IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 "Mr. Porter Edition 1"

Mr. Porter and IWC Schaffhausen collaborate to create exclusive limited-edition Big Pilot’s Watch 43 "Mr. Porter Edition 1". 

Limited to only 500 pieces globally, this special edition Big Pilot’s Watch features a reduced 43mm bronze case, titanium case back and black dial with gold-plated hands. Each piece is individually numbered and engraved with ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’ on the case back, alongside the ‘1’ numeral illuminated with Super-LumiNova.

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’ is available now until February 2023 exclusively on MR PORTER. Afterwards it will also be available in IWC Schaffhausen Boutiques.

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43

No other model embodies the essence of IWC’s Pilot’s Watches like The Big Pilot. Its functional design in the style of an easy-to-read cockpit-instrument design and oversized conical crown were inspired by a military observation watch from the 1940s. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 is a faithful interpretation of this original design without any additional elements on the dial. Thanks to its reduced 43-millimetre case size, it combines an amazing presence on the wrist with excellent wearing comfort. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 has now been chosen for a limited-edition timepiece, created in collaboration with MR PORTER.

Bronze Case and Crown

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’ features a case and a crown made of bronze. One of the first alloys to be produced by man, bronze is a durable, strong, and rugged metal that stands out with its golden-brown hue. Another striking feature is its ability to develop a patina over time. The outer layer that protects the metal from further corrosion oxidizes. This process leads to the surface slowly developing its characteristic patina, making each timepiece unique. Alongside copper, the bronze used by IWC also contains aluminium and iron, making the alloy about 50 percent harder than standard bronze.

IWC-Manufactured 82100 Calibre

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’ is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre. This robust and reliable automatic movement features the highly efficient self-winding system developed by IWC’s former technical director Albert Pellaton during the 1950s. The ingenious mechanism uses the rotor’s smallest movements in either direction to build up a power reserve of 60 hours in the mainspring. In addition, components like the automatic wheel or the pawls that mesh with it are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic.

“We are thrilled to continue our limited-edition collaborations with IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN. This year we introduce the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’, a unique take on an iconic collection. The subtle numeral ‘1’ illuminated with Super-LumiNova, MR PORTER engraved case-back blended with bronze case and black leather strap, creates a fresh and modern timepiece. Our desire is to continue to bring our customers special timepieces they can easily wear and collect, and share their unique elements with others” Mr Maxim De Turckheim, Senior Luxury Watch Buyer, MR PORTER.

“Our second collaborative project with MR PORTER in the Pilot’s Watches collection extends the unique material combination of a bronze case, a black dial with gold accents and a supple black microfiber strap to the quintessential tool watch; the Big Pilot. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’ features our IWC-manufactured 82100-calibre automatic movement, a titanium case-back and our patented EasX-CHANGE® strap quick change system, allowing owners to easily match their watch with every outfit.” Mr Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO, IWC Schaffhausen.

Technical specifications

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 "Mr. Porter Edition 1"

Reference: IW329703

Limited edition of 500 pieces

Case

• Material: Bronze case, titanium case back
• Diameter: 43 mm
• Thickness: 14.40 mm
• Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
• Screw-in crown
• Water-resistant to 100 meters (10 bar)

Dial and hands

• Black dial
• Gold-plated hands

Movement

• IWC-manufactured calibre 82100
• Pellaton automatic winding system
• Central hacking seconds
• Frequency: 28'800 vph (4 Hz)
• Number of jewels: 22
• Power reserve of 60 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds

Strap and buckle

• Black Alcantara®** strap
• EasX-CHANGE® quick-change system

MSRP

• GBP 9'150
• EUR 12'100
• USD 10'900

For more information, please visit mrporter.com and iwc.com.