small review of the history of IWC ceramic pilots...

Sep 08, 2013,10:13 AM
 

wearing this ref 3705 today, which most would recognize as the first ceramic pilot watch IWC created, and having just received a new strap for another IWC from my strap maker, got me to thinking about pilots and ceramics and straps, and how the line has evolved - straps a-changing as well.

(corrections welcome should I be inaccurate in any of the below).

the 39mm ref 3705, about 1200 pieces produced from 1994 to 1997 (my estimate), and using the Valjoux 7750 as a base movement, IWC had two calibres in this reference: cal 7902 during 1994 - 1997 and cal 7912 in & around 1997.

I am hunting for a German dial ref 3705 or 3706 still to pair with this baby...

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and there was then a long pause for ceramic offerings in the pilot (or indeed any?) line, before the following were introduced:

the 44mm ref 3786 in 2006, 1000 pcs limited production. not my pic - forgot to snap a few when I was offered one, and I suppose this one is rather high on my wishlist.

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the 46mm ref 379904 circa 2007 Carlson, 50 pcs LE, and mine for a very short while...(pic is mine)

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I'm just not the 'blue guy' when it comes to watches...

the 46mm ref 379903 circa 2007 'Zegg & Cerlati', 30 or 31? (interesting discussion can be had here) pieces LE which is high on my wishlist (pic not mine)

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the 46mm ref 379901 circa 2007 'Top Gun', 'unlimited' production ? still one of my favorite light stealth big watches.

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the 44mm ref 3789 Top Gun single CHrono, circa 2008, 'unlimited' production ?

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and then another pause before the 2012 pilot editions...

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and of course the rather fashionable coloured pilots of this year...
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and in my walkabouts around the crazy watch town that is HK, I have spotted a couple of 'changed' IWC watches that have been have been coated with PVD as prototypes as IWC considered creating ceramic models - represented to me by a veteran watch dealer who supposedly has close ties with the Schaffhausen production factories...

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so we have seen the ceramic pilot editions move from 39mm to 46mm for the non Big Pilots. Noteworthy to keep in mind that the 2012 ceramic 46 mm are in a beefier case mould than the earlier 46mms of 2006-2008 -- perhaps a reaction to the reports of cracked ceramic cases ? I am guessing here.

**as a side note, having had the opportunity to sit beside Kurt Klaus last month during lunch, I asked the master if 'watches were too big' today, to which he replied with a tentative 'Yes'.... and continued with '...but if you look at the lady opposite us wearing the Big Pilot (in steel)... it looks wonderful on her!".

I agree - big and magnificent is a great collecting aesthetic that has a part of my watch collecting palette. It cannot comprise my core diet, nor can it be a big part of it, but it is certainly a part.

thanks for reading...


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It is a superb wrap-up Shing, thanks a lot!

 
 By: foversta : September 8th, 2013-13:25
You will find some pics here of the latest Boutique edition of the Pilot watches: Not sure about the use of these colors... Thanks a lot for your great post. Fx

Wow, picture overload.

 
 By: Spellbound : September 9th, 2013-06:13
Great report from a brand that does not seem to get much airtime here. I love your Yacht Club which made an appearance. As for Ceramic Pilots, not really my thing. I like the feeling of substance in a watch, the feeling you get from precious metals and ev... 

Nice post!

 
 By: patrick_y : September 9th, 2013-09:55
Much appreciated! I'm a fan of ceramic pilot watches from IWC. And I found this post incredibly helpful and educational.