IWC - Big Pilot's Watch 43 IW3293

0 0 Wednesday, 7 April 2021 Edit this post

On occasion of the digital edition of the Watches & Wonders exhibition, IWC unveiled today the Big Pilot’s Watch 43, a completely new variation of one of its most recognizable timepieces.

While maintaining all the traits that made of this model a true icon in the watchmaking world, the new Big Pilot's Watch 43 IW3293 comes in a more versatile case with a diameter of 43 mm vs 46 mm of the traditional Big Pilot version (thickness is 13.6 mm vs 15.5 mm).

Crafted from stainless steel and characterised by its striking conical crown, the reduced case houses the IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre featuring the highly efficient automatic winding system developed by Albert Pellaton, which uses the rotor’s smallest movements in either direction to wind a mainspring that stores a power reserve of 60 hours, when fully wound.

Beating at the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), this movement features several components - like the automatic wheel or the pawls that mesh with it - in virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic that contributes to improved reliability and accuracy over time.

Decorated with circular graining, the movement can be admired through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, another difference compared to the 46 mm version that features a solid caseback.

Thanks to a reworked case construction, the watch is now water-resistant to 10 bar (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet).

Available in black or blue, the dial has been reduced to the essential by eliminating the date window and the power reserve display. A perfect observation watch.

Indexes and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for excellent legibility even in poor light conditions. The sapphire crystal is secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure.

The new Big Pilot's Watch 43 also offers a new feature that - we are sure - most watch enthusiasts will love: a user-friendly quick-change system that makes it possible to replace straps and bracelets in a second. We tried it and we found it truly excellent for its ease-of-use.

To fully take advantage of this solution, IWC is presenting 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.

Three references of the IWC Big Pilot's Watch 43 are already available:

Ref. IW329301: stainless steel case, black dial, brown calf leather strap. CHF 8,900

Ref. IW329303: stainless steel case, blue dial, blue calf leather strap. CHF 8,900

Ref. IW329304: stainless steel case, blue dial, stainless steel bracelet. CHF 9,900

All three references are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program thus benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty. iwc.com