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temerityb
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Not Your Average Pilot's Watch
The Watches & Wonders 2021 live/virtual show just has to be the biggest timepiece-related thing that’s happened in three years, and the brands are certainly pulling out all the stops. Even the usually staid IWC is getting into the swing of big announcements – this watch is incredible, and yet I'm torn on how I feel about it.
From Instagram:
Pilots operate under extreme conditions and in cramped cockpits, so this is why extraordinary robustness has always been one of the most important functional requirements for IWC’s pilot watches. This is the embodiment of the new Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL (reference IW 357201).
From the IWC website:
The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL features one of the world’s most advanced anti-shock systems. Eight years in development, the IWC patented SPRIN-g system is a nearly impossible feat of engineering made real.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL is born from our new division, IWC Experimental, a department designed to push the limits of engineering. The patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system is what makes the impossible a reality. Able to protect against extreme impact, it brings the promise of shock resistance to new levels. The innovative system inside the casing successfully survives accelerations in excess of 30,000g.
Combining ceramic and titanium, The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL features a case made of a ground-breaking, patented material, Ceratanium®. This unique material is created to withstand the most extreme conditions. It remains lightweight and scratch resistant from the ceramic elements, but exhibits incredible durability from the infusing of titanium.
Powered by the IWC manufactured 32115 calibre, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL is powerful inside and out. Components are made from a high-tech aluminum alloy to be light and strong. The bidirectional pawl winding system is able to hold a power reserve of 120 hours.
And, since I know you’re going to ask: The price is $83,600, and production of this watch is limited to 10 pieces per year for three years (30 pieces total).
Very un-IWC like. I’m also totally impressed while just speechless about this one.
From Instagram:
Pilots operate under extreme conditions and in cramped cockpits, so this is why extraordinary robustness has always been one of the most important functional requirements for IWC’s pilot watches. This is the embodiment of the new Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL (reference IW 357201).
From the IWC website:
The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL features one of the world’s most advanced anti-shock systems. Eight years in development, the IWC patented SPRIN-g system is a nearly impossible feat of engineering made real.
The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL is born from our new division, IWC Experimental, a department designed to push the limits of engineering. The patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system is what makes the impossible a reality. Able to protect against extreme impact, it brings the promise of shock resistance to new levels. The innovative system inside the casing successfully survives accelerations in excess of 30,000g.
Combining ceramic and titanium, The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL features a case made of a ground-breaking, patented material, Ceratanium®. This unique material is created to withstand the most extreme conditions. It remains lightweight and scratch resistant from the ceramic elements, but exhibits incredible durability from the infusing of titanium.
Powered by the IWC manufactured 32115 calibre, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL is powerful inside and out. Components are made from a high-tech aluminum alloy to be light and strong. The bidirectional pawl winding system is able to hold a power reserve of 120 hours.
And, since I know you’re going to ask: The price is $83,600, and production of this watch is limited to 10 pieces per year for three years (30 pieces total).
Very un-IWC like. I’m also totally impressed while just speechless about this one.
“Jewelry isn’t really my thing, but I’ve always got my eye on people’s watches.” – Clive Owen
