High Flying History

The provenance of IWC's legendary pilot watch stretches further back in time than the histories of most timepieces. IWC first made the timepiece for the pilots of the German Air Force in 1940. Observation watches inspired the distinctive styling of this 55-mm-diameter timepiece, which actually held a pocketwatch's mechanical movement inside. The oversized proportions not only made the watches easier to read but easier to wear—since they were designed to be strapped over the sleeve of a flying suit.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The unique conical crown of The Big Pilot harks back to those early days of military aviation, when pilots were issued serious insulated jackets to fly inside unheated cockpits. The onion-shaped crown allowed pilots to set and wind their watch even when wearing thick gloves and a padded flight suit.

Other defining features that remain from the original watch are the military triangle flanked by two dots at 12 o'clock, a simple sans serif typeface for the numerals, and sturdy rhombic hands. These have become signatures that can still be found on all current IWC pilots' watches. But this sturdy tool watch is still a luxury timepiece, and IWC understands the importance of the finer details. Just look to the strap, crafted by renowned Italian leather maker Andrea Santoni at his workshop in Corridonia.