Manufacturer: IWC Year: Circa 2009 Reference No: IW500401 Case No: 3’293’280 Model Name: Big Pilot’s Watch Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 51110, 44 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel IWC deployant clasp Dimensions: 46.2mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by IWC warranty stamped Swiss Fine Timing, Chicago dated October 2009, instruction manual, product literature, cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The IWC Big Pilot's Watch has evolved from its functional military origins into a horological icon. Its journey began in 1940 when IWC produced 1,000 oversized "B-Uhr" navigators' watches for the military. With their distinctive dials and pocket watch movements, these tool watches served a specific purpose.
In 2002, IWC revived the design as a modern luxury watch. Named the "Grosse Fliegeruhr" or Big Pilot's Watch, the 46.2mm model ref. 5002 paid homage to its 1940s ancestor while incorporating a new automatic movement with eight-day power reserve. This bold yet legible watch was cutting-edge yet traditional, both contemporary and historically-inspired.
The Big Pilot's Watch was subtly redesigned in 2006 as ref. IW5004. Numerals at 2 and 4 o'clock were partially shown, the 9 numeral disappeared, the strap upgraded to alligator. The movement also improved. This made the watch more versatile and refined.
The present ref. IW500401 from circa 2009 features a sleek matte black dial with seven days of power reserve. From its military origins to a modern luxury icon, the IWC Big Pilot's Watch has earned its place as a legend in its own time.
With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world's leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining high precision with masculine design. Vintage wristwatches such as the oversized Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur and the B-UHR pilots watch are especially desirable for collectors.
Ref. IW500401 A fine and oversized stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, seven-day power reserve indication, warranty and presentation box
Circa 2009 46.2mm diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed