SIHH 2016, IWC revives with the past
IWC dedicates the 2016 edition of the SIHH to its Pilot’s Watches collection and presents in preview two vintage references directly inspired by the original piece of 1940, the Pilot’s Watch 52-calibre T.S.C. Largest wristwatch created by the manufacture of Schaffhausen, this model reborn this year through the Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 55, wich has the same impressive diameter of 55 mm as the 1940’s edition and the Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 48, “smallest” but just as deliciously vintage.
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 2016, IWC Schaffhausen unveils its successor: with an amazing 55-millimetre case diameter, 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.
In 1940, the watchmaking company Schaffhausen presented the Pilot’s Watch with caliber 52 T.S.C and thus marked the birth of observation watches made in Schaffhausen. The Swiss manufacturer revives today this tradition by launching two magnificent novelties on the market, undoubtedly inspired by the historical observation watch: The Big Pilot’s Watch “55 Heritage” (ref. IW510401) and the Big Pilot’s Watch “48 Heritage” (ref. IW510301).
With its 55 millimeters diameter case, the Big Pilot’s Watch “55 Heritage” walk directly in the footsteps of the Big Pilot’s Watch of 1940. This watch, which is sure to attract attention, is proposed in a limited edition of only 100 pieces and is therefore aimed primarily to collectors and lovers of authentic aviator watches.
Limited to 1000 pieces, the Big Pilot’s Watch “48 Heritage” proves to be an alternative ideally suited for everyday use, thanks to its housing of a still considerable diameter of 48 millimeters. The watch connoisseurs will not only be attracted by its large size but also by its unique look. Design of the dial, color of the luminescent numerals, historic leather bracelets, hands shaped like propeller blades and conical crown – the Heritage watches bring us back to the days of pioneers aviation, while benefiting from the latest horological technologies.