IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Racing Works

Branching out in several fields is always a wise move to gather more enthusiasts and spread brand awareness. IWC Schaffhausen has a strong connection to the military, but their links to motorsports has also garnered many affiliates. After their partnership with Mercedes-AMG in 2004, they naturally went on to become the official engineering partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in 2013, followed by their own classic racing team in 2018. Now as a tribute to all these motorsport ventures they've released the new limited edition “IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Racing Works”. The round 46.2 mm case is made out of grade 5 titanium with a matte blasted finish. It’s also been crafted with a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields.On the flip-side is a solid case back engraved the unique limited edition number for each of these collectible timepieces.
It comes equipped with the big onion-style conical screw-in crown designed in the iconic IWC big diamond shape with a riveted circumference, providing a firm grip for quick-sets. All topped by a sapphire convex glass with an antireflective coating on both sides. The glass is secured against displacement by drop in air pressure. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (328 feet).Time is exhibited on blue sunray-brushed dial with gray-toned Arabic numerals, followed by matching minute index markers and slightly thicker indices for every 5-minute increment, except for the 12 o’clock position that features IWC’s iconic triangle with two dots.The 3 o’clock numeral is also missing and in its place is a 7-day power reserve sub-dial indicator. While the 6 o’clock numeral has been omitted to allow for a tone-on-tone date aperture. Both with the same gray-toned hands to preserve this stealth like color-scheme.The central propeller-style hands, Arabic numerals and minute index markers have all undergone a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.

The “IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Racing Works” (Ref#: IW501019) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 52110 with 31 jewels, 257 components, and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with IWC's historic Pellaton automatic winding system and a central hacking seconds. The movement is also decorated with a Côtes de Genève perlage finishing. Power reserve can last up to 168 hours (7 days), when fully wound.Mounted to the watch is a blue calfskin leather strap with embossed carbon texture, secured by a titanium folding clasp. This is a limited edition of only 500 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information visit the official IWC Schaffhausen website here.