ceramics to withstand the extreme strain fighter jet pilots can experience in the cockpit.
The high-tech ceramic used in watch cases is characterized by extremely pure raw materials and sophisticated production processes. The source materials are polycrystalline powders, which are mixed with several auxiliary materials to a homogenous mass, shaped and finally sintered at high temperatures in an oven. With a Vickers rating second only to that of diamonds, ceramic is one of the hardest substances on earth. Because of its lightness, hardness and scratch-resistance, the material is ideally suited for everyday use in the restricted space of a jet cockpit.
The matte black color ensures that pilots are not distracted by the watch reflecting sunlight. Titanium and ceramic are also highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for long-lasting missions on an aircraft carrier in the humid, salty sea air.
The most recent innovation from Schaffhausen is Ceratanium®. Based on a special titanium alloy, Ceratanium® is both light and robust like titanium and also hard and scratch-resistant like ceramic.
Currently, IWC’s TOP GUN collection includes the following models:
IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium (Ref. IW371815)
The first IWC pilot’s watch made of Ceratanium® features a black dial, black hands and a black rubber strap. The dial and the hands are coated using grey luminescent material, which is why the watch has a distinctive monochrome look during the day but still offers full luminescent functionality at night.
The 79420 calibre drives the double chronograph function with a split-seconds mechanism, making it possible to measure two short time intervals simultaneously. Find more details here.
The first IWC pilot’s watch in a sand-colored ceramic case was inspired by the Mojave Desert, which is home to the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the largest land area of the US Navy.
The color tone also perfectly matches some of the flight suits worn by the TOPGUN adversary pilots. It is the result of a combination of zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides. This chronograph is driven by the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre. Find more details here.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN (Ref. IW389101)
The case of this chronograph is made of matte black zirconium oxide ceramic. Engineering ceramics with similar properties are also used for capacitors, in aircraft or rocket engines, and for various components of high-performance engines.
The IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre ensures the accurate display and measurement of time. Find more details here.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic TOP GUN (Ref. IW326901)
This three-hand watch with a matte black zirconium oxide ceramic case boasts a unique minimalist design.
It is powered by the IWC-manufactured 32110 calibre, a robust automatic movement with a high power reserve of 72 hours. Find more details here.
In 2018, IWC added two special pieces to the collection in honour of the US Navy Naval Aviation community. These watches cannot be bought by the public and are only available for TOPGUN graduates.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” (Ref. IW324705)
The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII embodies all the design elements and technical functionality of a larger pilot’s watch in a compact 40-millimeter case.
The case back is made from automotive titanium 5N, which is durable, light, and skin-friendly. It features an individual engraving of the owner’s name and class. The Navy Fighter Weapons School patch can be found at 9 o’clock.
Powered by the IWC-manufactured 89361 calibre movement, this chronograph displays the hours and minutes combined in a totalizer at 12 o’clock. Thanks to the flyback function, a single depression of the titanium pusher at 4 o’clock, while the chronograph is running, will send the minutes and seconds hands back to zero and immediately start a new timing. The iconic patch of the Navy Fighter Weapons School can be found at 9 o’clock.
In 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, IWC created a special timepiece in honor of TOPGUN instructors. This watch, too, cannot be bought by the public.
This chronograph was developed with the TOPGUN instructors based in Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. It features a blue dial and black hands coated with luminescent material. It also features the Navy Fighter Weapons School logo at 9 o’clock, as well as an individual engraving of each owner’s name and class on the case back.
This model also features distinct color accents in baby blue, an iconic color worn only by TOPGUN instructors at NAS Fallon.
IWC Squadron Watches
IWC is now the only watch brand to be officially licensed to work on watches for the entire US Navy and Marine Corps, including TOPGUN, Blue Angels and the 247 active and 100 inactive squadrons. All IWC squadron watches are available exclusively to current and former members of the respective squadron and feature an individual engraving of the owner’s name and call sign.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Diamondbacks” (Ref. IW327018)
This special edition Mark XVIII was created in collaboration with squadron members of the “D-backs”. The black dial with a red date indication also features the “Diamondbacks” patch at 9 o’clock. The number 102 refers to the official denomination “Strike Fighter Squadron 102 (VFA-102)”.
The squadron’s F/A-18F Super Hornet with its distinguishing diamonds stripes is engraved on the case back.
This chronograph has a case made of black ceramic and is fitted with a black and yellow textile strap. It features the “Maces” patch at 9 o’clock and a yellow date indication. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 89361 movement, the chronograph also has a flyback function.
On the titanium case back, there is an engraving of the squadron’s F/A-18E Super Hornet, as well as the official denomination “VFA-27”.
Powered by the IWC-manufactured 89361 calibre, this chronograph in black ceramic is designed in the historic color code of the “Checkmates” with blue and red, and features the “Brutus” patch on the dial. The date window displays the odd days in blue and the even days in red.
On the titanium case back, there is an engraving of the squadron’s F/A-18F Super Hornet over a chessboard pattern.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Bats Legacy” (Ref. IW327024)
This special edition of the Mark XVIII marks the first IWC military watch created in collaboration with a squadron from the US Marine Corps. Featuring the squadron’s “Bats” patch on the dial at 9 o’clock, it also has a yellow date display.
The squadron’s F/A-18D Legacy jet is engraved on the case back. The official denomination VMFA – AW refers to “all-weather” strike fighter squadron.
This special edition Pilot’s Watch Chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89361 calibre and has a case made of black ceramic. It features the yellow and white “Eagles” patch at 9 o’clock. Additional accents of yellow are added by the small second hand and the date indication.
The squadron’s F/A-18E Super Hornet is engraved on the case back.
All these pilot timepieces are equipped with proven IWC technology for aviator watches. The movement is enclosed in an inner cage made of a highly conductive soft iron alloy. It consists of the bottom plate, the movement holder ring, and the dial. Similar to a Faraday cage, it conducts magnetism around the movement and ensures that it does not reach the components inside.
IWC had developed this innovative feature back in 1948 for the Mark 11, a navigation watch commissioned by the British Royal Air Force. The soft iron inner cage effectively protects the movement from magnetic fields with a strength of up to 80,000 amperes per hour. Another feature is the specially secured front glass. It cannot detach from its place even if there is a sudden drop in cabin pressure in the cockpit.
About the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN)
The Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) program, in which the US Navy trains the top naval aviators, is a classic American success story. Since its formation in 1969, it has taught the best naval aviators in America how to become better pilots and, above all, outstanding instructors.
In response to their performance during the Vietnam War, the US Navy leadership decided to develop a new tactical doctrine for air combat. The Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) program was established on 3rd March 1969 at the former Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. Every second month, four F-4 Phantom crews were trained there in air-to-air tactics.
After completing the course, they returned to their units to pass on what they had learned. This concept proved so useful that it remains in place to this day. In 1996 the TOPGUN program was integrated into the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada, which was later renamed to Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC).
Nowadays, TOPGUN conducts about three to four classes of twelve weeks’ duration per year. The course is designed to train experienced pilots and flight crews. It encompasses all aspects of strike-fighter aircraft tactics and techniques. Air-to-air combat (dogfight) training, which pits the students against skilled TOPGUN instructors, is a key element.
Rather than only perfecting the flying skills of individuals, the emphasis of the course lies in teaching each participant how to become a better instructor. Even though TOPGUN trains only a select few, their knowledge and expertise will trickle down to every tactical fighter pilot and air crew in the US Navy and Marine Corps.
Since TOPGUN was established in 1969, over one thousand participants have successfully graduated from the program. They are part of an exclusive circle and arguably rank among the best strike-fighter pilots in the world. For them, TOPGUN is much more than just military training; it is also training that they can apply to their everyday life. Striving to pursue excellence, accepting failure and learning from it, are just some of the lessons that graduates take with them when they leave the Nevada desert.
Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen expands its TOP GUN range of Pilot’s Watches with the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI”. The new model takes inspiration from the “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” watch, which was created in 2018 in honor of the US Naval Aviation Community and is available only for TOPGUN graduates. Thanks to the combination of a black ceramic case with a Ceratanium® case back and pushers, the sporty chronograph boasts a tactical, matte black design code.
In 2018, IWC created the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” in collaboration with instructors based on Naval Air Station Leemore in California. Featuring a case made of black ceramic and the iconic TOPGUN patch on the dial, the rugged chronograph is available exclusively for graduates of the Navy Fighter Weapons School.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI”, limited to 1500 pieces, takes inspiration from the acclaimed “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” watch. It follows the tradition of IWC’s TOP GUN watches. It is made with extraordinarily robust materials to withstand the extreme strain that pilots experience in the cockpit of supersonic jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
The large 44-millimeter case is made of black zirconium oxide ceramic, which is one of the hardest substances on earth. It is extremely scratch-resistant and its stealthy black color is totally anti-reflective. The case back and chronograph pushers are made of Ceratanium®, a recent innovation from IWC’s materials engineers. This new material is as light and durable as titanium but at the same time as similarly hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic.
Thanks to the combination of ceramic and Ceratanium®, the chronograph boasts an entirely matte black design. The tactical look is completed by a black dial and black hands coated with luminescence. The small second hand and the tail of the chronograph second hand, which takes the form of a jet, add a touch of red to the instrument-style dial.
This Top Gun watch houses an IWC manufactured 69380 calibre, a robust self-winding chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design that ensures precise timekeeping and the measurement of stopwatch times of up to 12 hours. Another function is a date and weekday display.
This timepiece is fitted with a green textile strap.
Technical details
Model: Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “SFTI” (Ref. IW389104)
Functions
Date and day display
Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 69380
Mechanical chronograph movement
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 33
Power reserve: 46 h
Winding: Automatic
Case
Ceramic case, Ceratanium® case back, crown and pushers
Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 15.7 mm
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Screw-in crown
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement by drop in air pressure
Water-resistance: 6 bar
At the Watches & Wonders exhibition in Shanghai, IWC Schaffhausen presented the iconic Portugieser Chronograph on a stainless steel bracelet for the first time.
With the Portugieser Chronograph, IWC established a sportier design expression in the Portugieser family more than 20 years ago. Thanks to the clear and open dial with the two recessed totalisers at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, as well as the inner flange printed with a quarter seconds scale, the timelessly modern chronograph has turned into one of the most popular models from Schaffhausen.
Now, the Portugieser Chronograph becomes even more versatile; for the first time, IWC has launched a version of this iconic timepiece with a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is beautifully detailed and elaborately finished with polished and satin-finished surfaces. Thanks to the butterfly folding clasp, it sits ergonomically on the wrist and provides excellent wearing comfort.
The new reference with a stainless steel bracelet (Ref. IW371617) features a stainless steel case, a silver plated dial, as well as blue hands and appliques. Ticking away inside is the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre.
The robust and precise chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design is visible through the sapphire glass back. An efficient, bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.
The new stainless steel bracelet is available as an accessory for all new models of the Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW3716).
Technical details
Model: Portugieser Chronograph, Ref. IW371617
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 69355
Mechanical movement
Stopwatch function with minutes and seconds
Small hacking seconds
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 27
Power reserve: 46 h
Winding: Automatic
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 13.1 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
See-through sapphire glass back
Water-resistance: 3 bar
IWC Schaffhausen and the British resort wear and lifestyle brand Orlebar Brown has announced their partnership. Marking the start of their collaboration, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has unveiled the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph Edition “Orlebar Brown”, alongside the clothing brand’s new nine-piece collection of resort wear.
The stainless steel case of the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph Edition “Orlebar Brown” (Ref. IW390704) is complemented by a marine-blue dial and a co-branded side-fastener buckle, featuring white and red colour accents, which are often used in Orlebar Brown’s product range.
The nautical chronograph with elegant case proportions is worn on a blue rubber strap with textile inlay. Thanks to its robust design and water resistance of 6 bar, this watch is ideally suited for either an action-packed adventure on the deck of a yacht or relaxing at the beach or pool. The IWC-manufactured calibre 89361 with flyback function displays the measured hours and minutes together on a subdial at 12 o’clock and has a power reserve of 68 hours.
Working together, IWC Schaffhausen and Orlebar Brown also designed a nine-piece “Capsule Collection” of resort wear. The collection includes a white towelling blazer with blue piping and a cotton/silk knitted polo. A highlight in the collection is a photographic swim short with signature side fasteners, depicting a Solaris 55 sailing yacht in front of Porto Rotondo in Sardinia. This design celebrates the recently announced partnership with IWC and Italian luxury yacht brand Solaris.
The Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph Edition “Orlebar Brown” is available from July in IWC boutiques and from authorised retailers. The “Orlebar Brown x IWC Capsule Collection” by Orlebar Brown and IWC is available from 15th July 2020.
Functions
Hour and minute counters combined in a totaliser at 12 o’clock on a subdial
Date display
flyback function
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 89361
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 38
Power reserve: 68 h
Winding: Automatic
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 44.6 mm
Height: 14.4 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, anti-reflective coating on both sides
Screw-in crown
See-through sapphire glass back
Water-resistant: 6 bar
Dial
Blue and silver-plated dial
Rhodium-plated hands and appliques
In April 2020, IWC Schaffhausen announced attractive new models to their Portugieser family. A compact automatic style in the iconic Portugieser design, a new model with the legendary perpetual calendar, a nautical sports chronograph with an elegantly proportioned case, and the first watch fitted with a tide indication. These are the highlights of the new collection, all of which are equipped with IWC-manufactured calibres and further enhance the unique appeal of the Portugieser family.
All the watches in the new collection are equipped with in-house calibres. Among others, they feature automatic movements from the 52000 and 82000 calibre families, which have Pellaton winding with ceramic components.
In the chronographs, movements from the 89000 and 69000 calibre families ensure precise measurement of stop times. The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. 3716), one of IWC’s most popular models, is newly equipped in the standard version with the IWC in-house 69355 calibre and a see-through sapphire-glass back. It is also now possible to register any watch within the standard two-year warranty period for the My IWC program, which extends the international guarantee to eight years.
The Portugieser Automatic 40 (Ref. 3583) marks the return to the collection of the iconic design, with the small seconds at 6 o’clock, in a compact case with a 40-millimetre diameter. The new automatic model takes its power from the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre with Pellaton winding.
For the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 (Ref. 3442), the perpetual calendar has been integrated for the first time with an in-house movement from the 82000-calibre family. The watch with the IWC-manufactured 82650 calibre has a 42-millimetre diameter and displays the calendar information clearly on three subdials.
As a nautical sports watch, the Portugieser Yacht Club combines timeless style with ruggedness and high water-resistance. The new models, with a 44-millimetre diameter, have a fligree bezel and flat casing ring that lend a particular elegance to the case proportions. The Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide (Ref. 344001) is the first watch from IWC to feature the newly developed tide indication, which indicates the arrival of the next high and low tide. The Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph (Ref. 3907)comes with either a stainless steel or 18-carat 5N gold and stainless steel bracelet.
Selected models will also be available with overarching design cues in the maritime-inspired colours blue and gold and are available exclusively in IWC boutiques and online on IWC.com. They feature blue dials, blue alligator leather straps and cases in 18-carat 5N gold or 18-carat Armor Gold®. Thanks to its improved microstructure, this innovative new material has considerably higher hardness values than traditional 5N gold alloys.
In the mid-1930s, IWC Schaffhausen received an unusual request. At a time when petite, Art Deco style wristwatches were in vogue, two Portuguese dealers ordered a large wristwatch with the precision of a pocket watch. It was no coincidence that they chose to approach IWC. After F.A. Jones founded the International Watch Company in 1868, it soon established a worldwide reputation for precision pocket watches.
1939: REFERENCE 325
Back in 1939, its master watchmakers swiftly came up with a solution: they housed a hunter pocket watch 74 calibre in a 41.5-millimetre case. Inspiration for the dial came from the deck watches that IWC produced for the British Royal Navy at that time. These pocket watch-sized nautical instruments were, among other things, navigation instruments and consequently needed to be very easy to read.
IWC Schaffhausen Reference 325
With the small seconds hand at 6 o’clock, a simple chapter ring, Arabic numerals and slim feuille hands, Reference 325 established a timelessly modern design language that would run like a thread through the history of the Portugieser family. However, the elegant wristwatch in pocket watch format was decades ahead of its time: by the late 1970s, IWC’s ledgers contained details of only around 690 sales.
1993: PORTUGIESER ANNIVERSARY EDITION
The man responsible for rescuing the Reference 325 from oblivion and turning it into what is probably IWC’s best-known icon was the then Marketing and Sales Director, Hannes Pantli. In 1993, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary with the Il Destriero Scafusia (Ref. 1868), at the time advertised as the most complicated wristwatch in the world.
However, to mark the occasion, Pantli wanted to launch a timepiece that would represent IWC’s horological legacy and be accessible to a larger number of watch lovers. This prompted the idea of reissuing Reference 325 in a limited small series. The new name, the “Portugieser”, not only recalled the origins of the Reference 325 but also created a connection with topics such as navigation, precision and reliability.
Production of the Portugieser Anniversary Edition (Ref. 5441) was limited to 1000 watches in stainless steel; 500 in 5N gold and 250 in platinum. Measuring 42.5 millimetres in diameter, the watches took their power from the 9828 calibre, which was based on the 98 pocket watch calibre. The Portugieser Anniversary Edition quickly sold out and established a global trend towards larger-format wristwatches.
2003: PORTUGIESER PERPETUAL CALENDAR
In 2003, the first-time integration of the perpetual calendar in a Portugieser was a milestone in the history of this watch family. Developed in the 1980s by Kurt Klaus, the sophisticated mechanical programme automatically recognizes the different lengths of the months and leap years.
All the displays are perfectly synchronized with each other and, if the watch has been out of use for some time, can be easily reset using only the crown. Kurt Klaus used the development of the oversize 5000 calibre as an opportunity to rework his calendar module from the ground up and adapt it to the more generous space available in the new movement.
The fact that larger cogs were now involved led to an even more precise reduction in the moon phase display. In the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 5021), this is so accurate that it requires correction by just one day after 577.5 years.
The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Double Moon (Ref. 50611) is the first model from IWC to feature a double moon phase display. This unusual feature shows the moon as it appears to observers in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
2010: PORTUGIESER YACHT CLUB CHRONOGRAPH
Design a rugged, weatherproof watch that cuts a fine figure on any occasion: that was the brief for the Yacht Club (Ref. 811A/D), which IWC launched in 1967.
IWC Schaffhausen Yacht Club (Ref. 811A/D)
The driving force for this elegant, sporty automatic with its stainless steel bracelet was Albert Pellaton’s high-precision 8541B calibre. In the years that followed, it established itself as one of IWC’s most successful models.
In 2010, the company decided to revive the legendary name and integrated the Yacht Club into the Portugieser family. In the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph (Ref. 3902), IWC chief designer Christian Knoop created a nautical sports watch that met the highest expectations. The 45-millimetre case is ruggedly built and water-resistant to 6 bar. But thanks to the iconic Portugieser design, the watch also cuts a fine figure on dry land.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph (Ref. 3902)
The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89360 calibre, which combines stopped hours and minutes and displays them in a simple-to-read totalizer at 12 o’clock.
The flange, which features a quarter-second scale, not only enables precise reading of stop times. It also lends the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph the character of a nautical instrument and its understated sporty style.
IWC Schaffhausen presents a boutique edition of the iconic 44-millimetre Portugieser Perpetual Calendar in 18-carat Armor Gold®.
The classic Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 5033) with a 44-millimetre diameter displays the calendar information on four subdials. In addition to the displays for the date, day, month and moon phase, it features a four-digit year display, small seconds and a power reserve display. Newly available is a Boutique Edition with maritime-inspired design cues, an 18-carat Armor Gold® case, a blue dial and a blue alligator leather strap by Santoni.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Ref. IW503312 Boutique Edition: 18-carat Armor Gold® case, blue dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, blue alligator leather strap by Santoni.
The timepiece is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52610 calibre, which features a bidirectional Pellaton winding system ftted with components made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. Two barrels build up a power reserve of seven days.
Back in the 1980s, IWC’s legendary watchmaker Kurt Klaus designed a perpetual calendar that comprised only about 80 individual parts. The complication premiered in the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 3750) of 1985. For the first time, a perpetual calendar had a four-digit year display and a perpetual moon-phase display. A further attractive new feature was its high user-friendliness. All displays are perfectly synchronised and, if the watch has not been worn for some time, are easily advanced using only the crown.
In 2003 the perpetual calendar appeared in the Portugieser family for the first time. The calendar module has been continuously improved over the years. It will require a correction only in 2100 because, due to a quirk of the Gregorian calendar, the leap year that would normally occur then, will be omitted.
Functions
Power reserve display
Perpetual calendar with displays for the date, day, month, year in four digits and perpetual moon phase
Small hacking seconds
Movement
IWC manufacture calibre 52610
Mechanical movement
Pellaton automatic winding system
Frequency: 28,800 vph/4 Hz
Jewels: 54
Power reserve: 7 days (168 h)
Winding: Automatic
18-carat gold oscillating weight
Case, dial and strap
18-carat Armor Gold® case
Blue dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliqués
Blue alligator leather strap by Santoni
Glass Sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides
Water-resistant: 3 bar
Diameter: 44.2 mm
Height: 14.9 mm
See-through sapphire glass back
IWC Schaffhausen presents the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42. For the first time, the famous IWC calendar complication is integrated in an IWC-manufactured movement from the 82000-calibre family. The timepiece, which has a diameter of 42 millimetres, displays the calendar information on three subdials.
Rigorously thought through and developed to meet users’ needs with a focus on maximum autonomy and simple operation: No other complication expresses IWC’s values quite as eloquently as the perpetual calendar developed by legendary watchmaker Kurt Klaus in the 1980s.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42, Ref. IW344203: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliques, black alligator leather strap by Santoni.
For the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 (Ref. 3442), IWC has integrated the iconic complication for the first time with an in-house movement from the 82000-calibre family. Its compact dimensions have made it possible to offer the watch a diameter of just 42 millimetres. The IWC-manufactured 82650 calibre advances the calendar module with a single impulse during the night.
The automatic Pellaton winding is equipped with zirconium oxide ceramic components and builds up a power reserve of 60 hours. The movement can be admired through the transparent sapphire g
