Introducing: IWC's Smaller Pilot's Chronograph Is Cleared For Takeoff

Quick Take To many, the IWC Pilot's Chronograph was that watch that built the strong reputation IWC enjoys today. An early version of the Pilot's Chronograph, the 3705 Fliegerchronograph, put IWC on the map in the '90s, and it's been a fan favorite since. But there's always been one caveat. It started at 39mm, but subsequent versions of the watch have grown larger. Now for 2021, there's a 41mm version, opening up a pathway for the Pilot's Chronograph to find new fans. And the size isn't the only new aspect – it now comes in both blue and green dial executions. Initial Thoughts Considering the success of the recent Spitfire line, also 41mm but made in bronze, it's safe to say that this watch will be a hit with longtime IWC fans. Stainless steel has a much broader appeal compared to bronze, and 41mm is also a size that works for just about anyone. IWC has also beefed up the specs with a 100m water resistance rating and IWC's proprietary quick-change system that lets you swap out different straps and bracelets without watchmaking tools. The column-wheel caliber IWC 69385 caliber inside comes from the same family of chronographs used in IWC's Portugieser line. At 46 hours, it has an extra two hours of power reserve over the current 43mm offering with the 79320 caliber. The watch is engineered to ensure that the crystal stays in place in the event of rapid pressure loss, bringing peace of mind to a small but significant group of potential customers: Fighter jet pilots who risk cockpit depressurization. As Maj. Michelle Curran told us in a previous story , this has happened to her a number of times. IWC's watch is engineered for cockpit use after all. Jet-powered commercial aviation began with narrow-body airliners in the '50s. As time went on, widebody airplanes were favored for their economic benefits on long-haul routes. Then came the creation of the Airbus A380, a superjumbo airframe. Planes kept getting larger and larger. These days, the trend in commercial aviation is moving away from massive planes, as smaller and more efficient aircraft replace the A380 and Boeing 747. And while the larger 43mm Pilot's Chronograph isn't being discontinued like the superjumbo airframes, the new smaller piece at 41mm represents an industry-wide trend in downsized watches, too. The Basics Brand: IWC Model: Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 Reference Number: Ref. IW388101 (blue dial and blue calfskin strap), Ref. IW388102 (blue dial and stainless steel bracelet), Ref. IW388103 (green dial, brown calfskin strap), Ref. IW388104 (green dial, stainless steel bracelet) Diameter: 41mm Thickness: 14.5mm Case Material: Stainless steel Dial Color: Blue (Ref. IW388101, Ref. IW388102), and green (Ref. IW388103, Ref. IW388104) Indexes: Lumed Arabic numerals Lume: Super-LumiNova Water Resistance: 100m Strap/Bracelet: Calfskin strap (Ref. IW388101, Ref. IW388103) stainless bracelet (Ref. IW388102,Ref. IW388104) The Movement Caliber: IWC 69385 Functions: Chronograph function for hours, minutes and seconds, date and day display, small hacking seconds Power Reserve: 46 hours Winding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 vph Jewels: 33 Pricing & Availability Price: $6,500 (Ref. IW388101, Ref. IW388103); $7,200 (Ref. IW388102, Ref. IW388104) Availability: IWC boutiques and authorized dealers Limited Edition: No, standard production For more, click here .India Whiskey Charlie ready at runway 21!