IWC Schaffhausen is a Swiss brand company founded in 1868. Now, it is more known as International Watch Company (IWC), a brand that consistently ranks among the best when it comes to luxury timepieces. With a rich history in watchmaking, it is known for its precision engineering, impeccable craftsmanship, and stylish designs.
IWC’s collection features a wide range of watches, from sporty to classy dress watches, including pilot watches. This article showcases ten of the most remarkable IWC pilot watches, highlighting different aspects of the brand’s exceptional watchmaking tradition.
We’ve curated our top picks on timepieces that will help you take flight with style and confidence, ensuring there is something for you. Read through and soar above the rest as we explore the best pilot watches from this renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker.
1. Big Pilot – Stainless Steel Case, IW5009-01
About
The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch is an iconic timepiece that has become synonymous with aviation. This model is an iconic variation and a stylish and practical watch that offers a unique take on the classic Big Pilot design. It’s a timepiece built to last, with a classic style that never goes out of fashion.
Features
The watch features large Arabic numerals and hands that provide exceptional legibility. It also features a convenient date display at the 6 o’clock position and an anti-reflective Sapphire Crystal coating on both sides to improve visibility.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2012
- Case Size: 46.2mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black
- Bracelet – Black alligator leather strap
- Case – Brushed and polished stainless steel
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve indicator, date window
- Mechanism: IWC-manufactured automatic self-winding movement, caliber 51111; power reserve: 7 days
2. Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII – Stainless Steel Case, IW3270-01
About
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII features a clean, legible dial inspired by historic pilot watches. Its 40mm stainless steel case houses an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The Mark XVIII is a practical choice for those who appreciate understated style.
Features
The IWC Portugieser Automatic is known for its classic design and impressive 7-day power reserve. It is powered by an in-house automatic movement with a sophisticated Pellaton winding system which provides accurate timekeeping and a power reserve of up to 168 hours.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2016
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black
- Bracelet – Black Santoni calfskin leather strap with stainless steel tang buckle
- Case – Brushed and polished stainless steel
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Mechanism: IWC-manufactured automatic self-winding movement, caliber 30110; power reserve: 42 hours
3. Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz – Stainless Steel Case, IW3740-01
About
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz is a series of timepieces from IWC that combines the precision of quartz movements with the feel of traditional mechanical chronographs. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz is a unique and specialized timepiece that offers advanced features, innovative design, and reliable performance to meet the needs of pilots.
Features
Standout features of this classic Pilot’s Watch are the large and easy-to-read Arabic numerals and a prominent date display. The chronograph subdials are also legible and easy to read, making it ideal for pilots who need to time their flights accurately.
Specifications
- Production Year: 1989-1992
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black
- Bracelet – Black calfskin leather strap with a pin buckle
- Case – Stainless steel, screw-in crown
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date display, chronograph function with 1/5 second increments and 12-hour totalizer
- Mechanism: Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 631; power reserve: Approximately 38 months
4. Pilot’s Watch Spitfire Chronograph Spitfire Bronze – Titanium/Bronze Case, IW3879-02
About
The Pilot’s Watch Spitfire Chronograph Spitfire is a special timepiece inspired from World War II’s iconic Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Designed with aviators in mind, it also has a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields. This watch combines the ruggedness of titanium with the warmth and unique patina of bronze, resulting in a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
Features
The Spitfire Chronograph Spitfire Bronze is powered by an automatic movement with a chronograph function, which allows for precise timing of events up to 12 hours in length. The dial is a rich green color with luminous hands and markers, providing excellent legibility even in low-light conditions.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Green
- Bracelet – Brown calf leather strap with bronze pin buckle
- Case – Titanium, screw-in crown and pushers, a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date display, chronograph function with 1/4 second increments and 12-hour totalizer
- Mechanism: Automatic movement, IWC caliber 69380; power reserve: 46 hours
5. Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Stainless Steel / Le Petit Prince / Santoni – Stainless Steel Case, IW3777-22
About
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph is a special edition timepiece that pays tribute to the classic novella “Le Petit Prince”. The watch features a striking blue dial with a sunburst pattern and a special engraving on the case back depicting the Little Prince himself.
Features
The watch features a reliable mechanical chronograph movement allowing precise timekeeping and measurement of elapsed time. This elapsed time is conveniently displayed on sub-dials at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2016
- Case Size: 43mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Blue
- Bracelet – Blue calfskin leather with stainless steel tang buckle
- Case – Titanium and bronze case with bronze bezel, screw-down crown, and pushers
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph with hours, minutes, and seconds
- Mechanism: IWC 79320 automatic chronograph movement; power reserve: 46 hours
6. Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun – Ceratanium Case, IW3718-15
About
The Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun is a special timepiece because of its unique case material, Ceratanium. This composite material combines the lightweight properties of titanium with the scratch resistance and hardness of ceramic. The case is also coated with a black diamond-like carbon coating, which enhances its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Features
The Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun features a highly precise and reliable automatic movement, the IWC 79420 caliber, which is a modified Valjoux 7750. It also has a double chronograph function that allows for the simultaneous timing of two events, making it a useful tool for pilots and other professionals who require accurate timekeeping.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 44mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black
- Bracelet – Black textile strap with tang buckle
- Case – Ceratanium case with screw-in crown and pushers
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronograph, and double chronograph, perpetual calendar
- Mechanism: IWC caliber 79230 automatic movement; power reserve: 44 hours
7. Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph 80 Years Flight to New York – Stainless Steel Case, IW3950-03
About
The Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph 80 Years Flight to New York is a limited edition watch created to commemorate IWC’s 80th anniversary of its pilot watches and the first non-stop transatlantic flight from Europe to North America.
Features
The watch features an innovative timezoner function, which allows the wearer to quickly and easily adjust the time zone by rotating the bezel. This feature is especially useful for frequent travelers.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 44mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Brown
- Bracelet – Brown calfskin leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp
- Case – Stainless steel with screw-in crown
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, world time display with 24-hour indication, date display
- Mechanism: IWC Caliber 89760, self-winding automatic movement; power reserve: 68 hours
8. Pilot Chronograph Antoine De Saint Exupery – Rose Gold Case, IW387805
About
The IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Antoine De Saint Exupery is a special edition watch that is dedicated to the French writer and aviator Antoine De Saint Exupery, who is best known for his book “The Little Prince.” The 18K rose gold casing gives it a luxurious and elegant look. While warm tones of rose gold complement the brown dial and strap, creating a harmonious overall design.
Features
The watch features a flyback chronograph function, which allows the wearer to quickly reset and restart the chronograph with a single push of a button. This is a useful feature for pilots who need to time multiple events in quick succession.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2016
- Case Size: 43mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Brown
- Bracelet – Brown calfskin strap with rose gold folding clasp
- Case – Round case with screw-in crown
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day and date display, flyback chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers
- Mechanism: IWC-manufactured 89361 caliber automatic movement; power reserve: 68 hours
9. Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 – Stainless Steel Case, IW3240-10
About
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 is a wristwatch designed for individuals who appreciate classic aviation style in a smaller size. The design is inspired by the original IWC Pilot’s watches from the 1930s and has become an iconic look for pilot’s watches. While the stainless steel bracelet strap gives it a durable yet classy look, perfect for everyday watch use.
Features
One impressive feature of this watch is its visibility. The anti-reflective sapphire-crystal coating on both sides, helps to reduce glare while luminescent material for easy readability in low-light conditions.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018-2021
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black
- Bracelet – stainless steel bracelet with butterfly folding clasp with push buttons
- Case – Polished and satin-finished stainless steel
- Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, and date display
- Mechanism: IWC-manufactured 35111 caliber automatic movement; power reserve: 42 hours
10. Pilot’s Watch Doppelchronograph – Platinum Case, IW3711-26
About
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Doppelchronograph is a highly sought-after and prestigious timepiece among collectors and enthusiasts, and for good reason. This timepiece is a technical marvel, with a complex movement that features a double chronograph function and anti-magnetic protection.
Features
The flawlessly functioning double chronograph function is the main attraction of the Pilot’s Watch Doppelchronograph. The split-seconds mechanism is easily activated, allowing the wearer to track two separate events at once. The action of the split-seconds mechanism is smooth and precise, making it a pleasure to use.
Specifications
- Production Year: 1993
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Blue
- Bracelet – Black Santoni leather strap with stainless steel pin buckle
- Case – Polished and satin-finished
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small Second, date, day, chronograph, rattrapante
- Mechanism: IWC-manufactured 79230 calibre automatic movement; power reserve: 42 hours
Pricing and Value
Here are the current pricing of pre-loved IWC Pilot watches based on Chrono24:
| Models | *Market Price |
| Big Pilot – Stainless Steel Case, IW5009-01 | S$10660.00 |
| Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII – Stainless Steel Case, IW3270-01 | S$5,845.00 |
| Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz – Stainless Steel Case, IW3740-01 | S$4,220.00 |
| Pilot’s Watch Spitfire Chronograph Spitfire Bronze – Titanium/Bronze Case, IW3879-02 | S$8140.00 |
| Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Stainless Steel / Le Petit Prince / Santoni – Stainless Steel Case, IW3777-22 | S$7,918.00 |
| Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun – Ceratanium Case, IW3718-15 | S$16,890.00 |
| Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph 80 Years Flight to New York – Stainless Steel Case, IW3950-03 | S$32,690.00 |
| Pilot Chronograph Antoine De Saint Exupery – Rose Gold Case, IW387805 | S$26,000.00 |
| Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 – Stainless Steel Case, IW3240-10 | S$6,760.00 |
| Pilot’s Watch Doppelchronograph – Platinum Case, IW3711-26 | S$17,600.00 |
Note: The values on the table may fluctuate depending on market conditions.
Quick FAQ Section
1. Is IWC watches a good investment?
Yes. IWC is a popular brand that produces high-quality and expensive timepieces that may appreciate value over time. However, this value appreciation is not a guarantee and should be approached with caution.
2. Is IWC as good as Omega?
IWC and Omega are both popular brands that have been in the watch industry for over a decade now. While both are known for their quality and precision in watchmaking, they may appeal to different clients in terms of their designs.
3. Why are IWC watches so expensive?
Some of the factors that make an IWC watch so expensive include craftsmanship, innovation, and the use of high-grade materials like stainless steel, titanium and gold to create watches that are aesthetic, precise, and durable.
4. Is IWC a luxury watch brand?
Yes. IWC is considered a luxury brand due to their premium-priced watches. IWC limited editions are also sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their exclusivity and rarity.
Conclusion
IWC has consistently produced exceptional timepieces that are valued by watch enthusiasts worldwide. The selection presented in this article showcases the brand’s dedication to precision, style, and quality. Still, the decision to purchase, and how much you are willing to invest in a timepiece depends on your personal preferences.
Key Takeaways
- The IWC brand has a strong reputation for creating high-quality and reliable timepieces that are designed for aviation professionals and enthusiasts.
- IWC pilot watches are built to withstand the rigors of aviation and are often designed with features such as shock resistance, anti-magnetic cases, and water resistance.
- You can expect to find pre-owned IWC Pilot watches starting from around $5000 to $10,000 and even more for limited edition or vintage models.
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