Big Pilot (IW5004-01)

The Big Pilot is the icon of IWC, and the IW5004-01, with its slim numerals, black date wheel, and pop of red in the power reserve indicator, appears to be the reference that had defined the aesthetic for the collection, even until today – if it ain’t broke, don't fix it!

The story of the Big Pilot began in 1940 when IWC produced 1,000 Observation Watches, or Beobachtungs-Uhren, abbreviated as B-Uhren, for the German military. The B-Uhren guided German bombers on their infamous air raids and, contrary to popular belief, were not worn by pilots but the navigators sat next to them. To maximise legibility and mechanical reliability, the B-Uhren were oversized and ran on movements originally designed for pocket watches. Hence, when IWC reinterpreted the B-Uhren to produce the Grosse Fliegeruhr or Big Pilot in 2002, the watch remained oversized despite losing almost a centimetre of diameter from the original. Interestingly, the "Observation" or navigator history was lost in translation too. The present reference, IW5004-01, was launched in 2006 as an update to that first reinterpretation, and while both share a 7-day power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock and date window at 9, the update reduces dial clutter and adds a pop of red in the final day of the indicator to remind wearers to top up the reserve, thus making the timepiece both more legible and more handsome. Leave it to a brand with both German and Swiss sensibilities! It is also worth noting that the IW5004-01 can be wound with both wrist motion, thanks to the automatic in-house calibre 51110, and the crown, whose large size and diamond shape make for incredible tactility even when operated through a flight glove.

The dial and hands are flawless. The case and buckle had been lightly refinished in the past, though this is not conspicuous, and exhibit some marks, most of which are not visible at arm's length. The original alligator strap exhibits almost no sign of wear and remains supple and comfortable.

What do the different grading scores mean?

• BN 9.9: Brand new and unworn, with no signs of use.
• UN 9.5: Like new and unworn, but may lack original packaging or materials such as the box, links, tags, or bezel protector.
• LN 9.0: Like new and unworn, but only includes the watch without papers, box, or accessories.
• MT 8.5: Mint condition, lightly used with minor surface scratches or wear. Unpolished.
• VG 8.0: Moderately used, with scratches and one or two nicks on the case or crystal. Shows signs of polishing. The bracelet remains snug with minimal wear.
• GD 7.5: Shows signs of daily wear but is not abused, with noticeable polishing on the case. The bracelet shows clear signs of daily wear.

Watches with a rating below GD 7.5 are not listed for bidding to ensure that only high-quality timepieces are available to our members.