Luxury online platform Mr Porter and Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen have collaborated to create a limited-edition Big Pilots Watch 43 ‘Me PORTER EDITION 1’.
The IWC Big Pilot embodies the essence of IWC Pilot’s watches. Its functional design is the most recognizable silhouette in the Swiss watchmaker’s line-up. Inspired by military observation watches from the 1940s the watch features an easy-to-read cockpit-instrument design and an oversized conical crown. This collaborative limited-edition timepiece stays true to the original design without any additional elements on the dial, as we have come to see in other watch collaborations lately.
The case and crown of the watch are crafted from bronze, and thanks to its 43-millimetre case size, the watch combines presence and comfort on the wrist of its wearer. Bronze is one of the oldest metals known to man, and is famous for its durable, strong, and rugged nature. The metal also stands out due to its natural golden-brown hue. Adding to the character of the watch the metal can develop a patina over time, a process that leads to the surface of the watch developing its characteristic patina, making each timepiece unique. The bronze used by IWC also contains copper, aluminium, and iron, which enriches the metal, making it about 50 per cent harder than standard bronze.
Inside The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’ is an impressive IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre, a robust and reliable automatic movement that features a highly efficient self-winding system developed by IWC during the 1950s. The mechanism is ingenious, using the rotor’s smallest movements in either direction which builds up a power reserve of 60 hours. Each piece from the collection is individually numbered and engraved with ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’ on the case back.
“We are thrilled to continue our limited-edition collaborations with IWC Schaffhausen. This year we introduce the Big Pilots Watch 43 ‘Mr Porter Edition 1’, a unique take on an iconic collection,” said Mr Maxim De Turckheim, Senior Luxury Watch Buyer at Mr Porter. “The subtle numeral ‘1’ illuminated with Super-LumiNova, Mr Porter, engraved case back blended with bronze case and black leather strap, creates a fresh and modern timepiece. Our desire is to continue to bring our customers special timepieces they can easily wear and collect and share their unique elements with others.”
The Big Pilots Watch 43 ‘MR PORTER EDITION 1’ is available until February exclusively on MR PORTER. The Watch will go on sale at IWC Schaffhausen thereafter and will retail at $10,900.
