REVIEW: The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Is Versatile And Perfect For Ladies

We got to test drive IWC's latest Big Pilot's watch which is now available in a smaller 43mm size and comes with versatile strap options.

By Debby Kwong - 5 Jun 2021

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IWC Schaffhausen unveiled a new Big Pilot’s Watch at the digital Watches & Wonders exhibition in April, and we got to test drive the timepiece. Why? Other than the beautiful blue dial, the versatile straps... the iconic watch is now available in a smaller 43mm case size, so it is perfect for ladies' wrists.

The user-friendly EasX-CHANGE system definitely got us excited. You don't need to go to the boutique, just do it yourself! Switch the straps according to your outfit, mood or activity. Pick from calf leather, stainless steel bracelet and rubber (our personal favourite) and snap it onto the ergonomic 43-millimetre stainless steel case.

Available in either a black or blue dial, the utilitarian yet minimalist watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre with Pellaton winding, which is visible through a sapphire glass back - a first for the Big Pilot watch - and has a 60 hours power reserve.

“With the Big Pilot’s Watch 43, we have returned to the extreme purity of the original observation watch designed more than 80 years ago and created a simple threehand watch with no other elements on the dial. Despite its reduced size, the 43-millimetre case combines a bold look with great wearing comfort,” says Christian Knoop, IWC’s Creative Director.

Here's how we styled the watch from Monday to Friday for WFH, exercise and running errands. It definitely caught the eye of our male friends... so you could convince your husband/boyfriend to split the bill and reduce your cost per wear. Sharing is caring!

IWC Big Pilot 43 leather — Blue has been a favourite colour for luxury watchmakers in recent years, and we see why. It's a colour that's easy to match with bold prints or simple neutrals.

IWC Big Pilot 43 rubber — Inspired by the navy hue, we put on the rubber strap to pair it with a more casual denim look with a blue striped button down shirt.

IWC Big Pilot 43 leather strap — Without a date window or power reserve indicator, this minimalist watch is unfussy and can go with any outfit, even with smart shorts.

IWC Big Pilot 43 stainless steel bracelet — The new stainless steel bracelet comes with a fine adjustment clasp system for improved comfort, you can easily release or shorten the length, so it was perfect to wear while playing a game of tennis.

IWC Big Pilot 43mm 2021 — When you don't have time to think about what clothes to wear, opt to make your accessories pop. We wore this bold timepiece with a pared back monochromatic look.

The IWC Big Pilot's 43mm Ref. IW329304 with stainless steel bracelet retails at $14,000; the IWC Big Pilot's 43mm Ref. IW329303 with leather strap retails at $12,600 and are available now. The rubber strap is sold separately.

REVIEW: The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Is Versatile And Perfect For Ladies

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