Introducing: The IWC Big Pilot's Watch With Perpetual Calendar, Now A Regular Production Model

April 07, 2021

Throughout IWC's history, 37 versions of the Big Pilot's watch featured a perpetual calendar complication. Needless to say, the formula is a company mainstay. It's also one of the most technically complex watches IWC makes. IWC's first perpetual calendar caliber was developed by Kurt Klaus in the '80s and accounts for discrepancies in the length of months and leap years. In theory, if the watch were set correctly and received regular winding, it wouldn't have to be adjusted until the year 2100. The Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar models, historically, have been limited editions, like the 2006 limited edition of 25 pieces made of platinum, but finally, IWC is adding a standard production Big Pilot's Watch with Perpetual Calendar to the lineup. With a blue dial and an IWC manufacture caliber 52615. Initial Thoughts The Big Pilot's Watch is a great platform for the addition of Perpetual Calendar caliber. It's a natural fit. There's plenty of real estate on the dial to fit tons of information, and plenty of space in the 46.2mm case to cram in a caliber like IWC manufacture 52615. The caliber here is the star of the show, and it's visible through the caseback. It contains 386 parts and includes a number of ceramic elements that require far less maintenance than non-ceramic materials. Of course, it's impossible to keep the watch wound and running until 2100, when the date needs to be adjusted, but at least ceramic components will make those service intervals much longer. This specific blue dial is an IWC fan favorite. A similar hue is often used in Le Petit Prince limited editions; IWC has maintained a closer relationship with the Antoine de Saint-Exupry Youth Foundation that's produced some highly successful limited editions. This new model represents a democratic approach to the coveted Perpetual Calendar complication, all in the tidy package of the Big Pilot platform. The Basics Brand: IWCModel: Big Pilots Watch Perpetual CalendarReference Number: Ref. IW503605Diameter: 46.2mmThickness: 15.4mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: BlueIndexes: LumedLume: Super-LumiNovaWater Resistance: 60mStrap/Bracelet: Blue calf leather strap The Movement Caliber: IWC caliber 52615Functions: Perpetual Calendar with displays for the date, day, month, year in four digits, and perpetual moon-phase for both Northern and Southern hemispheres, and hacking seconds. Power Reserve: 7 daysWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 28,800vphJewels: 54 Pricing & Availability Price: $29,900 Availability: April at IWC boutiques and Authorized DealersLimited Edition: NoFor more, click here.