====== IWC Pilot's Watch ====== {{wst>author|[[Foskett, Stephen|Stephen Foskett]] ([[https://grail-watch.com/|Grail Watch]])}} For most of its history, [[IWC]]'s signature model has been a [[pilot's watch]]. This series began with the legendary **Spezialuhr für Flieger** [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark IX|(Mark IX)]] in [[1936]] and continues through many models today. ===== Overview ===== In [[1936]], IWC developed a "Spezialuhr für Flieger" (Special Watch for Pilots), with a large 36 mm case, black dial with luminescent numerals, and a rotating bezel. This watch was retroactively and unofficially named "Mark IX" to differentiate it from its successor, the famous [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark X|Mark X]] created according to British Ministry of Defense specifications after World War II. In [[1940]], IWC developed another key pilot's watch, the famous 55 mm "Big Pilot", which used a pocketwatch movement, [[IWC 52|Cal. 52 T.S.C.]] and featured [[sword hands]]. After World War II, the British Ministry of Defense created a specification for a [[pilot's watch]] and selected twelve companies to produce it. Along with well-known competitors like [[Omega]], [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]], [[Buren]], and [[Eterna]], IWC produced a Mark X watch for the MoD. All such watches featured similar markers, hands, and numerals and were marked by a "broad arrow" indicating British Crown ownership. The dial features numerals from 1 to 12 inside the marked [[chapter ring]]. Luminous markers are placed on the hours, with larger markers at 3, 9, and 12, contrasting with the matte black dial. [[Small seconds]] are in a [[subdial]] at 6 00. Unlike the predecessor, [[syringe]] [[hand]]s are used. The Mark X uses a hand-winding movement, [[IWC 83|IWC's Cal. 83]]. The [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XI|Mark XI]] was introduced in [[1948]] with central seconds and different dial markings. This was a legendary "cult watch" produced until the early 1980s. Produced until the early eighties, the Mark XI was never available to the public. Instead, it was offered to military and civilian pilots as a tool for aviation. IWC expanded the Pilot's Watch range in [[1989]] with the introduction of a [[chronograph]] using the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] [[Mechaquartz]] movement. The [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz, Ref. 3740/3741]] was the first of many [[complicated]] models. The [[IWC Pilot's Watch Doppelchronograph|Doppelchronograph, Ref. 3711/3713]] was added in [[1992]] and a standard mechanical [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3705|Chronograph, Ref. 3705/3706]] replaced the Mechaquartz the next year. These would remain in the lineup through [[2005]] and were the first models larger than 36 mm. Sensing an opportunity in the 1990s, IWC introduced a civilian version in [[1993]], the [[IWC Mark XII|Mark XII]], with similar styling but an automatic movement. This was produced through [[1999]]. The dial is plain, with numerals from 1 to 11 inside the marked [[chapter ring]]. Luminous markers are placed at 3, 6, 9, and 12, with a large triangular marker at 12. A white background date window replaces the marker at 3 00, contrasting with the matte black dial. The case measures 36 mm across, with short curved lugs giving for a snug fit by modern standards. A large knurled crown screws down for 60 meters of water resistance. The bracelet has 11 flat links across, and a double deployant clasp is fitted. The solid caseback is marked "Die Fliegeruhr Automatik" ("the automatic pilot's watch"). The Mark XII uses [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]]'s [[JLC 889|Cal. 889/2]], known as [[IWC 884|Cal. 884]] to IWC. The basic Mark XII was produced in a stainless steel case, but [[yellow gold]] and limited-edition [[platinum]] and [[titanium]] "Mellow Yellow" versions were also produced. The successor, [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XV|Mark XV]] was introduced in [[1999]]. XIII was skipped because it is an unlucky number in Western countries, as is XIV in Asian cultures. Produced through [[2006]], the Mark XV dial is very similar to the Mark XII, with numerals from 1 to 11 inside the marked [[chapter ring]]. Luminous markers are placed at 3, 6, 9, and 12, with a large triangular marker at 12. A white background date window replaces the marker at 3 00, contrasting with the matte black dial. The case was enlarged from 36 mm to 38 mm for the Mark XV, with longer lugs to fit modern tastes. The Mark XV uses an [[ETA 2892/A2]]-based [[IWC 37524|Cal. 37524]] movement rather than the high-end [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] calibre A **Spitfire** version of the Mark XV has a "pie pan" silver dial and [[sword hand]]s or [[cathedral hands]]. These limited-edition models, originally only for the British market, gave rise to an entirely new model in [[2019]], the [[IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire]]. The successor, [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVI|Mark XVI]] was introduced in [[2006]] with an even larger 39 mm case. The dial is simplified, with the numerals at 6 and 9 removed, and [[sword hand]]s (from the Spitfire) are used. The new [[IWC 30110|Cal. 30110]] is still based on the [[ETA 2892/A2]], and [[magnetic field protection]] is new. Another Spitfire model is produced as well, along with a special limited-edition model (350 units) for Japan with a classic [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark IX|Mark IX]] look, complete with [[cathedral]] hands and a "railroad" [[chapter ring]]. Another special version of the Mark XVI was the [[IWC Pilot's Watch Father & Son|Father & Son]], which included two matching watches on riveted leather straps. The chronograph was updated as well that year, with the [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3717|Pilot's Watch Chronograph, Ref. 3717]]. A new "doppelchrono" came in [[2007]], the [[IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph, Ref. 3718]]. Another introduction in [[2006]] was the smaller 34 mm [[IWC Pilot's Watch Midsize|Pilot's Watch Midsize, Ref. 3256]]. The model returned to the original 36 mm size in [[2016]] with the [[IWC Pilot's Watch 36|Pilot's Watch 36, Ref. 3240]]. The [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVII]], introduced in [[2012]], grows further to 41 mm and features a controversial "triple" or "rising" date window. Said to resemble a cockpit [[altimeter]], this feature cluttered the dial and was not popular. A "Le Petit Prince" version of the Mark XVII has a blue sunburst dial and applied numerals. An updated [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3777|Pilot's Watch Chronograph, Ref. 3777/3878]] was also introduced that year, as was the first [[IWC Pilot's Watch Worldtimer|Pilot's Watch Worldtimer, Ref. 3262]]. The successor, [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII|Mark XVIII]] was introduced in [[2016]] with a 40 mm case and simple date window. The numerals 6 and 9 are returned to the dial as on the [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XV|Mark XV]], giving a classic look. The Mark XVIII has appeared in many more versions than any previous model, as the Pilot's Watch range has expanded. Special versions with larger and smaller cases are offered, some with no date window at all. Beginning in [[2017]], IWC began updating most Mark XVIII models to use the [[Sellita]]-derived [[IWC 35110|IWC 35110 or 35111]] movement. At [[SIHH]] [[2019]], IWC introduced a new [[IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire]] collection. They had previously used this term on variations of the Mark XV-XVII line, along with other models. Although based on the 39 mm Mark XVIII, the Spitfire is a new line entirely, with an in-house movement and chronograph model. ===== Models ===== ==== Pilot Classic ==== * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark IX|Spezialuhr für Flieger "Mark IX"]] (1936-1944), 36 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark X|Pilot's Watch Mark X]] (1944-1948), 36 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XI|Pilot's Watch Mark XI]] (1948-1980s), 36 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XII|Pilot's Watch Mark XII, Ref. 3241/3242]] (1993-1999), 36 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XV|Pilot's Watch Mark XV, Ref. 3253]] (1999-2006), 38 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVI|Pilot's Watch Mark XVI, Ref. 3255]] (2006-2013), 39 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Midsize|Pilot's Watch Midsize, Ref. 3256]] (2006-2007), 34 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVII|Pilot's Watch Mark XVII, Ref. 3265]] (2012-2016), 41 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII|Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII, Ref. 3270/3247/3248]] (2016-present), 39/40/41 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch 36|Pilot's Watch 36, Ref. 3240]] (2016-present), 36 mm ==== Spitfire ==== *See Also [[IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XV|Pilot's Watch Mark XV Spitfire Limited, Ref. IW3253-05]] (2001-2003), limited to 1,000 pieces * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XV|Pilot's Watch Mark XV Spitfire, Ref. IW3253-11]] (2003-2005) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch UTC|Pilot's Watch Spitfire UTC, Ref. IW3271-06]] (2003-2005) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Doppelchronograph|Pilot's Watch Doppelchronograph Spitfire, Ref. IW3713-09]] (2003-2005) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVI|Pilot's Watch Spitfire Mark XVI, Ref. IW3255-02/05]] (2006-2012) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch UTC|Pilot's Watch Spitfire UTC, Ref. IW3271-10/12]] (2006-2010) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3717|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire, Ref. IW3717-02/05/12]] (2006-2012) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Midsize|Pilot's Watch Spitfire Midsize, Ref. IW3256-02/05]] (2006-2007) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Spitfire Chronograph, Ref. IW3878-02/03/04/09/10/11/12]] (2012-2016) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire Collectors Forum CF3, Ref. IW3787-08]] (2016) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month|Pilot's Watch Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month, Ref. 3791]] (2012-2016) * [[IWC Big Pilot 5009|Big Pilot Spitfire, Ref. IW5009-17]] (2016-present) * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch Annual Calendar|Big Pilot's Watch Annual Calendar Spitfire, Ref. IW5027-02]] (2016-present) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3777|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire, Ref. IW3777-19]] (2016-present) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Timezoner Spitfire|Pilot's Watch Timezoner Spitfire, Ref. IW3955-01]] (2018), limited edition of 250 pieces * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Automatic Spitfire|Pilot's Watch Automatic Spitfire, Ref. IW3268-01/02/03]] (2019-present) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch UTC Spitfire|Pilot's Watch UTC Spitfire Edition "MJ271", Ref. IW3271-01]] (2019), limited edition of 271 pieces * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire, Ref. IW3879-01/02/03]] (2019-present) * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire|Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire, Ref. IW5036-01]] (2019), limited edition of 250 pieces ==== Top Gun and Miramar ==== *See Also [[IWC Pilot's Watch Top Gun]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph, Ref. IW3799-01]] (2007-2011), 46 mm, [[IWC 79230|Cal. 79230]] * [[IWC Big Pilot Top Gun 5019|Big Pilot's Watch Top Gun, Ref. IW5019-01]] (2012-2015), 48 mm, [[IWC 51111|Cal. 51111]] * [[IWC Big Pilot Top Gun 5019|Big Pilot's Watch Top Gun Miramar, Ref. IW5019-02]] (2012-2015), 48 mm, [[IWC 51111|Cal. 51111]] * [[IWC Big Pilot Top Gun 5020|Big Pilot Top Gun, Ref. 5020]] (2016-2017), 46 mm, [[IWC 51111|Cal. 51111]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Top Gun Chronograph 3880|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun, Ref. IW3880-01]] (2012-2015) 46 mm, [[IWC 89365|Cal. 89365]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Top Gun Chronograph 3880|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun Miramar, Ref. IW3880-02]] (2012-2015) 46 mm * [[IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Top Gun|Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun, Ref. IW5029-02]] (2012-2016), 48 mm, [[IWC 51564|Cal. 51564]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII|Top Gun Miramar, Ref. 3247]] (2016-2017), 41 mm, [[IWC 30110|Cal. 30110]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Top Gun Chronograph 3890|Pilot's Watch Top Gun Chronograph, Ref. 3890]] (2016-2017) 44 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Top Gun Chronograph 3890|Pilot's Watch Top Gun Miramar Chronograph, Ref. 3890]] (2016) 44 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph 3718|Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph, Ref. 3718]] (2018-present), 44 mm, [[IWC 79230|Cal. 79230]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun 3891|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun, Ref. 3891]] (2019) 44.5 mm, [[IWC 69380|Cal. 69380]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Automatic Top Gun|Pilot's Watch Automatic Top Gun, Ref. 3269]] (2019-present), 41 mm, [[IWC 32110|Cal. 32110]] * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun|Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun "Rodeo Drive", Ref. 5030]] (2019-present), 46.5 mm, [[IWC 52615|Cal. 52615]] ==== Pilot Complicated ==== * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Mechaquartz, Ref. 3740/3741]] (1989-1992), 36 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Doppelchronograph|Pilot's Watch Doppelchronograph, Ref. 3711]] (1992-1995), 42 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Doppelchronograph|Pilot's Watch Doppelchronograph, Ref. 3713]] (1996-2005), 42 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph, Ref. 3799]] (2007-2011), 46 mm, [[IWC 79230|Cal. 79230]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph, Ref. 3718]] (2007-present), 44 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph, Ref. 3778]] (2012-2016), 44 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3705|Pilot's Watch Chronograph, Ref. 3705/3706]] (1994-2005), 39 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Perpetual Calendar|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Perpetual Calendar, Ref. 3757]] (2003), 42 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3717|Pilot's Watch Chronograph, Ref. 3717]] (2006-2012), 42 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3777|Pilot's Watch Chronograph, Ref. 3777]] (2012-present) 43 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 3878|Pilot's Watch Chronograph, Ref. 3878]] (2012-2015) 43 mm, [[IWC 89365|Cal. 89365]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch UTC|Pilot's Watch UTC, Ref. 3251]], 39 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch UTC|Pilot's Watch UTC, Ref. 3261]], (2008-2010) 44 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Worldtimer|Pilot's Watch Worldtimer, Ref. 3262]] (2012-2016), 45 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Timezoner Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Timezoner Chronograph, Ref. 3950]] (2016-present) 44 mm * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire|Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire, Ref. 3879]] (2018-present) * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Chronograph|Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Chronograph "Le Petit Prince", Ref. 3922]] (2019) 43 mm ==== Big Pilot ==== *See Also [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch]] * [[IWC Big Pilot|Big Pilot]] (1940), 55 mm, [[IWC 52|Cal. 52]] * [[IWC Big Pilot 5002|Big Pilot, Ref. IW5002]] (2002-2006), 46.2 mm, [[IWC 5011|Cal. 5011]] ("transitional" models use [[IWC 51110|Cal. 51110]]) * [[IWC Big Pilot 5004|Big Pilot, Ref. IW5004]] (2006-2011), 46.2 mm, [[IWC 51110|Cal. 51110]] (some models with [[IWC 51011|Cal. 51011]] with small seconds at 9 00) * [[IWC Big Pilot 5003|Big Pilot, Ref. 5003]] (2008), 46.2 mm, [[IWC 64900|Cal. 64900]], LE of 12 examples "Markus Bühler" * [[IWC Big Pilot 5009|Big Pilot, Ref. 5009]] (2012-present), 46.2 mm, [[IWC 51111|Cal. 51111]] (some models with [[IWC 51011|Cal. 51011]] with small seconds at 9 00) * [[IWC Big Pilot Top Gun 5019|Big Pilot Top Gun and Miramar, Ref. 5019]] (2012-2015), 48 mm, [[IWC 51111|Cal. 51111]] * [[IWC Big Pilot Top Gun 5020|Big Pilot Top Gun, Ref. 5020]] (2016-2017), 46 mm, [[IWC 51111|Cal. 51111]] * [[IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar|Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar, Ref. 5026/5028]] (2006-2013), 46 mm, [[IWC 51564|Cal. 51564]] * [[IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Top Gun|Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Top Gun, Ref. 5029]] (2012, 2016), 48 mm, [[IWC 51564|Cal. 51564]] * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch Annual Calendar|Big Pilot's Watch Annual Calendar, Ref. 5027]] (2016-present), 46.2 mm, [[IWC 52850|Cal. 52850]] * [[IWC Big Pilot Heritage 48|Big Pilot Heritage 48, Ref. 5103]] (2016), 48 mm, [[IWC 59215]], limited to 1,000 pieces * [[IWC Big Pilot Heritage 55|Big Pilot Heritage 55, Ref. 5104]] (2016), 55 mm, [[IWC 98300]], limited to 100 pieces * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar|Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar, Ref. 5038]] (2016-2018), 46 mm, [[IWC 52610|Cal. 52610]] * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun|Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun, Ref. 5030]] (2019-present), 46.5 mm, [[IWC 52615|Cal. 52615]] * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire|Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire, Ref. 5036]] (2019-present), 46.2 mm, [[IWC 52615|Cal. 52615]] * [[IWC Big Pilot 5010|Big Pilot, Ref. 5010]] (2017-present), 46.2 mm, [[IWC 52110|Cal. 52110]] * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch Big Date|Big Pilot's Watch Big Date, Ref. 5105]] (2018), 46.2 mm, [[IWC 59235|Cal. 59235]] * [[IWC Big Pilot Constant-Force Tourbillon|Big Pilot Constant-Force Tourbillon, Ref. 5903]] (2018-present), 46 mm, [[IWC 94805|Cal. 94805]] ===== See Also ===== * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire]] * [[IWC Pilot's Watch Top Gun]] * [[IWC Big Pilot's Watch]] {{tag>IWC IWC_models Watch_models IWC_Pilot's_Watch_models}}