Hands-on with the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Black
Friday - 03 February 2023
The year 2021 was a really important time for IWC because it marked the launch of a smaller case size for the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph. The model is a cornerstone for devoted IWC watch fans and has been a staple of the manufacturer’s since the 1990s. Since then, there have been rich green versions, anthracite models and even a bronze case version of the newer Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 model, not to mention a Ceratanium model. Now IWC Schaffhausen releases the model in a black dial version, available on either a stainless steel bracelet or a black calfskin leather strap option. Both choices feature IWC’s EasX-CHANGE® system and are powered by a reliable movement made in-house and paired with a bi-directional pawl winding system for a useful power reserve.
Why IWC watches are so popular
Before we jump into the key features of the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in black, let’s look at why IWC watches are such a popular choice for luxury watch fans these days. IWC Schaffhausen makes watches in the northeastern part of Switzerland. It is one of the world’s most popular luxury watch brands, notable for designs like the Portugieser, the Portofino and its diverse pilot’s watch collection. The manufacturer was founded in 1868 and is experienced in developing quality wristwatches in a range of materials such as titanium, Ceratanium, steel, bronze and 18ct gold. Its dive watches known as the Ingenieur models have intriguing internal-external rotating bezel systems whilst its limited edition models have interesting back stories like those made in honour of pioneers like French pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and the elite members of the US Navy’s jet pilots.
The new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Black
When the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph downsized to a 41mm model, it was a great thing for those with slender wrists. The more compact and comfortable design could be enjoyed by a different audience. The line of 41mm models has since been extended with more dial colours and materials, yet none could be more versatile than this black dial version, now available on a choice of two straps and in-built with the company’s EasX-CHANGE® system for the quick and effortless changing over of one strap option to another. The model, measuring a 41mm diameter, is crafted from stainless steel and is water resistant to 100 meters. It features a sapphire crystal glass front with anti-reflective properties, as well as a sapphire exhibition caseback for viewing the movement as it works.
The Calibre 69385 has been used throughout the entire Pilot’s Watch Chronograph series and produces a power reserve of 46 hours whilst performing at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its 231 components are all arranged and fitted by hand before being tested and finished with exquisite Cotes de Geneve and Perlage decoration. The dial itself of the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is legible and classic. It features a trio of sub-counters. One offers the small seconds with a red hand at 6 o’clock. The other features a 12-hour totaliser at 9 o’clock and the 12 o’clock location features a 30-minute totaliser. The hour track itself is represented in luminous Arabic numerals with a luminous coating to match the central hour and minute hands that taper to a fine point. The dial is completed with a day and date feature dressed in a white background at 3 o’clock.
To finish, you can enjoy the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 watch on a black calf leather strap reference IW388111 or a classic 5-link stainless steel bracelet reference IW388113. You can check both models out by viewing our range of IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 watches here. For more information or to place an order with a member of or Jura Watches sales team, you can call 01335 453453.
Technical specifications of the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 watch
- Case: 41mm – stainless steel – push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock – sapphire crystal glass front with anti-reflective properties – 100-meter water-resistant – see-through sapphire exhibition caseback
- Dial: Black – luminous Arabic numeral hour markers and hands – 30-minute sub-counter – 12-hour sub-counter – small seconds counter – day and date feature at 3 o’clock
- Movement: Calibre 69385 – self-winding – 231 components – 46-hour power reserve - bi-directional pawl winding system – Cotes de Geneve and Perlage decoration
- Strap: Black calf leather / 5-link stainless steel bracelet
- Reference: Black leather strap IW388111 / Stainless steel bracelet IW388113
- Price: Starts from £6,550
