Schaffhausen,
07
April
2021
|
07:02
Europe/Amsterdam

IWC ADDS 41-MM CHRONOGRAPHS WITH IN-HOUSE MOVEMENTS TO PILOT’S WATCHES COLLECTION

Schaffhausen, 7th April 2021 – IWC Schaffhausen has launched the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 at the digital Watches & Wonders exhibition. The new model features a stainless steel case in a compact size of 41 millimetres and is available with a blue or green dial. To underscore the brand’s expertise in the development of in-house movements, it is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, which is visible through a sapphire glass back. With the new EasX-CHANGE system and a choice of straps made of calfskin, rubber or stainless steel, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is the ultimate sports watch.

For 85 years, IWC has been engineering Pilot’s Watches tailored to meet the functional requirements and specific needs of professional pilots. Initially conceived as precise and reliable tools for navigation, they are celebrated nowadays for their iconic cockpit instrument design, their extreme robustness and high versatility. A mainstay in the IWC Pilot’s Watches collection is the chronograph. The mechanical stopwatch function not only adds to the typical tool watch appearance but also offers virtually limitless applications in everyday life.

Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen
“Building on the success of our Spitfire chronographs from 2019, we are now introducing the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 into our classic collection. Thanks to the quick-change system and a choice of straps, the chronographs can be adapted swiftly to different surroundings. Combined with the now 10 bar water-resistant case, this versatility makes them perfect companions for adventures in the air, on the ground or by the water. To underline our ongoing commitment to innovation and technical excellence, we also fitted the new model with our in-house 69385 calibre chronograph movement, which is visible through a sapphire glass back,”
Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is available in four references:

  • Ref. IW388101: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, blue calfskin strap.
  • Ref. IW388102: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands, stainless steel bracelet.
  • Ref. IW388103: Stainless steel case, green dial, rhodium-plated hands, brown calfskin strap.
  • Ref. IW388104: Stainless steel case, green dial, rhodium-plated hands, stainless steel bracelet.

 

All new models feature a EasX-CHANGE system, which allows the wearer to quickly and easily change the strap or bracelet. Available as accessories in IWC boutiques or online on IWC.com is a choice of calfskin and rubber straps in attractive colours, as well as a new stainless steel bracelet with fine adjustment system and a slimmer shape for improved comfort and ergonomics. The reworked case construction ensures the chronographs are now water-resistant to 10 bar.

 

MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT VISIBLE THROUGH THE GLASS BACK

Ensuring a precise measurement of stop times up to 12 hours is the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre. The mechanical chronograph movement consists of 231 individual parts and is engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability and precision. The stopwatch function is controlled by a column wheel, a complex component with two functional levels which is incredibly challenging to manufacture. A bi-directional pawl winding system supplies the movement with energy by efficiently converting the activity of the wearer’s arm into tension for the mainspring. It builds up a power reserve of 46 hours when fully wound.

 

Download our brand-new IWC APP – currently available for iOS from the App Store – to virtually try on the new Pilot’s Watches using Augmented Reality (AR) and discover exciting features and exclusive content from the IWC Schaffhausen universe.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

In 1868, the American watchmaker and entrepreneur Florentine Ariosto Jones travelled from Boston to Switzerland and founded the ‘International Watch Company’ in Schaffhausen. His visionary dream was to combine advanced American manufacturing methods with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers to make the best pocket watches of his time. In doing so, he not only laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach but also established the centralised production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.

Over its 150 year history, IWC Schaffhausen has developed a reputation for creating functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust, and easy for customers to use. A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC today specialises in highly engineered technical watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as titanium aluminide and Ceratanium®. Preferring the principle of “form follows function” over decoration, the Swiss watch manufacturer’s timeless creations embody their owners’ dreams and ambitions as they journey through life.

IWC sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimise its impact on the environment, creating intrinsically sustainable timepieces that are built to last for generations. The company prides itself in training its own future watchmakers and engineers, as well as offering an excellent working environment for all employees. IWC also partners with organisations that work globally to support children and young people.