Introducing: The IWC Big Pilot's Watch Edition 'Right-Hander'

August 05, 2019

This is a perfect case of the old saying "it does exactly what it says on the tin."?The watch we have for you today is a classic IWC Big Pilot but with the crown on the opposite side of the case to make it easier for people to wear on their right wrists. According to IWC's press release, there are estimates that as many as 40% of pilots are left-handed (though most estimates place left-handedness in the general population around 10%) and they wanted to create a special watch to suit the needs of those aviators. As far as styling and technical choices go, this one nails it: We get a slate grey dial with black accents, a stainless steel case, and an in-house IWC movement with the Pellaton automatic winding system and seven days of power reserve. There is precisely zero to complain about with any of this.The new Right-Hander is a limited edition of 250 pieces. While it's available this month, it is limited to France and Australia for the first three months before going on sale elsewhere. Why those two countries? Your guess is as good as mine. Initial Thoughts Personally, I've always had an affection for the Big Pilot collection. I can't wear them myself C not even close C but if any watch made me wish I had larger wrists it would be these classic sport watches. The Big Pilot is the rare oversized watch that nails the proportions and balance, so you end up with a watch that looks like it was actually designed to be 46.2mm instead or someone just inflating a smaller design for marketing reasons.I really like this execution in particular too. The slate dial with the black sub-dials and date disk is really striking, and I dig the way it plays off the included calfskin strap with the old-school rivets. Sometimes so-called "right handed" watches are meant to be worn on either wrist, and are more stylistic than anything else. In this case, I think this is a genuine watch for wearing on your right wrist: That large crown pointing back toward your forearm looks like it would be rather uncomfortable, right? It seems like IWC is addressing an actual customer need here, so if you're someone who wears their watch on the other wrist and has always lamented not being able to rock a Big Pilot, now you've got your chance. The Basics Brand: IWCModel: Big Pilot's Watch Edition "Right-Hander"Reference Number: IW501012Diameter: 46.2mmThickness: 15.6mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Slate with black sub-dialsIndexes: Arabic numeralsLume: Yes, on hands and hour markersWater Resistance: 60 metersStrap/Bracelet: Black calfskin strap The Movement Caliber: IWC Caliber 52010Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, dateDiameter: 38.2mmPower Reserve: 7 days (168 hours)Winding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 31Total Components: 257Additional Details: Pellaton automatic winding, hacking seconds, and a soft-iron inner case to protect against magnetic fields Pricing & Availability Price: $14,200Availability: From August 2019, but with three-month exclusivity in France and AustraliaLimited Edition: 250 piecesFor more, click here.