IWC

Pilot's watches

The Pilot line descends from IWC's navigation watches, and it is defined by legibility: high-contrast dials, triangle-and-dots at twelve, and soft-iron inner cases for magnetic protection on many references. The Big Pilot takes the 1940 observer's watch and keeps its scale and conical crown, while Pilot Chronograph and Spitfire add complications and, on Spitfire, a more restrained bronze or green treatment.

Portugieser, Portofino and the dress side

The Portugieser began as a wristwatch built around a pocket-watch movement for Portuguese merchants who wanted marine-chronometer accuracy, which is why the case is large and the dial railway-tracked. It runs from time-only automatics to chronographs and perpetual calendars. Portofino is the slimmer, quieter dress line and the deepest part of our IWC inventory. Da Vinci covers the round and tonneau complicated pieces, and Ingenieur is the anti-magnetic sports watch with its integrated bracelet.

Sizing and the Big Pilot question

IWC has historically made large watches and only recently softened. The classic Big Pilot is 46mm and wears every millimetre of it; the 43mm version added in recent years is the one most people can actually wear. Portugieser sits around 40mm to 42mm but has a thin bezel and a wide dial opening, so it reads larger. Portofino is the safest bet at 34mm to 40mm. Ask us before you buy unseen.

Condition and paperwork

IWC cases are often brushed rather than polished, so poor refinishing shows quickly and we check for it. Every watch is inspected in-house, described as we find it, and recorded with box and papers where present. Pieces listed as price on request are available and quoted on enquiry, and we buy and trade IWC.