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History
Pocket watches used by pilots were the norm when aviation first became a science. IWC soon changed that by revolutionising wristwatches wholly modelled for pilots. In 1936 the first special Pilot’s watch was introduced into the market, fitted and customized only for the pilot’s convenience. In 1940 the world was introduced to the Big Pilot’s watch which was a classic rendition of a cockpit design in an aircraft. The equipment was laid out in accordance to the placing of instruments in a cockpit. This was soon followed by IWC’s cleverly engineered Mark XII which was crafted as a tribute to the Royal Air force in 1948 and has been loved and used for more than 2 score years till date.
Features
The first few editions of the Pilot's watches were crafted with sound and pleasing aesthetics. Built with a clean and simplistic look in mind, the watch had a rotating bezel with an arrowhead index to help keep track of short periods of time as well as an antimagnetic escapement incorporated in it. The luminescent hands and numerals provide high contrast and great visualization. These luxury time-pieces have bold, rugged straps that embody the spirit of the adventurer. Sapphire glass in highly polished form is used in the making of these time-pieces to provide resistance to air pressure. This is purely a traveller’s watch. Many outstanding modifications and improved movements have been implemented in this collections design since 2012. The cases are made from a variety of dependable and fashionable material such as rose gold, stainless steel and ceramic. The dial comes in individualistic colours including black, blue, silver and brown, pampering customers till they are spoilt for choice.
Associations
The IWC’s Pilot's watch family welcomed in its midst a fresh new edition - the Top Gun watch, named in honour of the special training course offered by the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, the ‘Strike Fighter Tactics instructor’ which has been famously dubbed ‘Top Gun’. Five new intricately designed models of the Top Gun collection came out to the fore in 2012, more than enough for Top Gun to delineate and become an independent line altogether.