If you think IWC has been catching their breath after reimagining the Ingenieur earlier this year, think again. The Schaffhausen-based brand has been busy dishing out high end watches over the last month – headlined by the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Markus Bühler – as well as heavy hitters through partnerships with automotive powerhouses. From complications to composite materials, there’s a lot to dig into here.
Travel back to winter 2008 for a moment. The global economy is still roiled in recession, the federal funds rate is zero, and IWC marches out one of the rarest and most distinctive references ever: the Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Markus Bühler (Ref. 5003). Named after famed IWC apprentice Markus Bühler, the watch featured airplane turbines on the dial and also on its movement. A few years earlier, Bühler’s concept had won the top prize at the Prix IFHH de l’Horlogerie (now known as the Concours IHC), and IWC only made a limited run of twelve pieces.
A decade and a half later we meet its successor, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Markus Bühler. It’s platinum, it’s 43mm, and it’s a real unit. True to form, the turbine is back but has now been integrated into a flying (haha) tourbillon. IWC has crafted the turbine blades from a titanium alloy for weight saving and even repurposed its upper cage as the regulator. The hairspring is attached to one of the blades, allowing a watchmaker to adjust the zero crossing of the balance simply by turning the balance. Powered by the IWC in-house caliber 82905 (PVD-coated and rhodium plated), it will be limited to 51 pieces worldwide. Pricing is upon request.
Partnerships between watchmakers and automakers have been around for a while, and, when done right, provide opportunities for enthusiasts across both communities to enjoy something interesting. Like Benz’ flagship SUV, The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 certainly makes a statement. The first of the two new releases is made of a ceramic matrix composite, a first for IWC. It was developed in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center, DLR, and features a utilitarian monochromatic color scheme. Pricing for this model is $42,400.
The second AMG Pilot’s Watch leans into the Gelender Wagen’s more luxurious side. It is made of 18-carat Armor Gold, and the warmer case and dial color code is inspired by the recently-launched Mercedes-AMG G 63 “Grand Edition.” Pricing for this reference is $33,400.
Taking the automotive theme in a different direction is the Limited Portugieser designed in collaboration with Sir Lewis Hamilton. Officially called the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton, this 43.5mm beast’s list of features is as long as its name: chronograph, flying tourbillon, retrograde date display. The teal dial is marked with Lewis’ panther eyes logo, and don’t blink or you’ll miss the 12 diamonds at each hour marker. This watch will set you back $169,000 and is limited to 44 pieces.
Full specs and details for all of these watches can be found at IWC.com.
