At that time, the IWC dial was reduced to the bare essentials so that the pilots in the cockpit could essentially concentrate on the instruments. The luxury manufacturer's most famous IWC pilot's watch was developed for the Royal Air Force. The first large pilot's watches are very sought after by collectors. In 1988 the pilot's watch followed with a chronograph and IWC planned the large pilot's watch. The further development took place in 1992, when the pilot's watch with a double chronograph rattrapante and automatic winding came onto the market.
In 1994, the fabulous IWC Mark XII succeeded the Mark 11. From then on, the manufactory also produced ceramic watches, which on the one hand had the ingenious design of a completely black watch and on the other hand had the properties of extremely durable ceramic. The manufacturer then succeeded in developing a fantastic watch, the IWC Spitfire, which was named after the world-famous English aircraft Spitfire. The aircraft is a cult object in England and, at the time, a technical masterpiece, just like the watch. The “Spitfire” aircraft became a model for the IWC watch line. There are still some Spitfire machines today that bear an IWC dedication.
When a special edition of the pilot's watch was released in 2006, IWC honored the life's work of the French poet and pilot Antoine de Saint Exupery. Even during his lifetime, Mr. Saint Exupery was a master of his poetry and flying skills. During the Second World War he fought as a Luftwaffe pilot with great success against the German Allies. The IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition Antoine de Saint Exupery in stainless steel and 18 carat red gold as a limited edition of 500 pieces was dedicated to him in 2012. On the case back of the watch is an engraving of his last aircraft, the Lightning P-38. A watch with a similar structure is the pilot's watch double chronograph edition TOP GUN. In 2012, IWC Schaffhausen announced that five new models would be added to the TOP GUN collection. The large pilot's watch TOP GUN is now a sought-after collector's item. The large pilot's watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN is also sensational with the perpetual calendar, four-digit year and moon phase display and 7 day power reserve. This watch is a masterpiece of the highest technical level.
If you want to buy an IWC pilot's watch these days, we would recommend the IW370771 or the IW370774. These two models are among the most sought after in the collection today. The pilot's watch IW377701 is equipped with a leather strap. If you prefer a steel strap, you should choose the IW377704 in the stainless steel version.
The IWC Big Pilot IW500901 is also recommended. This watch is the classic among pilot watches and an absolute all-rounder. This luxury watch impresses with an automatic movement caliber 51111 with 42 jewels and a power reserve of 168 hours as well as a power reserve display for 7 days. IWC watches are also ideal as an investment. The large pilot's watch in particular is considered to have extremely stable value and is sought after.