The perpetual calendar complication has found its way into a many different IWC models since it was developed by Kurt Klaus in the 1980s. In the Big Pilot collection family, into which it made its first appearance in 2006 (a limited edition of twenty-five pieces in platinum), there have been 37 versions. However, it is only now that it has become part of the general production lineup in the form of a stainless steel model with a blue dial and the Calibre 52615.
Meet the new Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar. As it is a Big Pilot, the case isn’t small, measuring 46.2m x 15.4mm, with a water resistance of 60m and a screw-down crown. The deep blue dial has lumed rhodium-plated hands. Functionally, the date and power reserve are located at 3 o’clock, the months at 6 o’clock, weekday and small seconds in the same sub dial at 9 o’clock, and a double moon phase display is at 12 o’clock. The moon phase indicator is correct for the Northern and Southern hemispheres and only needs to be adjusted by one day after 577.5 years (i.e. it’s going to be someone else’s job).
Another feature is the four-digit year display that is correct through to the end of this century and can be adjusted until 2499. When the watch is accurately synchronised, the calendar can be set via a single crown, and no manual correction is needed leap-year wise, until 2100.
Through the open case back can be seen the in-house automatic Calibre 52615 which beats at 28,800VPH and has a power reserve of seven days. It is the same movement that has been used other Big Pilot and Portugieser perpetual calendars, so it will be familiar to many of you.
The new IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar (Ref. IW503605RRP) comes on a blue calf strap with a steel deployant and has an RRP of AUD $43,000.
[Photo credit: IWC]
Categories: IWC, Pilot's watches, Watch Profile, watches, Watches & Wonders Geneva 2021
HOROLOGIUM 
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