The Big Pilot has never been more combat ready!
The military background of the IWC pilot watch needs little introduction. On the occasion of Watches & Wonders 2021, the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer unveils the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL. The first model to be created by the brand’s “Experimental Engineering Team” is all about resistance to extreme shocks… as it is able to withstand shocks in excess of 30,000G! And it is not just a concept, as it will be available in (very) limited production.
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Housed in a 44mm Ceratanium case – the brand’s high-tech titanium and ceramic compound, combining the advantages of ceramic (scratch-resistant) and titanium (lightweight) – this development is based on a patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system that shields the movement from impacts. If this is not the first example of a spring-mounted movement, the performances communicated by IWC and verified by the Cavendish Laboratory and the University of Cambridge are truly impressive, with a shock resistance in excess of 30,000G! The watch crystal is secured against displacement by drop in air pressure.
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The system is used to suspend the movement inside the case, held by a mathematically calculated BMG (bulk metallic glass) spring. With its amorphous microstructure, BMG is significantly more elastic than conventional metals. The automatic movement is connected to the crown by a clutch-based flexible coupling. The Calibre 32111 is a lightweight version of the in-house 32000 series, featuring an aluminium base plate. Displaying the hours, minutes and seconds, it runs at 4Hz and boasts 120-hours of power reserve.
The stealth IWC Big Pilot Shock Absorber XPL is worn on a black textured rubber strap fitted with a pin buckle. As said, it is not a one-off prototype but it will be available in little numbers. It will indeed be a limited production of 30 pieces.
Source: Monochrome Watches
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