The IWC Big Pilot Collection holds a coveted position in the annals of horological history. Its origin can be traced back to the tumultuous 1940s, a time when it was deliberately designed to create waves across the globe. As with the emblematic Portugieser range, which harks back to the 1930s, the Big Pilot’s Collection epitomizes IWC’s mantra of precision, style, and mechanical complexity.

From the outset, IWC has been shrewdly associated with aviation. Their pilot watches date back to the early days of aviation and have played a crucial role in shaping the brand’s identity. The foundations of the modern Pilot’s Watch collection are linked to the British Royal Air Force’s military-issue “Mark” watches and the oversized “B-Uhr” timepieces crafted for the German Luftwaffe. The Big Pilot Reference 431, an iconic piece, holds a privileged place within this historical context.