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Understanding the IWC Pilot’s family part 3 – the Classic collection Understanding the IWC Pilot’s family part 3 – the Classic collection

Understanding the IWC Pilot’s family part 3 – the Classic collection

Time+Tide

We’re now more than halfway through our flyover of the various families in the IWC Pilot’s family — we’ve covered off Top Gun and the Spitfire, but now we’re hitting the Classics.

As you might expect given the classic moniker, the Classic family is, well, classic. Based strongly on the original military-era pilots, these watches form the core of the collection, and are all about simplicity, function and legibility. Andrew picked out two key models from the line and, in some ways, they’re polar opposites, even though the visual similarities are very strong.

The IWC Big Pilot’s watch

IWC Big Pilot’s watch

Large, and very much in charge, the IWC Big Pilot is truly an icon. With its hefty seven days of power reserve and a crown that stands out from a mile away. Not that the 46.2mm case is in any way shy. 

The IWC Pilot’s watch Mark XVIII 

IWC Big Pilot’s watch

In stark contrast to the bold Big Pilot, the Mark XVIII is the definition of a perfect all-rounder: timeless style in a well-sized 40mm case, and a truly great black calf strap. It’s a winner. 

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