IWC  Pilot  Watches

Zenith Pilot: An Homage to Historical Aviators 

Known for their retro designs, the Zenith Pilot can be worn for both indoor and outdoor activities because of their durability and classic vintage appearance. Although it’s a pretty old collection, this lineup has features just like other modern luxury watches. Additionally, these self-winding watches from Swiss watchmaking giant Zenith boast a hidden automatic caliber underneath each watch. This Swiss-made technology then allows Zenith Pilot timepieces to indicate time accurately. 

Prices at a Glance: The Most Popular Zenith Pilot Watches

How much is a Zenith Pilot watch?

Generally, Zenith Pilot watches approximately cost from $3,970 USD to $7,900 USD. And in this price range, there’s a huge variety of eye-catching models from various series to choose from. 

One of the most popular series in this collection is the Zenith Pilot Type 20, which was introduced in 2015. This series has a basic range that comes in two sizes: 40mm and 45mm. There are also models with more complex designs, such as the Chronograph, GMT, and Annual Calendar timepieces. 

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot 40mm Models

The Zenith Pilot 40mm self-winding watches have a 100m water resistance and a 50 to 55-hour power reserve. Additionally, the cases are made from either stainless steel or bronze. Their dial colors include green, grey, blue, and black. So, how much is this series? A Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special, for instance, has a retail price of $4,629 USD. For the most part, these compact watches became references to other series in the Zenith Pilot collection.

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot 45mm Models

If you prefer a larger dial, then you should go for Zenith Pilot Type 20 Adventure, which retails at around $5,229 USD. This 45mm watch also sports the same timeworn design with a bulkier look. The luxury watches under this series also share the same characteristics with their smaller counterparts. These features include a 100m water resistance, 50-hour power reserve, and steel or bronze case. 

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot Chronographs

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph watches have two sub-dials. One sub-dial located on the 3 o’clock position serves as a 30-minute counter. The other sub dial located on the 9 o’clock position works as a small seconds indicator. These 45mm timepieces have a 100m water resistance and 50-hour power reserve. Depending on the model, the case can be made from bronze or stainless steel while the strap can be made from leather and rubber, or leather only. These timepieces also come in various colors such as black, blue, green, and gray. A particularly noteworthy piece from this series is the vintage-style slate grey Zenith Heritage Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Ton-Up, which costs approximately $5,359 USD. 

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot GMT 

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT watch is the timepiece series for both global pilots and travelers. The watches under this series have a built-in sub dial located on the 9 o’clock position of the dial. This sub-dial allows the wearer to keep track of a second time zone, making it a perfect timepiece for pilots or tourists who travel globally. They feature massive dials of 48mm in stainless steel or titanium cases. Their dial colors are typically in subdued shades of blue, grey, and black. In 2017, though, the brand released a limited-edition watch as a tribute to Rolling Stones. Unlike Zenith’s usual antiquated designs, this $5,765 USD Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Rolling Stones watch sports a flashy dial rocking the logo of the iconic English rock band. 

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot Annual Calendar Models

There’s also the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Annual Calendar timepieces for busy people who want to keep track of the time, day, and date at once. These luxury 48mm watches approximately cost between $5,500 USD and $19,170 USD,depending on the model and materials used. They feature a date window on the 6 o’clock position and current day and month indicators near 3 o’clock. Additionally, they are also equipped with a small seconds dial and a chronograph counter. Because of its amazing modifications, people who follow a strict and hectic schedule will surely appreciate this watch series.

The Latest Zenith Pilot Model

The Swiss collection’s newest model is the limited-edition Zenith Pilot Type Extra Special Silver. The first ever silver case, this 45mm watch conjures the image of a vintage aircraft with its patterned surface on the dial. Held secure by a brown nubuck leather strap, its back is carved with a Zenith flying instruments logo. It is a self-winding watch with a 50-hour power reserve. It shares some features with the older models such as 100m water resistance and 30-minute and small second indicators. This is a rare watch because of its state-of-the-art design, and there are only 250 available pieces of this model.

Zenith Pilot — Is it a good investment?

French pilots have worn Zenith Pilot watches during World War II because of their accuracy and precision. The watches were placed in the plane to keep track of time during flight due to their compact build and large dial numerals. Aside from this, the timepieces are also durable enough to withstand low air pressure in high altitudes. 

Meanwhile, the newer models have kept the collection’s old-fashioned design. The Swiss brand also added some modern features for a completely different aesthetic. Overall, the collection’s rich heritage, along with its durability and modifications, makes Zenith Pilot a great investment.

Zenith Pilot's Reliable Movements 

Behind Zenith Pilot’s precise timekeeping is a variety of internal calibers such as the Zenith Elite, Zenith El Primero, and many more. Each caliber is exclusively designed for a specific series.

For example, the Zenith El Primero caliber powers the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph series. This caliber manages to keep track 1/10ths of a second due to its high balance frequency. Aside from its precision, it’s also the first caliber designed for chronograph movement. This makes it both historical and extremely accurate in terms of timekeeping.

Another caliber example by the Swiss brand is the Zenith 146 DP which powered the Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback models in the past. This caliber is based on the Caliber 749, a creation made by Martel, Zenith’s manufacturing partner since the 1960s. In general, these calibers are one of the main foundations of Zenith’s accurate timekeeping.

Up Close with the Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback Watch

After its introduction in 2018, the Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback easily became one of the Swiss brand’s most famous limited-edition models. The series was inspired by A. Cairelli of Roma which was a military timepiece during the 1960s. Due to its vintage dial combined with other modern details, it’s not surprising that the Cronometro became one of Zenith’s most popular products.

This limited-edition series of the Zenith Pilot 20 Chronograph also shares some features with the original Zenith Chronograph watches. These modifications include a 100m water resistance, 50-hour power reserve, and stainless steel or bronze case. It also has two sub-dials located on the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. But what makes this series different from the other models is its caseback, which is transparent. This allows the wearer to see the intricate Zenith Calibre El Primero which powers the watch. Overall, the amazing combination of rustic design and contemporary style made Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback watches unique and different.

The watches under this collection are available in colors such as grey and champagne. And as for its cost, a brand new Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback has a retail price of $5,379 USD.

History Behind the Zenith Pilot Watch

Swiss manufacturer Zenith was founded in 1865, making it one of the oldest watch brands in the world. And it’s not really surprising that the Zenith Pilot became an important timepiece collection in history. 

French aviator Louis Blériot was wearing a Zenith watch when he became the first person to fly across the English Channel. This led to the Swiss brand being a notable timepiece in France. Then when World War II started in 1939, France enlisted the help of Zenith to produce watches for their air force units. This allowed Zenith to make their first Pilot model: The Type 20 Montre d’Aéronef. Due to its large and easy-to-read numerals, this vintage Zenith pilot model was fitted by French aviators to their planes’ cockpit instrument panel.

And after many years since the end of the war, Zenith kept on manufacturing models for this collection. They kept the aged appearance of the watch as an ode to their rich history. Aside from the dial design, these watches also have huge onion-shaped crowns, luminescent Arabic numerals made of SuperLuminova, and “cathedral hands” for an even more old-school appeal. This old-fashioned look attracts both outdoor adventurers and watch collectors while showcasing the brand’s rich heritage.

Five reasons to Buy a Zenith Pilot Watch

1. Vintage Appearance

As Zenith’s trademark, the retro appearance is an eye-catching feature of the collection. Not only does the look gather attention, but it also lets people have a short glimpse into the past.

2. Rich History

Zenith Pilot watches are worn in historical events such as the first successful flight across the English Channel and World War II. Because of this, both watch enthusiasts and history buffs will appreciate the collection’s vibrant heritage. 

3. High Durability

With cases made of stainless steel, bronze, titanium, or silver plus a 100m water resistance, Zenith Pilot watches are not just all looks. As seen throughout the years, these timepieces also have amazing longevity and resilience.

4. Sophisticated Design

Aside from the antiqued aesthetic, Zenith Pilot watches also have state-of-the-art designs. The newer models in particular, are perfect examples of old-fashioned appearances fused with contemporary modifications.

5. Accurate and Reliable

Due to their carefully crafted and intricate calibers, Zenith Pilot watches are precise when it comes to timekeeping. Their accuracy even became an asset to French pilots during World War II. And if professional aviators can rely on the Swiss timepieces’ precision, then so can you.

Zenith Pilot: The Perfect Fusion of Vintage and Modern

The Zenith Pilot’s old-school appearance fused with contemporary innovation makes it a wonderful choice for luxury watch collectors and enthusiasts. And due to its rich heritage, even history buffs may also be fond of this collection. Overall, the Zenith Pilot allows the new generations to have a small and quick look at its colorful past.

IWC Pilot Watches: Aviators’ Best Flight Companions

With all the outstanding features that IWC Pilot timepieces come with, they are truly the best companions that aviators could ask for.

For instance, the IWC Pilot features the signature triangular index in place of a numeral hour marker at the 12 o’clock position. The marking lets the wearer determine the hour and minute hand positions straight away. For pilots, it is extremely convenient, as it allows them to remain focused on the task of manning an aircraft without being distracted. 

The timepieces also adopt luminous hands. Luminosity is often overlooked as a simple function but is crucial, especially for aviation. This is because it makes watch legibility good even during nighttime flights. Furthermore, in terms of legibility, some IWC Pilot models come with bigger dials and crowns. The scaled-up components make it easy for aviators wearing goggles and thick gloves to see and adjust the time, respectively. 

Additionally, the watches are nondisruptive to aircraft gauges and are low maintenance. That is because IWC Pilot timepieces are fitted with calibers that are not magnetic and can last a substantial two to seven days per power-up cycle. Some examples of in-house IWC watch movements with power reserves lasting a week that are used in the IWC Pilot collection include the caliber 52610 and caliber 52110.

Prices at a Glance: Most Popular IWC Pilot Watches

How Much Are IWC Pilot Watches?

IWC Pilot prices depend on the materials used and complications that come with each watch. Most IWC Pilot timepieces are priced between $3,500 USD and $23,000 USD, while limited edition models can go up to $200,000 USD. For buyers interested in IWC Pilot watches, below are a list of the timepieces with the highest demand and how much it costs to purchase one:

IWC Mark Watches – $4,000 USD to $5,300 USD

IWC Pilot Mark watches have a price range of $4,000 USD to $5,300 USD. Of the IWC Pilot collection, the Pilot Mark timepieces have more bare-bones complications and are therefore the least expensive models from this range. 

Mark XVIII watches that banner this series have a streamlined, minimalistic appearance. The $4,519 USD IWC Pilot Watch Mark XVIII Ref. IW327009, for example, only features luminous hands, triangular and Arabic numeral indices, small minute and hour markings, and a date display on a neat black dial. It also integrates a simple black leather or silver stainless steel strap.

Although IWC Mark watches look like rather standard timepieces, they are still sought-after because of their heritage. The IWC Mark is based on IWC’s legendary Mark 11, the only timepiece sourced and used by British Royal Air Force pilots back in 1948.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watches – $10,000 USD to $23,000 USD

Big Pilot’s watches are exactly as their name says – big timepieces. These models feature oversized dials that measure 46mm to 55mm, instead of the usual 36mm to 39mm you see with other watches in the IWC Pilot collection. Big Pilot’s watches also feature large crowns that resemble protruding diamonds, replacing the typical recessed bottle cap-style crowns. This crown design dates back to 2002, and was IWC’s solution to pilots’ having difficulties in using their watches due to the aviation eyewear and gloves they wore. 

IWC Big Pilot’s watches are also “big” in terms of function, featuring extra, robust complications. This justifies why they come with more expensive price tags, ranging from $10,000 USD to $23,000 USD. For instance, the IWC Big Pilot Watch Ref. IW503801 comes with both a moon-phase indicator and a perpetual calendar and can be purchased for $22,919 USD. 

IWC Top Gun Watches – $5,000 USD to $9,000 USD

IWC Top Gun watches, quoted from $5,000 USD to $9,000 USD, are great for the top guns of the aviation industry. These timepieces are durable enough to be used by supersonic jet pilots who are deployed in the most dangerous long-term aerial missions. 

Top Gun watches are made from ceramic or titanium, which are heavy-duty case materials known to withstand corrosion and abrasion, and come with secure fabric straps. They are also predominantly black, a timeless color that hides wear and tear effectively and contrasts well with the light-toned watch markings. The $7,699 USD IWC Pilot Watch Chronograph Top Gun Ref. IW389101 perfectly illustrates this. 

These watches being stronger and hardier makes them worthy of being called “Top Gun”. The moniker is inspired by the US Navy Fighter Weapons School’s special training course, which only the toughest aviators can withstand.

IWC Spitfire Watches – $4,000 to $7,000 USD

Spitfire watches are the frontrunners of the IWC Pilot collection, with their popularity soaring the highest among the models in this collection.

These timepieces, which retail at prices ranging between $4,000 USD to $7,000 USD, are particularly famous for their designs. Watches with olive-green faces and bronze cases, such as the $4,839 USD IWC Pilot Spitfire Ref. IW326802, are the most sought-after. That is because such a color scheme is quite unique in the market, and the bronze alloy may develop an alluring patina over time. 

IWC Spitfire watches also have a nostalgic inspiration behind them that excites watch connoisseurs and aviators. These timepieces are based on the fighter jets of the same name that defended Britain during World War II.

IWC Le Petit Prince & Antoine de Saint Exupéry Watches – $4,000 to $12,000 USD 

This sub-collection includes IWC Pilot watches that pay homage to famous aviation-themed literary works and their authors. These timepieces cost $4,000 USD to $12,000 USD.

A watch series made for this specific purpose is the Le Petit Prince. Timepieces like the IWC Pilot Chronograph Le Petit Prince Ref. IW377717 are distinguished because of their radiant blue dials that represent the vast skies from the bestselling book, The Little Prince. They also boast elegant case back engravings that depict the child protagonist of the story. This gorgeous timekeeper retails at an affordable $6,099 USD. 

Another tribute series is the Antoine de Saint Exupéry catalog that showcases timepieces with dials and calfskin leather straps in shades of brown. These hues are a nod to the signature aviator’s getup worn by The Little Prince’s author and famous pilot Saint Exupéry. One prominent example is the IWC Pilot Chronograph Ref. IW377713, which can be purchased for just $5,299 USD. 

Are Vintage IWC Pilot Watches Good Investments? 

Vintage IWC Pilot watches are timepieces worth purchasing as investments for they can easily be resold for more than the original price. They are also IWC’s most popular collection, and IWC is frequently listed as a top watch brand to invest in. Not all retro timepieces have a big market, however, so specialists do suggest choosing IWC Pilot models that can be worn even by enthusiasts who are not pilots.

IWC Pilot Watches of 2021

Next-generation IWC Pilot watches can also be worth investing in because they showcase impressive innovations and designs. The 2021 collection, which consists mostly of Big Pilot’s watches, is quite promising, with updated and modern features. Below are the latest releases from the IWC Pilot catalog:

Big Pilot’s Watch 43 

The new Big Pilot’s Watch 43, worth $8,000 USD to $30,000 USD, measures 43mm in diameter. As such, it is easier to wear compared to the bigger, oversized 50mm models of the past. This timepiece also integrates IWC’s modern quick-change mechanism that makes its strap easily swappable with other bracelets from the brand.

Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL

The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL, meanwhile, is an innovation worthy of being added to IWC’s history book. It touts one of the industry’s most advanced impact-resistant mechanisms, the Spring Protect system. With it, the watch is said to be able to withstand 30,000g acceleration. This timepiece’s price can be requested via IWC’s official website.

Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar

The modern-day Big Pilot’s watch with a perpetual calendar is proudly showcased by IWC. That is because the components that make the timepiece and its complications tick can now be seen via a see-through case back, which is not present in past models. Among these mechanisms is the in-house caliber 52615 with an impressive power reserve that lasts a week. This Big Pilot’s watch costs $30,000 USD to $40,000 USD.

Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Mojave Desert

The Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Mojave Desert, with its hardy ceramic case, is as strong as the harshest perils of the desert it is named. Additionally, the color scheme of the dial and strap matches the desert motif. There are many variations of this timepiece, and their prices range between $9,000 USD and $35,000 USD. The most expensive versions come with a perpetual calendar and moon-phase indicator.

Pilot Watch Chronograph 41

The Pilot Watch Chronograph 41 is 41mm in diameter and more compact than its predecessors. It also adopts the brand’s quick-change strap system. Priced at $6,500 USD to $7,200 USD, this watch is the most affordable model from the 2021 collection.

IWC Pilot History and Design Details: Legendary Watches Since the 1930s

IWC Pilot watches have made lasting impressions in the aviation industry throughout the years. That is why they are legendary.

The legacy of the collection started with the original IWC Pilot watch in 1936. This model amazed aviators for it was capable of working between temperatures of -40°C to 40°C and was not affected by the magnetic forces in an aircraft’s cockpit.

The next iconic release was the Mark 11 in 1949. It was designed specifically for pilots of the Royal Air Force. This timepiece’s dial was easier to read than the 1936 watch, as it was not cluttered by sub-dials and had thinner Arabic numerals. This made it great for military use.

Another memorable model was the first IWC Pilot Double Chronograph presented at Baselworld in 1992. Within the watch was the caliber 79230, the only movement to have the lever and cam mechanisms synced with the chronograph functions.

IWC had another market-first release introduced two years later, the 1994 Pilot Chronograph Ceramic. The watch had a case made of zirconium oxide, a ceramic material that matches the strength of sapphire.

The original IWC Pilot Chronograph Spitfire was then introduced in 2000. Only 1,000 pieces of this timepiece were made, which had led to them being very coveted by collectors in succeeding years.

Newer versions of the IWC Pilot timepieces became more specialized for aviators. In the 2000s, the best release was probably the Big Pilot’s watch. Its highlights included its 46mm dial and conical or diamond-shaped crown that aviators could easily check and fine-tune, even while flying an aircraft.

More iconic IWC watches were created in the same period. Among those are the previously discussed Antoine de Saint Exupéry editions of 2006, Top Gun timepieces of 2007, Mark XVIII watches of 2016, and Big Pilot’s releases of 2021. 

5 Reasons to Buy IWC Pilot Watches 

If you are wondering why the IWC Pilot watches are so popular among aviators and enthusiasts, there are many explanations for that. Here are five of the main ones:

1. The watches are innovative inside and out.

2. The timepieces are powerful enough to last several days per winding cycle.

3. The watches come in a range of styles, from basic to complex.

4. The timepieces remain attractive and resistant to wear and tear, even if used for a long time.

5. The watches have been trusted by pilots since the 1930s.

IWC Pilot: The Sky’s The Limit

Out of all the reasons why IWC Pilot watches remain highly sought-after since their first release, the best one is that these timepieces truly show that the sky's the limit. These watches continue to be revolutionized by IWC with new materials and complications. Indeed, this is why the IWC Pilot’s capabilities can go beyond those of its rivals in the market.