The traditional Swiss brand International Watch Company – IWC for short – has been in the watch business since 1868 and is one of the most important players in the industry. Over the years, the company has presented numerous dress and tool watches that are now considered classics among watch enthusiasts. One of these models is the Big Pilot’s Watch, a pilot’s watch with roots that go back to 1940. Back then, IWC produced the Big Pilot’s Watch exclusively for the pilots of the German Air Force, alongside other manufacturers. The large pilot’s watch with a diameter of 55 mm lived up to its name, ensuring that pilots could read and operate their timepiece optimally in the hectic atmosphere of a flight. With diameters between 41 and 46.5 mm, the civilian Pilot’s Chronographs and three-hand variants in the current Pilot’s and Big Pilot’s collections have significantly smaller diameters but are still standout watches. From time to time, IWC releases limited editions of its (Big) Pilot’s Watches that differ from the standard models, for example, in the color of the dial. One of these models is the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Racing Green (Ref. IW377726) presented in 2019. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this attractive timepiece, with its classic style, modern technology, and fresh look.
Design and Function of the IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Edition Racing Green
The IWC Pilot’s Chronograph IW377726 is a chronograph with a classic “Baumuster A” look. The sans serif Arabic indices and other markings are particularly large and bright. The indices are stamped on and made of Super-LumiNova, which ensures optimum readability even in the dark. Wide sword hands are used for the hours, minutes, and subdials, further contributing to the watch’s excellent readability. The dial itself is dark green, which IWC calls “Racing Green.” Due to the striking sunburst pattern, the exact shade of green changes depending on the light. The subdials are located at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, which is typical for the caliber. The 12-hour counter is located on the first subdial. Opposite it is the subdial for the 30-minute counter. And the small seconds is placed at 9 o’clock. IWC Pilot’s Watches typically offer a day-date function with the day of the week and date. This is also located at 3 o’clock on the IWC Pilot’s Chronograph. The chronograph is operated using push pieces located on the right-hand side of the case at 2 and 4 o’clock.
The IWC Pilot’s Chronograph IW377726 in Detail
With a diameter of 43 mm, the Pilot’s Chronograph is still in the midfield in terms IWC size standards, but has an enormous presence on the wrist. This is also due to the generous height of 15.2 mm, including the sapphire crystal, and the long lug-to-lug measurement of around 52 mm. The lug width of only 21 mm is almost surprising, but this is due to the fact that the lugs taper significantly towards the end. Ultimately, these dimensions mean that the chronograph will probably look oversized on wrists smaller than 20 cm.
The case itself is made of stainless steel, which is largely satin-finished. Polished surfaces can only be found on the bezel and in the upper area of the lug flanks. With its sunburst dial and case finish, the IWC Pilot’s Chronograph strikes the perfect balance between tool watch and exclusive luxury timepiece. With a somewhat unusual water resistance of 60 m (6 bar, 196 ft), the chronograph is also ideally equipped for the vast majority of everyday situations.
The Pilot’s Chronograph is not yet fitted with a pure IWC-manufactured caliber. The caliber 79320 with automatic drive, as IWC calls it, was introduced in 2003 and is based on the tried-and-tested Valjoux 7750 from the Swiss movement manufacturer ETA. However, the movement is being significantly reworked at IWC. Along with a new barrel and gear train, the movement is fitted with a self-developed balance wheel and extensive finishing of bridges, plates, and screws. The far-reaching updates thus allow IWC to give the caliber its own name. The power reserve of the 79320 is 44 hours. The movement is hidden behind a simple stainless steel case back, on which the individual edition number (x/1000) is engraved, among other things.
In keeping with the overall look of the Pilot’s Chronograph Edition Racing Green, IWC has fitted the model with a brown calfskin strap with white decorative stitching. The small lug width of 21 mm unfortunately makes the search for alternative straps a little more difficult.
Conclusion
The Pilot’s Chronograph Edition Racing Green (Ref. IW377726) is an attractive luxury pilot’s watch with the classic look of IWC Pilot’s Chronographs. The green sunburst dial gives the watch a fresh, exclusive look beyond the usual black or blue. Due to the general dimensions, however, the wearer should have a sufficiently large wrist to ensure that the watch does not appear oversized. When it comes to the caliber, IWC relies on proven series technology, which has been improved upon in detail and at great effort. A separate caliber designation is therefore justified for these newly designed movements. With an average price of around $8,680 for an unworn model, the chronograph is no bargain, but you’ll receive a special, limited edition from one of the most renowned Swiss watch manufacturers.
