Introducing: The IWC Big Pilot's Watch Big Date Edition '150 Years' (Live Pics & Pricing)

January 14, 2018

Many of the watches in IWC's 150 years Jubilee collection are existing models with new dial treatments. However, this watch is completely new to the catalog. The Big Pilot's Watch Big Date Edition "150 Years" is the first Big Pilot ever to feature the namesake big date complication. It's got the same 46.2mm case, rendered here in stainless steel, and you've got two different dials to choose from C dark blue with white printed markers or white with black printed markers. The watch has a closed caseback, so you can't see the hand-wound, eight-day caliber inside, though there is a little window so you can check the power reserve. The 150 Years Jubilee Collection To celebrate its 150th anniversary, IWC has released a varied collection of limited edition watches, with nearly all of the product families represented. There is also the new Pallweber, inspired by an important pocket watch from IWC's history.Click here to see the full Jubilee collection. Why This Watch Matters The Big Pilot's collection is one of the foundational product ranges for IWC. They don't take it lightly, and introducing a new complication here is a bigger deal than it might sound. For the Jubilee, you might have expected something crazy and out of left field, but the brand has instead chosen to do something that is still significant while also keeping the price approachable enough that dedicated fans of the standard Big Pilot's watches can maybe get in on the fun. This is a nice way to acknowledge the collectors who have contributed to the brand's success over the years while still commemorating the occasion in a real way. Initial Thoughts I have a fraught relationship with the Big Pilot's collection. I always love them on paper C the watches are cool, no-nonsense tools that now feature great in-house movements. However, 46.2mm is flat out unwearable for someone who is 5' 7" tall. As for these two new watches in particular, I think they do a nice job balancing the boldness of the Big Pilot's dial, which really does need some open space to feel balanced, and the addition of the big date at 12 o'clock. I would guess that all 200 of these (100 in each color) will disappear rather quickly. The Basics Brand: IWCModel: Big Pilot's Watch Big Date Edition "150 Years"Reference Number: IW510503 (blue dial), IW510504 (white dial)Diameter: 46.2mmThickness: 15.2mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Blue or whiteIndexes: Printed Arabic numeralsLume: YesWater Resistance: 60mStrap/Bracelet: Black alligator leather strap On the rear you can see the 150 years engraving and the power reserve. The Movement Caliber: In-House Caliber 59235Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, big date, power reservePower Reserve: 8 days (192 hours)Winding: ManualFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 30Additional Details: Movement is protected from magnetic fields by a soft iron inner case? Pricing & Availability Price: $13,800Limited Edition: 100 pieces per colorFor more click here. This is the first time an IWC pilot's watch has featured a big date complication. The white dial is extremely high contrast, with black printing and blued hands. The deep blue dial is one of the signatures of the new Jubilee collection. Editor's Note: The watches photographed here are prototypes. The final production versions do not say "8 Days" near the nine o'clock position on the dial.