Brand Guides / IWC Schaffhausen / IWC Big Pilot's Watch
Reviewed by the Fine Watch Guide team · October 2026
IWC made its first Big Pilot's Watch in 1940 as a large observation watch for aviators, and revived the design in 2002 with an in-house movement and Pellaton winding.
The Big Pilot's Watch is huge by design: a large dial and an oversized conical crown made to be read and wound by a pilot in gloves. That size means the case, crown and strap take more wear than on a smaller watch.
The modern Big Pilot's Watch, reintroduced in 2002, uses large in-house automatic movements with Pellaton winding and a long power reserve. Those calibers are IWC's own, so parts usually come through the brand's network, and a watchmaker should have specific experience with them.
Ask any independent directly whether they've serviced a Pellaton caliber of this size. If not, IWC's service is the safer route.
The long power reserve means the mainspring stores a lot of energy, and a watchmaker should let the watch run down safely before taking it apart. It's a small detail, but it's the kind of thing an experienced IWC watchmaker does without being asked.
The big conical crown gets used and knocked, and the crown seal and stem are common service points. A crown that feels gritty or loose should be checked before it lets moisture in.
Large leather straps on these watches wear out faster than people expect. Replacing a strap is easy, and a strap specialist can match the style if you want to keep the original look.
The case itself is large and flat, and the caseback takes wear from the wrist. Light scratches there are cosmetic and usually not worth refinishing, since they're hidden while you wear the watch.
Check the power reserve indicator against how long the watch actually runs, ask for service history, and look at the crown action. Big cases show scratches easily, so inspect the lugs and caseback.
Make sure the watch fits your wrist before you buy. The Big Pilot's Watch wears large, and that's a common reason they come back onto the pre-owned market.
Ask for the service history and when the watch was last opened. A recent service on a large in-house caliber is worth real money, and its absence should come off the price.
Check the date or power reserve complications if the model has them, and confirm they work as they should before you pay.
IWC's pilot's watches come in sizes. The Big Pilot's Watch is the oversized one, while the Mark series is a smaller, more everyday pilot's watch that has run through many generations. The Mark watches have used a soft-iron inner cage for magnetic protection in several versions.
If you love the look but the Big Pilot's Watch is too large for your wrist, the Mark series is the natural alternative, and its servicing is often simpler too.
Both lines share the same clean pilot's dial, so moving between them is mostly a question of size, power reserve and how often you want to wind or wear the watch.
Large leather straps with rivets are part of the Big Pilot's Watch look, and they wear faster on a heavy watch. A strap specialist can match the original style, and some owners keep a spare to swap in while the original is repaired.
Check the buckle too. A heavy watch puts more strain on the strap and buckle, and a worn buckle tongue or stitching is the kind of thing that ends with a watch on the floor.
Some owners fit a more casual strap for everyday wear and save the original for special occasions. It extends the life of the original strap and makes the watch more comfortable in hot weather.
In 1940, as a large observation watch for aviators. IWC revived the design in 2002.
It was designed so pilots wearing gloves could wind and set the watch. The modern version keeps that oversized conical crown.
Only one with experience on IWC's large in-house Pellaton calibers. Otherwise IWC's own service is the better choice.
Modern versions have long power reserves shown on the dial. Check the indicator against actual running time when you buy one pre-owned.
IWC Big Pilot's Watch owners use IWC Schaffhausen specialists for servicing, authentication and restoration.
All IWC Schaffhausen specialists →