Perhaps, one of our favorite new releases from IWC at the SIHH 2016, the new IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph 'Antoine de Saint Exupèry' 1000-piece Limited Edition ref. IW371808 is a watch that comes with one of the most beautiful and striking brown dials out there. The sunburst brown dial along with the light colored hands and applied Arabic numerals are coated with luminescent material and against the dark background, they offer outstanding legibility both during the day and at night.
Posts filed under IWC
SIHH 2016: Presenting the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph ref. IW395001. Hands-on Live Pictures & Pricing.
The largest number of new watch releases this year at the SIHH 2016, came without a doubt from IWC. Not only the brand redesigned some of their most iconic watches within the Pilot's collection, but they also presented a watch that is definitely worth talking about. The new IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph ref. IW395001, is the first worldtimer in the world, that permits the user to set a new time zone using just the bezel.
SIHH 2016: Presenting the new IWC Big Pilot's Heritage 48. More Hands-on Live Pictures & Pricing.
Earlier last week, we brought you our first images of the new IWC Pig Pilot's Heritage 48. Well, here's what you asked for, another round of live pictures of the new IWC Big Pilot's Heritage 48 presented at the SIHH 2016 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. With a slightly smaller but still imposing case diameter of 48 mm, the Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 48 —limited to 1,000 pieces— is a practical alternative for everyday use and perhaps more suitable for average wrists than the new IWC Big Pilot's Heritage 55 that we showed you here.
SIHH 2016: Presenting the New IWC Big Pilot's Heritage Watch 55 and Big Pilot's Heritage Watch 48. Hands-on Live Pictures & Pricing.
Today, we finally were able to get our hands-on with the new IWC watches for the SIHH 2016. While these are some preliminary images, the live pictures we have here, are an accurate representation of these two new SIHH 2016 Big Pilot's Heritage watches.
News: Pre-SIHH 2016 Presenting the IWC Big Pilot's Heritage Watch 55 and Big Pilot's Heritage Watch 48. Celebrating 75 Years of an Iconic Watch.
For 75 years, the historic Big Pilot’s Watch —52-calibre T.S.C.— was the largest wristwatch ever made at IWC in Schaffhausen. In preparation for the SIHH 2016, IWC Schaffhausen unveils its successor: with an amazing 55 mm case, the Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 55 eclipses a record that was set back in 1940. Like its big brother, the Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 48 looks very much like the historic original, but makes a few more concessions to modern ideas of aesthetics and comfort.
Insider: IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium ref. IW376503. Just the Right Amount of Blue.
The Ingenieur Double Chronograph —Doppelchronograph in German— in titanium is a state-of-the-art timepiece. With a very rugged sporty look, but a very comfortable lightweight titanium case, this 45mm watch offers the perfect balance between functionality and design. The watch on review, has now been replaced by the newly launched ref. IW386503 fitted with the new calibre 79420, a redesigned rubber strap and a black calendar wheel.
The rattrapante or split-seconds function in the Double Chronograph allows the user to record multiple time elapsed events. The word 'rattrapante' describes the split-seconds mechanism on a chronograph, which catches up with the primary chronograph hand. A watch featuring a double chronograph, always comes with two chrono seconds hands set at the center pinion. One hand is superimposed over the other, and while one hand moves continuously, the other one can be either stopped, started or reset to zero as necessary.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde. Live Pictures and Pricing.
For watch lovers, one of the most fascinating aspects of the new IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde just unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 is the unusual presentation of the flying tourbillon, consisting of 82 parts, as a “12” indicator that appears to come to life. Fitted with a robust 44.2 mm case in platinum, after the 31st day of the month, the retrograde date display automatically jumps back to the 1st; in shorter months, the hand can be directly advanced using a rapid-advance system until it reverts to the 1st. The 7-day power reserve display indicates how much energy remains in the IWC 51900 calibre. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Portugieser watch family, IWC has given a timepiece swathed in mystery an additional touch of luxury.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month 75th Anniversary Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The digital perpetual calendar is one of IWC’s most outstanding technological advances. With the new Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month “75th Anniversary” edition ref. IW397201 just released at the SIHH 2015, the Portugieser watch family now includes a model featuring a digital display for the date and month. This exclusive timepiece packs a wealth of IWC watchmaking expertise into its 45 mm case. Equipped with a perpetual calendar, digital large date display, leap year display, chronograph with flyback function and the IWC in-house calibre 89801 calibre with its efficient double-pawl winding mechanism and quick-action switch. This calibre provides a power reserve of 68 hours when fully wound and is fitted with 51 jewels and solid gold oscillating weight.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Grande Complication. Live Pictures and Pricing.
One of the most sophisticated watches in the world was presented by IWC at the SIHH 2015 in Geneva. The new Portugieser Grande Complication ref. 3776 brings together many of watchmaking’s most significant achievements in a massive yet elegant 45 mm case either in 18K red gold ref. IW377602 or platinum ref. IW377601 of which 250 pieces are available respectively. This new complication brings with it the perpetual calendar, which is mechanically programmed until 2499 and requires just three adjustments in what would normally be leap years —2100, 2200 and 2300— but are not. Further complications include the perpetual moon phase display, chronograph and minute repeater. When activated by the repeating slide, the latter chimes out the precise time in harmonious tones. A total of 20 functions are made possible by the interplay of 659 individual mechanical parts. Despite its complex construction and numerous controls, the case is water-resistant to 3 bar. Several design modifications further enhance the value of the model in the new collection.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar ref. 5034. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year IWC celebrates the 75th anniversary and with it, a whole new range of calibres and timepieces from the Portugieser collection were unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 in Geneva. In addition to the unveiling of 14 new timepieces, the Portugieser line went through a thorough facelift that IWC Schaffhausen refers to as the 'Evolutionary Aesthetic Enhancements'. These enhancements included adding new integrated strap horns to improve ergonomics, an arched-edge sapphire crystal and new handmade alligator leather straps done by Italian renowned shoemaker Santoni —straps come with an orange lining just like the shoes from this brand.
The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar ref. 503401 features now, for the first time ever, a new dial design with railway-track-style chapter ring and aesthetically enhanced subdial arrangement to improve readability.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Continuing with our extensive coverage of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015, we bring you another novelty —with its live pictures— presented by IWC Schaffhausen this year. The new IWC Portugieser Yacht Club is now also available in 18K red gold under ref. IW390501 and its case has been downsized from 45.4 mm to 43.5 mm. While this change in size seems barely noticeable in the numbers, it does make a big difference in the way the watch wears now. Powered by the in-house automatic calibre 89361, the new IWC Portugieser Yacht Club the chronograph demonstrates its sporting qualities with a flyback function and an additional flange with quarter-second calibration for short stop times. Stop times longer than a minute are shown like the time of day on a separate analogue subdial.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar. Live Pictures and Pricing.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the birth of an iconic watch —the IWC Portuguese— IWC continues to enhance its Portugieser watch family with new eye-catching complications. After the minute repeater in 1995, the 7-day power reserve in 2000, the perpetual calendar in 2003, the Tourbillon Mystère in 2004, the constant-force tourbillon in 2011 and the recent 8-day hand-wound movement presented in 2013, consolidated the Portugieser watches’ reputation as one of the leading lights of haute horlogerie. In 2015, the Year of the Portugieser, IWC’s newly developed annual calendar is another interesting additional feature to complement the perpetual calendar. The complication is powered by the new IWC in-house 52850 calibre. Both are found for the first time in the Portugieser Annual Calendar Ref. 5035. The watch thus symbolizes the launch of an IWC initiative to produce further series of in-house calibre families in the years ahead.
News: Pre-SIHH 2015 Presenting the New IWC Portugesier Annual Calendar. Five Years to Develop and Simply Stunning.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the birth of an iconic watch —the IWC Portuguese— IWC continues to enhance its Portugieser watch family with new eye-catching complications. After the minute repeater in 1995, the 7-day power reserve in 2000, the perpetual calendar in 2003, the Tourbillon Mystère in 2004, the constant-force tourbillon in 2011 and the recent 8-day hand-wound movement presented in 2013, consolidated the Portugieser watches’ reputation as one of the leading lights of haute horlogerie. In 2015, the Year of the Portugieser, IWC’s newly developed annual calendar is another interesting additional feature to complement the perpetual calendar. The complication is powered by the new IWC in-house 52850 calibre. Both are found for the first time in the Portugieser Annual Calendar Ref. 5035. The watch thus symbolizes the launch of an IWC initiative to produce further series of in-house calibre families in the years ahead.
News: IWC Presents Two New Ingenieur Watches. The Ingenieur Automatic Carbon Performance Ceramic and The Ingenieur Dual Time in Stainless Steel with Two Dial Variants.
IWC Schaffhausen unveils two magnificent new additions to the Ingenieur watch family. In its role as Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, the Swiss watch manufacturer has been inspired to create new works of haute horlogerie. Limited to an edition of just 1,000, the Ingenieur Automatic Carbon Performance Ceramic, for example, features materials typically found in motor racing.
SIHH 2014: IWC Aquatimer Chronograph '50 Years Science for Galapagos' Limited Edition of 500 Pieces and IWC Aquatimer Chronograph 'Galapagos Islands'. Live Pictures and Pricing.
For the first time ever, IWC presents two new Galapagos models simultaneously that are dedicated to the research and protection of the archipelago. This newly presented IWC Aquatimer Chronograph '50 Years Science for Galapagos' ref. IW379504 is a jubilee edition limited to 500 watches that commemorates the Charles Darwin Research Station's 50 years of scientific work on the Galapagos Islands. Equipped with the reliable IWC in-house 89365 calibre, SafeDive system and flyback function, the chronograph is water-resistant to 300 meters and has a wealth of features designed to appeal to divers. Fitted with a rubber-coated stainless steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter and a black dial with midnight blue accents, this limited edition watch is just amazing. The blue accents provide the perfect amount of contrast and color to the blackness of the watch.
The matte black rubber coating on the stainless-steel case is a special feature for both of the Galapagos edition models. It is applied in a complex vulcanization process and gives the watches an attractive look and feel of their own. Meanwhile, the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition 'Galapagos Islands' ref. IW379502 is a special edition —not limited— and an annual tribute to the partnership, established in 2009, with the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Over 50 years, hundreds of scientists, students, teachers and volunteers from all over the world have been working on behalf of the Foundation at the Charles Darwin Research Station. The goal for the Galapagos scientific center is to research the indigenous fauna and flora and to save the Galapagos, a World Heritage site, from destruction. The Station trains national park guides, organizes seminars, publishes the findings of its research and collects donations. Traditionally, part of the proceeds from sales of the Galapagos editions has always gone to the Charles Darwin Foundation and this time is not different. Both the 'Galapagos Islands' and the '50 Years Science for Galapagos' are fitted with specially engraved solid case backs. While the 'Galapagos Islands' model features the engraving of the iconic black iguana from the Galapagos, the '50 Years Science for Galapagos' features a 50-logo of the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Sticker Price $11,200 USD '50 Years Science for Galapagos'. $11,100 USD 'Galapagos Islands'.
For more info on IWC click here.
SIHH 2014: IWC Aquatimer Chronograph ref. 3768. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The new IWC Aquatimer Chronograph presented at the SIHH 2014 two weeks ago is available in four different options with silver or black dial and on stainless steel bracelet or black rubber strap. The new IWC Aquatimer Chronograph ref. 3768 is fitted with a robust stainless steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter and a thickness of 17 mm. Powered by the calibre 79320, this chronograph features running seconds at 9, minute-chrono counter at 12, hour-chrono counter at 6 and day and date at 3 o'clock.
This watch just like all other new Aquatimers is fitted with an internal bezel with SafeDive system, screw-in crown and a solid case back.
The IWC Aquatimer Chronographs featured here are ref. IW376801 —silver dial— and ref. IW376803 —black dial. Both watches are fitted with a black rubber strap that is very comfortable and definitely a huge upgrade from the previous generation of IWC Aquatimer rubber straps. The strap features a texture similar to that on vintage tropic straps and is equipped with a pin buckle.
Sticker Price $7,000 USD Rubber strap. $8,000 USD Stainless steel bracelet. For more info on IWC click here.
SIHH 2014: IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 ref. 3580. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The new IWC Aquatimer 2000 ref. 358002 is one of our favorite watches from the new Aquatimer collection. Fitted with a very robust and thick titanium case measuring now 46 mm in diameter —instead of 44 mm as its predecessor— and 20.5 mm in thickness, this new watch is definitely an upgrade from the previous Aquatimer 2000. Rated to a depth of a 2000 meters, this beautiful watch is fitted with a black dial, a rugged rubber strap and now with an in-house automatic movement calibre 80110 with 28 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound.
This watch just like all the other new Aquatimers, is fitted with a chunky external rotating bezel that can be adjusted easily even when wearing gloves and, as the name SafeDive system suggests, offers the diver a very high level of security. Something that we have not explained on earlier posts regarding the new Aquatimers, is that what appears to be a second crown or valve on the left side of the case, is actually the drive wheel and drive pinion for the new SafeDive bezel system. In order to guarantee uncompromised water resistance, the watch is fitted with a solid case back with the only one motif that was thought appropriate for engraving: the classic diving helmet worn by deep-sea divers.
The 2014 Aquatimer collection from IWC Schaffhausen comes with inspired technical features, even more in-house calibres and a patented IWC bracelet quick-change system. The prototype was built in 1982 as a watch for mine clearance divers and designed by the legendary Ferdinand A. Porsche. The version for non-military use, the Ocean 2000, was the first watch with a pressure-resistance of 200 bar and was much coveted by collectors. Subsequent models, namely the GST Aquatimer and the Aquatimer Automatic 2000, were one thing above all: first-class diving instruments for professionals and ambitious amateurs. The new Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is a reliable backup system, even for the most exacting underwater missions.
Sticker Price $10,100 USD. For more info on IWC click here.
SIHH 2014: IWC Aquatimer Automatic ref. 3290. Live Pictures and Pricing.
More robust and closer in look to the original IWC Aquatimers, the new IWC Aquatimer Automatic ref. 3290 presented at the SIHH 2014 captures the essence of the sea and excels at the functionality of a diving watch. With a gorgeous design and an inner rotating bezel that can be easily rotated from the exterior and that is fitted with IWC's new SafeDive system that prevents rotating the bezel in clockwise direction. Frankly, the new Aquatimer line is nothing but just amazing. The new Aquatimer Automatic ref. 3290 is fitted with a stainless steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter and is the smallest model in the IWC diver's watch family. This watch not only experienced s whole new cosmetic facelift but also major improvements in its functionality and depth resistance moving from 120 meters to 300 meters providing a bigger safety margin when diving to great depths.
This new Aquatimer is available in black or silver-plated dial, complete with a matching black rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. In the version with the black dial, the dive-related displays are coated with luminescent green superluminova —somewhat hard to appreciate in the pictures due to the artificial fluorescent lighting but with a nice mint green color— and the model with the silver-plated dial looks particularly elegant and more discreet with a subtle yellow accent on the tip of the seconds hand. The watch still features the quick change mechanism to go from strap to bracelet quite easily. Additionally, the new strap is nicer with a pattern that resembles the vintage tropic straps on diving watches.
Sticker Price $5,750 USD on Rubber Strap and $6,750 on Stainless Steel Bracelet. For more info on IWC click here.
SIHH 2014: Aquatimer Expedition Charles Darwin ref. 3795. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Perhaps the most expected model within the new Aquatimer collection was the new Aquatimer Chronograph Edition "Expedition Charles Darwin" ref. IW379503 with a bronze case. The fact that the new Aquatimer watch collection is being launched against the stupendous backdrop of the Galapagos Islands is no coincidence. With the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” ref. IW379503, IWC Schaffhausen traces the journey of the well-known naturalist to the Galapagos Islands. Here, Darwin collected the evidence that formed the basis of his theory on the origin of species. As a tribute and for the first time ever, IWC Schaffhausen makes use of bronze for a watch case —measuring 44 mm— that after seeing it in person, all we can say is that is just stunning.
Regarding the dial, the execution is well balanced, flawless and with a perfect modern 'patina' look. The watch also saw a big improvement in terms of wrist comfort and now it wears like a glove as the case and strap wrap nicely around the wrist. The new rubber strap is way better than the previous generation and texturized with a pattern that is reminiscent of the vintage tropic straps. Stay tuned for the rest of our live pictures for the whole newly presented Aquatimer collection.
Sticker Price $11,100 USD. For more info on IWC SIHH 2014 Novelties click here.
SIHH 2014: IWC Presents the New Aquatimer Collection. Stunning and Well Balanced.
Today at the SIHH 2014 in Geneva, we were able to finally see the new IWC Aquatimer collection composed of nine new gorgeous looking watches. More pictures and full reviews to follow. In the meantime enjoy these images.
For more info on IWC's SIHH 2014 Novelties click here.
