IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL

The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL (Ref. IW357701) is a highly technical fusion of cutting-edge shock resistance and haute horlogerie, combining the brand’s experimental SPRIN-g PROTECT system with a flying tourbillon inside a stealthy Ceratanium case. Limited to just 100 pieces, this radical evolution of the Big Pilot’s platform is engineered to withstand over 10,000 Gs of force, all while showcasing an openworked movement and featherweight tourbillon architecture. Designed for maximum resilience in extreme conditions, it stands as a remarkable example of innovation meeting precision craftsmanship.Crafted from IWC’s proprietary Ceratanium, the 44mm case combines the lightweight properties of titanium with the scratch resistance of ceramic. Its matte black finish and smooth surfaces give the watch a stealthy, futuristic look. The case measures 13.1mm in thickness, maintaining a balanced profile for such a technical piece. Black rubber bumpers are integrated along the sides, providing additional external protection and enhancing the watch’s rugged aesthetic.
The caseback is made of sapphire crystal, offering an unobstructed view of the extensively skeletonised caliber 82915, including its rotor and tourbillon cage. The movement is suspended inside the case by the SPRIN-g PROTECT shock absorber system, which was engineered to withstand shocks of over 10,000 G. This highly advanced internal structure reflects IWC’s engineering prowess and adds visual drama to the reverse side.
The crown is also made of Ceratanium, accompanied by black rubber crown guards for added resilience. All topped by a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. It is secured against displacement by pressure drops. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet).
The dial is radically openworked, revealing the highly technical skeletonised structure of the movement beneath. Instead of a traditional dial plate, a matte black inner ring carries minimalist minute markers and the signature pilot’s triangle with two dots at 12 o’clock. Hour indices appear to float at the periphery, enhancing the three-dimensional effect and emphasizing the shock-absorbing architecture within.At 6 o’clock, the lightweight 56-part flying tourbillon takes center stage, rotating gracefully while anchoring the watch’s symmetrical layout. The visible bridges and plates are finished in black PVD, complementing the watch’s stealth aesthetic and reducing glare in high-light environments. The absence of a conventional dial reinforces the technical character of this reference.Skeletonised hands are coated with grey Super-LumiNova, offering nighttime visibility without compromising the transparency of the design. This subtle luminous treatment ensures legibility while preserving the visual integrity of the shock-absorbing mechanism and tourbillon display.

The “IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL” (Ref#: IW357701) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 82915 with 25 jewels and 28,800 vph. This skeletonized movement is equipped with a 1-minute flying tourbillon and features IWC’s patented SPRIN-g PROTECT shock-absorbing system, developed to protect the mechanism from forces exceeding 10,000 Gs. It also includes the efficient Pellaton winding system with wear-free ceramic components. Power reserve can last up to 80 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on this watch is a black rubber strap with a textile finish, secured by a Ceratanium pin buckle. The design mirrors the ultra-technical aesthetic of the case, offering a comfortable and durable fit for high-performance conditions. It underscores the XPL’s advanced engineering while enhancing everyday wearability through lightweight and resilient materials.
This is a limited edition of only 100 pieces, underscoring its exclusivity and the cutting-edge innovation behind its experimental engineering.
For more up to date information visit the official IWC Schaffhausen website here.