IWC Big Pilot's Watch Ref. IW500401
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2006 - Big Pilot's Watch IW5004, an iconic watch takes off
The IWC Big Pilot's Watch Ref. IW500401 was launched in 2006, marking a major modernization of this most iconic pilot's watch. As the direct successor to the Ref. IW5002, the IW500401 retains the majestic wrist style and iconic aviation genes of its predecessor, while also striving for excellence in mechanical performance and aesthetic design, ushering in a more modern era for the Big Pilot's series.
The IW500401 inherits the essence of early observation watches, and its oversized 46.2 mm stainless steel case is more refined than its predecessor. The lugs are slightly more integrated with the case contour, making the watch more suitable for modern wrists. The polishing and brushing process is clearer and more precise. The IW5004 also marks the end of the “Probus Scafusia” crown that replaced the “fish” crown used by IWC for waterproof watches (all BP watches are water-resistant to 60 meters, and have only recently been upgraded to 100 meters).
A key upgrade to the IW500401 is its movement: the 51111 movement. It is an evolution of the 51110 movement used in the later-produced “transitional” 5002 model and the early version of the IW500401 (produced only in 2006), and brings a series of improvements. Like the 51110 movement, the 51111 movement also uses IWC’s proprietary Pellaton winding system and a vibration frequency of 3Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour). The movement still has a power reserve of up to 7 days (168 hours), stored in an oversized barrel. The 51111 movement also has enhanced shock resistance and uses a balance cock instead of a balance cock, which improves stability and resilience.
The dial layout of the IW5004 remains largely the same – a central sword-shaped hand, a triangle at noon, a power reserve display at 3 o’clock and a date at 6 o’clock – but the details have been redesigned for better balance and legibility. Compared to the 5002, the Arabic numerals and hour indices on the 500401 have been updated, the 9 o’clock numeral has been eliminated, and the triangle at 12 o’clock has been made smaller and moved up to become the 12 o’clock marker, making the dial feel more transparent but still focused. The minute track is clearer, the printing is more precise, and the power reserve display is better integrated, with a clearer font and a smaller visual footprint. The date window has also received attention: the font used is a clearer sans-serif style, and the window has been improved to appear more symmetrical in the dial layout.
The Ref. IW500401 retains the tool watch soul of its predecessors with a refined case, a more modern, clearer dial, and the high-performance in-house caliber 51111, which laid the foundation for all subsequent Big Pilot’s Watches.