IWC Schaffhausen is known very well for it’s making of pilot watches. Now, we have a hands-on review on the IWC Big Pilot IW500912.
First and foremost, this watch is called “Big Pilot”. And it shows; it’s a 46mm watch with a 7 days power reserve, meaning it will last a week without having to be wound. It uses the caliber 5200. It’s strap is from calf leather, made by the luxury shoemaker Santoni and it has a fold-over clasp. It’s crystal is anti-reflective sapphire. It has a huge crown than can be screwed down for better pressure and water resistance. It’s automatic but can also be wound manually.
Now lets talk about aesthetics. The watch’s case is brushed with mirror-polished edges, making it fascinating to look at. The length of the time indicating hands is perfect, making the watch very easy to read. However, it might not look too good with small cuffs. After all, pilot watches worn by pilots are worn over the suit, not under a cuff, which makes it a bad choice as a pair with a formal suit.
This watch is very much an everyday watch. It can handle terrible shocks, can survive 60 meters deep into water. The IWC Big Pilot is so big hence it’s functional but impractical sometimes. But as I repeat, whatever you feel comfortable in, is what you should wear.
Personally, I don’t mind wearing the IWC Big Pilot as a pilot, but as someone who likes wearing suits, this watch is very impractical and looks awkward. If it weren’t for the size, I would totally wear this. Tell me, would you wear this magnificent watch?
