Review: IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 IW3881

Hands-on review of the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 IW3881. Price: €7000 with strap (IW388101), €7750 with bracelet (IW388102). 2021 IWC novelties

Together with the new Big Pilot's Watch 43 mm, on occasion of the Watches and Wonders Geneva digital exhibition (April 7-13) IWC launched a new version of its Pilot's Watch Chronograph housed in a reduced case. But novelties for this model are not limited to the new size. There is much more to discover, outside and inside the watch.

We had the possibility to test and wear the new Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 IW3881 for several days and we are now delighted to share our impressions and live pictures.

The watch has been presented in two variations with blue or green dial. For our review, we used the blue version.

Crafted from stainless steel, the case is 41 mm in diameter and 14.5 mm thick. The size looks ideal for most wrist while still remaining a a piece that stands out for its presence. 

Its lines are highlighted by a meticulous finish alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces. 

Thanks to a screw-in crown, the new model offers waterproofness up to a pressure of 10 bar (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet) compared to 6 bar offered by the 43 mm version.

Framed by a slim bezel and protected by a sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment that is also secured against displacement by drops in air pressure, the dial is characterised by a striking blue colour with snailed counters and rhodium-plated hands.

The hands, just like the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock hour markers, are coated with Super-LumiNova for improved visibility in poor light conditions.  

The chronograph hours and minutes are positioned at 9 and 12 o'clock while the running seconds are displayed at 6 o'clock, instantly recognizable for the red hand. The day and date apertures at 3 o’clock complete the indications. 

The chronograph start and stop functions are activated by using the pusher at 2 o'clock while the one at 4 o'clock resets the chronograph hands to zero.

Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre is a robust and precise chronograph movement characterized by a classic column wheel design and excellent finishes including Côtes de Genève and perlage. 

Beating at the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), this movement guarantees a power reserve of 46 hours thanks to a reliable bi-directional pawl winding system similar to the Pellaton mechanism. 

Another important new feature of the Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 mm is the new EasX-CHANGE system that allows the strap/bracelet to be changed in a second (and we are not exaggerating) without adding extra thickness to the strap.

Thanks to this user-friendly system and a wide choice of straps, the chronograph can change its looks and adapt to different situations. IWC already offers several options, including calfskin or rubber straps in various colours and a high-quality stainless steel bracelet with fine adjustment clasp. 

The new IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 IW3881 offers the prestige of a top watch brand, flawless quality and excellent performances while maintaining an attractive price point: Euro 7,000 / US$ 6,500 with strap (ref. IW388101) or Euro 7,750 / US$ 7,200  with steel bracelet (ref. IW388102). Euro prices including VAT, US$ prices  excluding sales taxes. iwc.com

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