IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 “MR PORTER Edition 1”

Last year MR PORTER celebrated their 10th anniversary with various initiatives that also led to a partnership with IWC Schaffhausen. This union was easily established since both brands already belonged to the Richemont company. The result was a quite fashionable “IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph” in bronze. It could have been a one time thing, but the release of the new IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 “MR PORTER Edition 1” includes this statement: “The '1' numeral is coated in Super-LumiNova® to celebrate the first in a series of collaborations with the house.” The 43 mm case is made of bronze with a screw on titanium case-back. In terms of design IWC has kept it identical to their other “Big Pilot’s Watch” in diameter and 13.6 mm height. Plus beside the MR PORTER theme, the use of bronze means the case will develop a characteristic patina over time. The titanium case-back has been engraved with a “MR PORTER EDITION 1” inscription, plus the limited edition number of each individual manufactured piece.IWC continues to apply a very specific bronze alloy that almost appears to be yellow gold. From a distance and at a glance its light tone gives off more gold vibes than bronze, but either way it's a “looker”. It comes equipped with the signature oversized conical crown, embossed with the IWC emblem. All topped by a convex sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. The glass has been secured against displacement by drop in air pressure. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet). Time is exhibited on a matte black dial with Arabic numerals and the iconic IWC “triangle” with a dot on each side, located at the 12 o’clock position. Circling around the flange is a ring of printed minute markings. All these numerals and indices appear in a faux-patina beige-like hue, just like the prominent triangle figure.Just as the previous MR PORTER inspired IWC, this model maintains the same warm, charismatic demeanor.This “grainy” effect gives the dial a textile look that evokes sartorial aesthetics. The dark hue also makes the bronze pop with a “gold-ish glow” that is very alluring. MR PORTER is a brand known for reselling the best international menswear available. This joint venture has taken an IWC classic and been able to imbue it with a new character. The color scheme that makes its second appearance with this new Big Pilot’s Watch 43 “MR PORTER Edition 1” is establishing its own unique model line from within. The central propeller-style hands, quarter hour index markers, the triangle and the "1" numeral have all been fitted with a green luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 “MR PORTER Edition 1”

The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 “MR PORTER Edition 1” (Ref#: IW329703) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 82100 with 22 jewels and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a Pellaton winding system. Power reserve can last up to 60 hours, when fully wound.Mounted to the watch is a black textured Alcantara strap with a velvety surface, secured to the wrist by a bronze pin buckle. It comes with an EasX-Change system that makes swapping out straps quick and easy.This is a limited edition of only 500 manufactured pieces, available exclusively at MR PORTER. A non limited version may also become available in the near future, so stay updated at the official IWC Schaffhausen website here.

IWC Schaffhausen, IWC, Big Pilot’s, Bronze, MR PORTER, Luxury Watches