VIDEO: The history of the IWC Big Pilot and how it became a stone-cold classic

Time+Tide

Can you fly a plane? Nope, me neither. So why the hell are pilot’s watches so enduringly popular? More specifically how has the IWC Big Pilot retained such a relentless grip on the watch-buying psyche?

The origin story of the IWC Big Pilot began in 1940 when the brand produced 1000 military navigators’ watches. These oversized “B-Uhr” watches had distinctive dials and pocket watch movements converted to central seconds.

Back then a pilot’s watch was a no-nonsense tool designed for those magnificent men (and women) in their flying machines. But in this video, Andrew charts the evolution of the Big Pilot and pinpoints why this specific model has become an undeniable classic.

Made in partnership with IWC. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.