IWC · 60 listed

IWC Pilot's Watch for sale in NYC

Browse IWC Pilot's Watches in steel, bronze and ceramic, from the 40mm Mark XVIII and Mark XX to the 41mm and 43mm Pilot's Chronographs and the 46.2mm Big Pilot with its seven day power reserve.

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From the cockpit

IWC Schaffhausen, founded in 1868 by the American Florentine Ariosto Jones, made its first pilot's watch in 1936. The Big Pilot traces to 1940, when IWC built a 55mm observation watch for air force navigators. In 1948 the Mark 11 followed for the Royal Air Force, with a soft iron inner case to protect the movement from magnetism. Black dials, large numerals and a triangle at 12 o'clock have defined the line ever since.

The Mark series and the chronographs

The Mark XVIII, reference IW3270, is a 40mm three-hand watch with date and a soft iron inner case. It was replaced in 2022 by the Mark XX, reference IW3282, which keeps the 40mm size but moves to the in-house calibre 32111 with a five day power reserve. The Pilot's Chronograph IW3777 is 43mm with day and date and a calibre based on the Valjoux 7750. The newer Pilot's Chronograph 41, reference IW3881, uses the in-house calibre 69385. Special editions such as Top Gun in ceramic, Spitfire and Le Petit Prince with its blue dial run across these families.

The Big Pilot

The modern Big Pilot, reference IW5002, arrived in 2002 in a 46.2mm case with the calibre 5011 and seven days of power reserve, shown on a gauge on the dial. Its conical crown is large enough to turn with gloves on. The current IW5010 uses the calibre 52110 with Pellaton winding. In 2021 IWC added the Big Pilot's Watch 43, reference IW3293, for buyers who want the look in a smaller case.

What to look for

Check the dial and hands for even lume and no replacement parts. On chronographs, run start, stop and reset several times. Most steel cases are satin finished, so a bright polish suggests refinishing. The EasX-CHANGE system on newer models lets you swap straps with a button on the strap; confirm it locks. Match the serial number to the papers and ask about the last service.

Prices are listed on every watch. Call or text for a viewing by appointment in the Diamond District in Midtown Manhattan.

Questions

IWC Pilot's Watch questions

Mark XVIII or Mark XX: which should I buy?

The Mark XX is the newer watch, with IWC's in-house calibre 32111, about five days of power reserve and better water resistance. The Mark XVIII uses a calibre based on a Swiss base movement with around 42 hours of reserve. Both are 40mm with similar dials. Choose the Mark XX for the movement, or the Mark XVIII if you want the same classic look for less.

How big is the Big Pilot on the wrist?

The 46.2mm Big Pilot wears large, but the short lugs and curved strap help it sit well on a medium wrist. The case is also tall because of the big seven day movement. If you like the design but want something smaller, the Big Pilot's Watch 43 keeps the conical crown and dial layout in a 43mm case. Try both in person to judge.

What does the soft iron inner case do?

It surrounds the movement with a cage of soft iron that guides magnetic fields around it. In a cockpit full of instruments, magnetism could stop or disturb a mechanical watch. Today the main sources are phones, speakers and laptop bags. Not every Pilot's Watch has the cage, since models with display casebacks usually leave it out, so check the specification of the reference you want.

Are IWC Pilot's Watches good daily watches?

Yes. They are easy to read, durable and come on bracelets, leather or rubber straps that are simple to change on newer models. Water resistance varies by reference, so check the figure for the model you want before swimming with it. The Mark series is the most versatile choice, while the chronographs add function and a little more size on the wrist.

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